Wine and UNESCO Heritage: why new certification criteria are needed

Wine and UNESCO Heritage: a proposal that needs definition

The debate about including the culture of vine and wine on the UNESCO World Heritage list raises practical issues: how to separate immaterial traditions from wine landscapes, how to avoid unjust exclusions and which criteria would make certification reliable.

Existing UNESCO recognitions

There are already UNESCO sites and listings that connect wine and territory in Italy and Europe. Notable Italian examples include the Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato and the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, while traditional practices like the vine training on Pantelleria are listed as intangible heritage.

Why new criteria are necessary

• Scope clarity: define whether recognition targets techniques, landscapes, products or whole production systems.
• Geographic fairness: prevent a Europe-centric recognition that would exclude historically significant wine cultures elsewhere (e.g., the Caucasus).
• Standards setting: create indicators for authenticity, historical continuity, cultural value and territorial impact.

Implications for UNESCO sites in Italy

A broader recognition of wine culture could strengthen protection of Italian viticultural landscapes and support sustainable territorial management. Yet it must be backed by certification tools that avoid blurring differences: not every vineyard or method requires the same treatment, and local distinctiveness must be safeguarded.

Practical advice for visitors and tourism operators

• When visiting UNESCO wine-related sites, learn about local practices to appreciate cultural value beyond scenery.
• Operators should develop educational routes that explain history, techniques and landscape impact to enhance visits and conservation.
• Encourage partnerships between local communities and certification bodies to agree on shared criteria.

Conclusion

Including vine culture in UNESCO lists is a well-founded proposal but demands new certification criteria and a strategy balancing protection, geographic representativeness and local specificity. Only this approach can offer an effective recognition for Italy's wine-related heritage.