Grape pips found in archaeological digs at Cosne-sur-Loire have been dated back to the 2nd century, suggesting that vines have been planted here for a considerably long time.

In 849, King Charles "le Chauve" (the Bald), confirmed that a donation of vines and property was made by the Bishop of Auxerre to the college of the Church of Saint-Laurent in Cosne.In 1218, it was recorded that wines from the Giennois vineyards were purchased by the Royal Court of King Charles V in Paris. The castle of Cosne was built between 1254 and 1262 by the Bishop of Auxerre, and it included a vast cellar as well as vineyards.In January 1566, Charles IX and his mother, Catherine de Médicis stopped in Cosne. Amongst the gifts they were offered were bottles of the finest local wines.

The building of numerous abbeys in the region contributed greatly to the increase in the number of vineyards. The Cistercian Abbey of Roche in Myennes and the Commandery of the Templars were particularly influential. Around this time, Coteaux du Giennois vines were also cultivated farther down the river Loire, in the vineyards of the famous St-Benoit-sur-Loire

Abbey and upstream on the grounds of La Charité Abbey.