The origin of the vineyards of Châteaumeillant can be traced back to the 5th century. Châteaumeillant was the Meylan of the Biturigians, and home to the Biturican vines, the Médiolanum (the Roman name for Milan) of Peutinger, an important road junction between Rome and Gaul and a major storing ground for amphorae.

Gregory of Tours confirms the existence of vines in this region in his Historiae Francorum of 582.

Between 1220 and 1275, a series of charters were issued relating to the means of production of quality wines, and the labour which was enlisted under feudal rule, known as the "corvée". Amongst the governing principles established under these charters was the principle of the "ban des vendanges" or the announcement of the official start of harvesting, which exists even today.

In 1773, new vine stocks were brought from Lyons.

By 1830, Gamay, the native variety of Beaujolais, had become the most widely planted vine in this area.

Châteaumeillant is especially renowned for its "vin gris", or grey wine, which is produced by pressing the Gamay grapes immediately after harvesting.

The wines of Châteaumeillant were awarded the V.D.Q.S (Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure) quality status in 1965.