"The Climate Pact": 10 years later, heading towards the future!

The 10th anniversary of the inscription of the Climats of Burgundy on the UNESCO World Heritage List was celebrated last Friday, July 4th, the anniversary date, in Puligny-Montrachet.

“In Burgundy, when we talk about a Climat, we don’t look up at the sky, we look down at the earth.” Alexandra Pascal, mayor of Puligny-Montrachet, echoed Bernard Pivot’s words and opened the ceremony. Facing her, elected officials, representatives from local authorities, partners, and patrons took their seats in the oak-lined Burgundy winery. domaine Leflaive. This commemoration made it possible to measure the progress made since 2015. But if eyes were turned to the past, it was to better talk about the future.

At the heart of this official event was a significant act: the signing of the "Climate Pact" by sixty public and private partners, including Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, and François Rebsamen, Minister, all committed to the preservation of the site. This act symbolizes a shared desire to renew their commitment.

©Jean-Louis Bernuy

The three pillars of the pact

Protect

The first pillar is the protection of the vineyard site. For the past ten years, over €5 million has been invested in restoring the landscape's architectural features (stone walls, huts, etc.). Starting in 2026, a new ten-year management plan will be implemented to address climate challenges with a focus on biodiversity.

To enhance

The second pillar was established in 2017 with the creation of the Maison climates, to Beaune which has already welcomed over 100,000 visitors. Every summer, the “Month of the Climats” offers a rich program throughout the vineyard and hosts more than 80 events. The next major step? The development of the Route des Grands Crus, in preparation for its 90th anniversary in 2027.

To transmit

“Heritage means transmission. And transmission means a younger generation,” emphasized Gilles de Larouzière, president of the Association des Climats. For ten years, the Association has documented the history of each wine-growing village through forty monographs, one per village of the Coast. This work of remembrance, accompanied by digitization, aims to involve the younger generation in the preservation of this heritage.

Following the speeches, the motto of the day emerged: protect, promote, pass on. "Let's look to the future with ambition and determination," declared Gilles de Larouzière.

Texts: Morgane Aigu

Climates in figures

2,000 years of history

More than 1300 winegrowers

Over 1500 Climates

60 km of vineyards Marsannay to Maranges

40 villages wine-growing regions and cities ( Dijon Nuits-Saint-Georges, Beaune )

Morgane AIGU

Journalist (part-time)