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December 1999 remains a historic date for Saint-Émilion.
It was on this date that the vineyard and the 8 villages of the Jurisdiction
of Saint-Émilion have been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as a “cultural landscape”. A world first!
But besides, what does the notion of world heritage of humanity mean?

For UNESCO, Saint-Émilion is “a remarkable example of a historic wine-growing landscape which has survived intact”. Particular vigilance is brought to this exceptional “cultural landscape” so that it can be preserved and last over time. This is why, since 1993, a Commission (composed of members of theINAO, representatives of the town hall of the municipalities concerned, representatives of the Chamber of Agriculture and Winegrowers) is responsible for validating or not the plant occupation of a plot or the modification of the structure of a soil.

© HEURISKO

This registration represents approximately 5 hectares of vines spread over the eight municipalities of the Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion : Saint-Émilion, Saint-Laurent des Combes, Saint-Christophe des Bardes, Saint Pey-d'Armens, Saint-Etienne de Lisse, Saint Sulpice de Faleyrens, Saint-Hippolyte and Vignonet.

© Guillaume Le Baube

Listing as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO continues to be the pride of winegrowers who have both shaped and preserved the terroir. They are the ones who today work every day to introduce millions of visitors to the richness of this heritage; as the Tourist Office of Greater Saint-Emilionnais, Saint-Émilion Wine Council or the Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion Association, World Heritage of Humanity. Indeed, it is not only a question of a remarkable natural heritage but also of a considerable historical and architectural heritage with the medieval city of Saint-Émilion, its monolithic church, its underground quarries, its cobbled streets and its many religious monuments.
Furthermore, the Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion abounds with Romanesque churches, mills and dovecotes which contribute to the undisputed charm of this territory.

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