THE CLIMATES OF THE BURGUNDY VINEYARDS

On July 4, 2015, the Climats du vignoble de Bourgogne were inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List. The Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune and their more than 1,200 parcels of vineyards called "climats" are recognized as unique in the world for their diversity, as is the historical heritage they represent. The cities of Dijon and Beaune, as well as the nearly 40 wine-producing villages, are true elements of heritage to be discovered. The basis of this recognition: a very fine terroir vineyard, which has been built over 2,000 years of history and which has given birth to a unique landscape, heritage, know-how and culture.

The inscription on the Unesco World Heritage list commits all the actors of the territory to preserve and enhance this cultural landscape, this exceptional heritage.

The Association des Climats du vignoble de Bourgogne undertakes many actions to protect the site and to help understand this international recognition. A program of enhancement of village entrances and restoration of low walls (there are 220 km on the perimeter of the climats) was launched 3 years ago. Emblematic landscapes such as the hill of Corton are protected, and others, linked to the exploitation of Burgundy stone, such as slag heaps or quarries, are developed to better blend into the landscape. An inventory of the cellars is also underway.

For the visitors, a tourist signposting marks out the road of the Great Growths of Burgundy from Dijon to Santenay, the preferred route to discover the Climats.

The creation of the Maison des Climats du vignoble de Bourgogne, located at the tourist office in Beaune, Porte Marie de Bourgogne, allows visitors to understand how the notion of terroir was built in Burgundy and why the Climats represent a treasure for humanity. On site, a film on a large screen, a 9-meter model of the vineyard and digital tablets are useful and modern teaching aids.

The Climats of the Burgundy vineyard will soon be discovered at the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin in Dijon and in a large dedicated space in the Cité des Climats et des Vins de Bourgogne in Beaune.

This year celebrates the 50th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention. For this occasion, the 9 Unesco sites of Burgundy-Franche-Comté have imagined "aperitifs with a VIEW" for each Friday evening in June, combining exceptional heritage, panorama and gourmet food.

Finally, the festival of the Month of Climats returns from June 3 to July 17: an unmissable event full of more than 50 activities, tastings, workshops, unusual visits, conferences and shows. One more opportunity to celebrate, in the Burgundian art of living!