Cultural
The Climats, Terroirs of Burgundy
Dijon, France
Inscribed 2015
Photo : Chabe01 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Climats of Burgundy represent a distinctive classification system of vineyard parcels developed over centuries in the region surrounding Dijon in the Côte-d'Or department. This cultural landscape demonstrates an exceptional and long-established tradition of identifying specific vineyard plots based on their soil composition, topography, and microclimate conditions, with origins traceable to medieval monastic communities. The inscription recognizes how this systematized approach to viticulture reflects profound human interaction with the natural environment and constitutes a tangible expression of centuries of accumulated knowledge about terroir. Visually, the site comprises a series of precisely delineated vineyard parcels across the Burgundy region, with characteristic stone walls and markers that define individual Climats and reflect their historical evolution. The system has influenced wine production practices and terminology across the world, making it significant not only as a physical landscape but also as a model for understanding the relationship between environment and agricultural practice. The UNESCO recognition acknowledges the outstanding universal value of this integrated cultural landscape that has been continuously refined and maintained through generations.
Location
Dijon, France
Inscription
2015
