Wine has been produced in Languedoc-Roussillon for more than 2000 years. The area contains more than 40% of the vineyards in France , with around 700,000 acres (2,800 km²) under vines and is the single biggest wine-producing region in the world, being responsible for more than a third of France 's total wine production.^[1] As recently as 2001, the region produced more wine than the entire United States. Increasingly, Grenache, Syrah, Merlot, Cinsaut, Mourvedre, Sauvignon and Viognier grapes are used for wine making. The Languedoc Roussillon is becoming a respected producer of quality wines. Many domains already produce wines that command high prices. As in historical times, production of sweet wines, such as Muscat de Lunel and Rivesaltes continues along the coastal plains. As you drive around the Languedoc-Roussillon, you will see numerous signs reading "dégustation". The word originally denoted the art of recognising a wine, its place of origin, quality, and age just from the taste, but now it just means free tasting. You can stop and taste wines at these places, and if you like what you taste you buy direct from the producer, sometimes at a significant discount.