Burgundy Wins UNESCO World Heritage Status

Corks were being pulled and fireworks exploded above the vines of the Cote D'Or in early July as the 1,247 climats of Burgundy  were awarded the much coveted world heritage status by UNESCO.

The term climat is specific to Burgundy, and relates to a named plot of vines most usually dating back centuries, with one of the oldest being Clos de Bèze, which can trace its origins to 640AD when the monks of Citeaux tended the land. 

The Cote d’Or climats stretch between the towns of Dijon and Santenay, just south of Beaune, encompassing vineyards in the Cotes de Nuits and those in the Cotes de Beaune as well as the vines of Auxey Duresses that surround The Hungry Cyclist Lodge . In total, the submission included  50km of land, and 1,247 individual climats.

It’s been a huge amount of work for the Burgundy committee and there work has been exemplary – eight years to prepare dossiers, put the case across and achieve the recognition. 

The Burgundian legend, Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanée Conti was president of the association behind the movement, and video below is testament to the stunning job he and his team have done over the last eight years.  

What the UNESCO world heritage status means to those of us who live within the area remains to be seen, and perhaps I should install the hot tub sooner rather than later. But anything that helps protect the history and culture of Burgundy can only be good for all who live in and visit the region.

With Auxey-Duresses sitting in the very heart of  this news UNESCO heritage site , a stay at The Hungry Cyclist Lodge provides you with the perfect base from where to explore the UNESCO protected vineyards. And whether on a cycling holiday in Burgundy or a relaxing gourmet break, we look forward to toasting the climat with all our guests. 

Sante!