[7][8] Originally (since 1838), Vinje was a part of Hemne Municipality (see formannskapsdistrikt law).

During the 1960s, there were many municipal mergers across Norway due to the work of the Schei Committee.

The name is the plural form of vin which means "meadow" or "pasture".

At the time of the municipal dissolution, it was part of the Hemne prestegjeld and the Sør-Fosen prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Nidaros.

The municipal council (Herredsstyre) of Vinje was made up of 13 representatives that were elected to four year terms.

The tables below show the historical composition of the council by political party.