The hillsides have also disappeared; this is much flatter country. The air is different too--it feels drier, and the wind is delicately perfumed with the scent of herbs and flowers. We're closer to Provence, and right near where most of the French herb crop is grown, and your nose knows it. The grapes do too--the stony depths of the northern Rhone wines give way to brighter flavors and tastes. I've fallen in love with the wines of the Southern Rhone, in case you hadn't guessed!