More numerous are the agricultural and viticultural co-operative societies, which have largely increased in number.
The Gironde viticultural region is divided into six main districts, namely, Medoc, Sauternes, Graves, Cotes, Entre-deux-Mers and Palus.
In the east of France, not far from the Jura, lies the oldest viticultural district of Europe, namely that of Burgundy.
There appears to be no predominant and distinct type of vine, such as is the case in other viticultural districts, but a number of varieties, mostly yielding grapes of a medium size are common to the Douro vineyards.
Paarl is a thriving agricultural and viticultural centre, among its industries being the manufacture of wine and brandy, wagon and carriage building and harness making.