The “Climats”, terroirs of Burgundy, have been inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. It recognizes the unique character of the wine-producing area between Dijon and Beaune and as far as Santenay. Outstanding scenery, exceptional built heritage, unique know-how – these are the elements that supported an application that came to a conclusion on July 4th 2015.
“Climat” is the specific term used in Burgundy for a wine-growing plot. Carefully defined for centuries (and having remained virtually unchanged since), each “climat” is a parcel of vines which has its own name, its history, its taste and its place in the hierarchy of wines. There are more than 1000 “climats” stretching out in a thin ribbon running from Dijon to Santenay, south of Beaune; some bear illustrious names such as Chambertin, Romanée-Conti, Clos de Vougeot, Montrachet, Corton, Musigny etc.
Nowhere else has the desire to connect the wine to the place that produced it been pushed as far, and in such an elaborate manner, as in Burgundy. This has resulted in a highly compartmentalised vineyard structure, expertise oriented towards excellence, outstanding landscapes, towns of exceptional built heritage, in Dijon and Beaune, a specific economy and culture, and a word to describe it all: “climat”.
Our “climats” represent an exception and a model of local wine production that inspires other vineyards around the world. They are a unique cultural site shaped by 2000 years of history, characterised by an exceptional built heritage, whether vernacular or monumental (the Hospices de Beaune, Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, Château du Clos de Vougeot...). Their inclusion on the World Heritage List would allow them to be passed on intact to future generations and international recognition of their uniqueness.
It's official: the “Climats”, terroirs of Burgundy, have been inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List on July 4th 2015 during the 39th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Germany.
The Balades en Bourgogne App is a new application that takes you on a guided walk along the hiking trails of the Burgundy's “Climats” area. No need to find the route on a map or look everywhere for points of interest – the application looks after all that by triggering an audio commentary. Knowing what Burgundy’s famous “Climats” are, why the winemakers build “cabottes” (vineyard huts), and what “meurgers” are for (stone walls) ... it's the French voice of George Clooney that will tell you about it all along the walk.
Four circuits are available : around the famous Château du Clos de Vougeot (7 km), in the heart of the "Grands Crus de Bourgogne" starting in Morey-Saint-Denis (6 km), the "Butte de Corton" starting in Pernand-Vergelesses (6 km) or the "Circuit of the Crests" in Santenay (11 km).
Balades en Bourgogne App is available free on App Store and Google Play.
Montrachet, Romanée-Conti, Clos de Vougeot, Corton, Musigny, Chevalier-Montrachet, Chambertin… The ‘climats’ have given their names to some exceptional vintages, famous the world over.
Set between valleys and hills, the ‘climats’ of Burgundy’s vineyards form a unique landscape. On foot, by bicycle, horse-drawn carriage, 4x4, helicopter or following in the footsteps of a winemaker, there are 1001 ways to discover the region.
By bike, you’ll find all our advice and great places to discover the ‘climats’ of Burgundy’s vineyards around Beaune.
On foot, don’t hesitate to check out all our ideas for walks and hikes, with maps, guides and downloadable GPS routes.
For a bit more comfort, let yourself be guided by a passionate driver-guide who’ll introduce you to HIS Burgundy, with our selection of wine tours.
For vineyard adventurers, you can learn all about it by reading our blog post "A different way to visit the vineyards".
The Route des Grands Crus (famous wine route) passes through the most prestigious part of Burgundy’s vineyards. 38 picturesque wine villages of the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, between Dijon and Beaune and on to Santenay, stretching over a distance of 60 km. Probably the best way to discover the diversity of the ‘climats’ of Burgundy’s vineyards and landscapes.More information
Over the centuries, men have inscribed the ‘climats’ into the landscapes and the limestone, creating walls and cabottes (stone huts), fermentation rooms and winegrowers' houses, basements and cellars, churches and hospitals, palaces and châteaux. Come and see them for yourself with guided tours of Beaune and the wine villages of the Côte de Beaune.
The heart of wine production, each village contains its own remarkable heritage items: winemaker settlements, vineyard areas, and numerous cellars, fermenting rooms and presses, some of which date back to the Middle Ages. The best way to discover them is to walk the ancient streets and push open the cellar doors ... Discover the villages of Beaune and its region.
Not to be missed: the Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu)
Our selection: the Wine Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts of Beaune, and the famous Château du Clos de Vougeot.
Many, sometimes dating from the Middle Ages, are waiting to be discovered in some unusual places such as the bastions of the ramparts, old convents or the cellars of the canons of Notre Dame ... at the heart of a great network of underground cellars. Here are our favourites.
Looking for an introduction to wine tasting? Want to better understand the terroirs (land and its produce), appellations, and the intricacies of Burgundy wines? Or just share a good time with some carefully selected wines?
Upload the guide "En route to The Climats, Vineyards of Burgundy"
