Champagne and Burgundy Vineyards Granted UNESCO World Heritage Status

Hillsides of the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune, just south of Beaune, have been recognized by UNESCO as “an outstanding example of grape cultivation and wine production developed since the High Middle Ages.”

The history of wine is a compelling topic, and Bourgogne most certainly drips with it. When touring the cellars at Masion Joseph Drouhin in Beaune earlier this year (for an upcoming article) I was shown a cellar wall began as Roman. As it went upwards, literally and chronologically, the craftsmanship shifted to Medieval then eventually merged with somewhat modern stone work. The cellar, full and expansive today, had always held wine made in Bourgogne. The product of the vineyards of  Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune had filled this space over the centuries.

It’s nothing but stories in there. Stories and of course…wine.

Some images to give you trip in time:

Ancient wine press, still used for special family occasions.

Such a large piece of equipment, the full-scale of the wine press.

Ancient well located within the Drouhin cellars.

Very old staircase within the cellars.

A bottle & glass of Joseph Drouhin Côte de Beaune.

Gorgeous Bourgogne.