Wine: Famous vineyards of world heritage importance

In recent days the vineyards of Champagne and those of the Cote d’Or in Burgundy were both given United Nations World Heritage Status for the continuity and quality of their wines and ancient vineyards.

They join some other vineyards which may be less well-known, including those of Georgia, the Douro in Portugal, Lavaux in Switzerland and the Langhe and Monferrato in Piedmont.

Most wine lovers will know their Tuscan Chianti and Brunellos better than they know our Barbaresco and Barolo, in much the same way that they will know their Bordeaux Chateaux better than their Burgundy Domaines.