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A Chilean wine delegation was welcomed by the INAO's Central-Eastern Regional Office
As part of a bilateral cooperation program between the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region and the Maule region (Chile) that has been in effect since 2009, the INAO’s Center-East Regional Delegation presented the AOP system as a means of protecting and recognizing local heritage to a Chilean wine delegation on October 16, 2025. Focusing on terroir and the key elements of the specifications, this meeting highlighted the value of exchanging ideas and best practices between wine sectors in different countries
The UNESCO Project in San Javier: Burgundy as a Model of Inspiration
As part of the bilateral cooperation program between the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region and the Maule region in Chile, which dates back to 2009, the Center for Vocational Training and Agricultural Promotion (CFPPA) in Beaune hosted a six-member wine delegation consisting of a winegrower, an oenologist, and local government officials, including the mayor of San Javier. The delegation’s trip to Burgundy is part of a project to recognize the wine produced in the municipality of San Javier as part of its cultural heritage, with the ultimate goal of applying for UNESCO World Heritage status. Over the course of a week, the six members of the delegation visited wineries and met with local wine industry stakeholders, such as wine promotion and management organizations (ODGs), the Confédération des Appellations et des Vins de Bourgogne (CAVB), the Federation of Wine Merchants and Ageers of Greater Burgundy, the Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne (BIVB), and the Association des climats de Bourgogne.
A presentation on AOPs by the INAO’s Central-East Regional Delegation
It was therefore only natural that the CFPPA reached out to the INAO’s Central-East Regional Delegation—with whom it frequently collaborates— to present, on the afternoon of October 16, 2025, the AOP system as a mechanism for protecting and recognizing local heritage. The presentation focused on terroir, illustrating it in particular through a tasting of Comté AOP cheese paired with a 2020 Côtes du Jura white AOP wine. This provided an opportunity to highlight the key elements—and those currently evolving—in the specifications (enhanced sustainable practices in the Comté AOP, a shift toward resistant varieties for the Côtes du Jura AOP, etc.) for each of these production sectors, the current dynamics of the sectors, and above all, the value of drawing inspiration from the practices and insights of other sectors. Punctuated by fruitful discussions thanks to the presence of sommelier and geologist Emmanuel David, who served as a helpful interpreter, the dynamic presentation by the INAO duo, Stéphane Meunier and Jelscha Sauzon, was well-received by the professionals in attendance.
How did the INAO’s presentation help move your project forward?
“ The most important thing for us is protecting the local value chain to preserve traditions and heritage, in order to regulate quality and production volumes. Our wine’s distinctiveness will come from being recognized under the first GI that is more localized and strictly regulated than the current ‘DO Maule,’ which is very broad and does not include production requirements. We will therefore follow the example of what has been presented to us, drawing inspiration from French AOP sectors (delimitation, sustainable production conditions, etc.) to protect San Javier’s wine production and the professionals involved.”
