You'll no doubt have seen this word on a number of different labels of French wine, no doubt most commonly either Maçon or Côtes de Rhone. Both are large Appellations, which means the grapes can be sourced from a huge number of vineyards and villages. When you see the word 'Villages' on the label, it means that only grapes from the areas regarded as being superior have been used, assuring the consumer of the quality of the wine.