Every year, the Hospices Civils de Beaune in Burgundy sell their wine production at a major auction orchestrated by Sotheby's. It's a not-to-be-missed event for wine lovers, with three days of festivities.
On the third weekend of November, Burgundy wines are at the heart of a great festival in Beaune. For three days, the richness of the Burgundy vineyards is celebrated during the "Trois Glorieuses", of which the Hospices de Beaune wine auction is the high point. Amateurs and connoisseurs meet for cellar visits and other tastings, while the Palais des Congrès de Beaune hosts the Fête des Grands Vins, an event bringing together the hundred or so appellations that make up Burgundy. A great moment for wine and tourism in the region, attended by visitors from all over the world.
The sale can include more than 500 lots
The auction, the most famous and oldest charity wine auction in the world (1859), can include more than 500 items from the hospices' vineyards, presented in the Grande Halle de Beaune. As every year, the President's piece is sold for the benefit of charities. At the 2022 auction, a 228-litre (300-bottle) Corton Grand Cru produced from a blend of Corton Renardes, Corton Bressandes and Corton Chaume terroirs was sold for €810,000, a record.
The Hospices' wine estate has been built up through donations. Today it covers nearly 60 hectares, 50 of which are devoted to Pinot Noir and the rest to Chardonnay. Nearly 85% of the vines are made up of Premiers and Grands Crus, mainly located around Beaune but also in the Côte de Nuits and the Mâconnais. The cuvées are the result of a harmonious blend of different ‘climats’ and bear the names of the benefactors and donors of the vines.
