It all began with the mystical knight Henri-Gaspard de Sterimberg, who, returning from the Albigensian Crusades in the 13th century, sensed the potential of this unique hill floating above the Drôme plain. Full of honour and weary of battle, he settled on the hill of Tain overlooking the Rhône. Aspiring to find peace and serenity, he built a chapel on the hillside, on the site of a Roman temple dedicated to the legendary Hercules. He then lived the life of a hermit, hence the name of the Hermitage appellation. He subsequently cultivated vines, and thanks to hard work and the help of the terroir, his wines became increasingly popular with pilgrims and travellers. La Chapelle has stood the test of time, and since 1919, the Jaboulet family and then the Frey family have taken turns cultivating the vines of this now legendary cuvée.