In a bold and urgent response to climate change, Burgundy wine producers have unveiled a comprehensive plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2035, placing them a full 15 years ahead of France’s national environmental target.
Spearheaded by the Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne (BIVB), the initiative reflects both environmental responsibility and the growing recognition that climate volatility poses a direct threat to winegrowing and wine quality in one of the world’s most renowned regions.
A Response to Visible Climate Impacts
“We can’t wait any longer,” said Laurent Delaunay, president of the BIVB, as he described the project’s urgency. Burgundy’s vineyards have faced increasing challenges over the last decade: late frosts, prolonged droughts, violent storms, and rising average temperatures. These changes have disrupted flowering, harvest timings, and grape balance, leading to both economic and oenological consequences.
A Dual Approach: Reduction and Sequestration
The roadmap to carbon neutrality is structured around two main strategies:
- A 60% cut in direct greenhouse gas emissions, and
- The offsetting of the remaining 40% through carbon sequestration, including replanting hedgerows and trees around vineyard plots to absorb CO₂.
This dual approach blends innovation with ecological restoration, aiming to create a long-term transformation of viticultural practices in Burgundy.
Industry Action Already Underway
Some key producers have already begun implementing impactful changes:
- La Maison Drouhin, headquartered in Beaune, reduced bottle weight from 520g to 420g—saving 500 tons of glass and cutting 100 tons of CO₂ emissions annually. According to manager Frédéric Drouhin, even premium wine buyers supported the change after being consulted.
- In Nantoux, Boris Champy practices biodynamic viticulture, eschewing herbicides and chemical fertilizers in favor of manure, herbal teas, and sheep grazing to manage grass. He also recycles vine shoots into organic matter instead of burning them, and has eliminated metal capsules atop corks—small details that add up to significant environmental savings.
- In Chablis, the cooperative La Chablisienne transformed an old quarry into a naturally temperature-regulated warehouse, avoiding the construction of a new building, saving over five million euros, and drastically lowering energy consumption.
Digital Support with WinePilot
To support producers in this transition, the WinePilot digital tool allows wineries to calculate their carbon footprint and receive customized emission-reduction recommendations. In just six months, the number of registered Burgundy producers rose from 60 to 150—evidence of growing sector engagement.
A Sector-Wide Commitment
With 3,500 winegrowers and merchants operating in Burgundy, the BIVB’s goal is to get as many stakeholders involved as possible by 2035. While the shift will require sustained effort and investment, early adopters are proving that many changes are both feasible and beneficial—economically and environmentally.
A Model for French and Global Wine Regions
The Burgundy initiative reflects a broader trend across France and globally, as wine regions grapple with the reality that viticulture is among the most climate-sensitive agricultural sectors. From rising insurance costs to shifting terroir profiles, producers increasingly see climate adaptation not as an option, but as a necessity.
By setting a leading example, Burgundy hopes not only to protect its centuries-old heritage but also to inspire other regions to act with similar urgency. With its legacy on the line and nature delivering stark warnings, Burgundy’s climate plan is more than a policy—it’s a call to action.
Source: Vinetur