The ancient Duchy of Anjou is one of the most historic areas in France. Throughout the middle ages, the dukes of Anjou rivaled the kings of France for wealth and power. Some of this wealth was derived from the wine trade, mainly with English and Dutch merchants. Until the 18th century the wines of Anjou were better known in Holland than in Paris.

Among the best-known wines of Anjou are the great sweet wines of Bonnezeaux, Coteaux du Layon and Quarts de Chaume. But Anjou is also home to Savennières (a dry white wine) as well as excellent red Anjou and Anjou Villages, the very popular rosé d'Anjou, and sparkling Anjou-Mousseux.