Les Climats de Bourgogne inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List

4 July 2015: Just learnt this fabulous news - During its 39th Assembly in Bonn, Germany, the World Heritage Committee decided to inscribe the Climats of Bourgogne on the UNESCO World Heritage List! I quote from the press conference and a message from Aubert de Villaine, who presided over the Association des Climats du Vignoble de Bourgogne, that was responsible for driving and steering this initiative to a successful conclusion:

"This cultural property has thus demonstrated that it possesses Outstanding Universal Value; The treasure for humanity, which has now been officially recognised worldwide is this : 1,247 Climats, or parcels of vineyard, with evocative names like Montrachet, Romanée-Conti, Clos de Vougeot, Corton, Musigny, Chambertin…..which express the cultural diversity of the Burgundy wine region. Finally, after 8 years of effort and anticipation, the Burgundian dream has become a reality."
Aubert de Villaine, President of the Association des Climats du Vignoble de Bourgogne (Association for the Climats of Burgundy): “Today, I would like to pay tribute to all of those involved in this adventure, whose faith in the project and passionate support have never wavered. I extend my sincere thanks to you all. This inscription is the result of a collective effort, conducted in close cooperation by the local authorities, State services, scientific committee, the wine world, businesses and patrons, and over 64,000 people who joined our Support Committee”.

“This inscription is also a recognition of the work of generations, of the Cistercian monks, Dukes of Burgundy, men and women, winegrowers, – all of whom have, throughout the centuries, painstakingly shaped the vineyards of Burgundy in their determined quest for excellence.  It is a source of great pride for us that the Climats of Burgundy have become a World Heritage Site for humanity, and from now on, this confirms our commitment to the community of nations.”