The Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne is opening three centers in the iconic Burgundy wine areas of Chablis in northern Burgundy; Beaune, the Burgundy wine capital; and Mâcon in the south. In Burgundy, a “Climat” refers to a vineyard parcel’s unique exposure, geological and hydrological conditions. The Climats, terroirs of Burgundy were listed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015.
Boasting ideal architectural designs, these three cultural and tourist sites will open between May & June 2023 to showcase Burgundy’s extensive winegrowing heritage and distinctive characteristics from north to south.
Mâcon – Opening May 3
The first to Cité to open—on May 3, it is housed within Mâcon’s current Bourgogne Wine Board. It will benefit being in this familiar & high profile building. Visitors will be able to easily spot the 56-foot totem shaped tower inspired by the screw on a wooden wine press and enjoy sweeping views of the Saône River and portions of the town.
Chablis – Opening May 17
The ambition of this architectural approach is to establish a link between the past, present and future. As such, the Cellier du Petit Pontigny, a historic building dating back to the 12th century, is extended by a contemporary wing. The Cellier and new wing surrounds a delightful garden for visitors to enjoy.
Beaune – Opening June 17
The innovative design of this building is inspired by the tendrils of a vine coiling around its trellis. Standing 69-foot high, it offers spectacular views over the vine-covered hillsides from a panoramic terrace. The coil also evokes the growth cycle of the vines in step with the changing seasons. The eco-sustainable commitment is championed through the use of noble, bio-based materials and production of renewable energy sources. Visitor trails
Three complementary visitor trails shine the spotlight on the distinctive features of each wine area and promote the region of Burgundy and its wines: vineyard tasks, the art of winemaking, the patchwork of terroirs and the varietals. The notion of “Climat” forms the cornerstone of the Burgundian winegrowing model, and visitors will learn more about what this means. Each visitor trail includes wine tasting with commentary to be able to enjoy the fruits of the whole process.In Beaune, daily workshops will be organized: Art of wine tasting, Sommelier tips and Food & wine pairings.
And to continue the wine-themed experience, Oeno-Mélo in Auxerre has concocted a tasting activity rounded off with tours in the vineyards.
The Climats, terroirs of Burgundy as described by UNESCO: The climates are precisely delimited vineyard parcels on the slopes of the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune south of the city of Dijon. They differ from one another due to specific natural conditions (geology and exposure) as well as vine types and have been shaped by human cultivation. Over time they came to be recognized by the wine they produce. This cultural landscape consists of two parts. Firstly, the vineyards and associated production units including villages and the town of Beaune, which together represent the commercial dimension of the production system. The second part includes the historic centre of Dijon, which embodies the political regulatory impetus that gave birth to the climats system. The site is an outstanding example of grape cultivation and wine production developed since the High Middle Ages. For photos from the UNESCO site, click here.