A Burgundy tradition
It was in 1859 that the Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction (External link) was born. Almost two centuries of history have transformed this event into the world's most famous charity wine auction. Entrusted to Christie's since 2005, each year it welcomes renowned guests who contribute to its glamorous aspect (Charles Aznavour, Catherine Deneuve and even Carla Bruni-Sarkozy). The names of the sponsors and presidents of the 2020 edition won’t be known until the last minute.
The global gathering of the wine industry
It’s during the 3rd weekend of November that this highlight of the global wine calendar takes place. The Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction is the barometer for wine trading. The professionals present, Beaune’s producers, merchants and winemakers, as well as buyers from all over the world, come together to trade prestigious wines.
The Hospices de Beaune (External link) is a hospital built in 1443 under the leadership of Nicolas Rolin and his wife Guigone de Salins in Beaune to accommodate patients with all conditions. Built on the Rollins’ personal fortune, the Hospices have benefited over the years from donations and bequests from Burgundy’s gentry, often made up of wine plots.
The Hospices de Beaune, which has become a major wine estate, established the first charity wine auction in 1859. The revenues still help to finance part of the hospital's operating costs and the maintenance of the Hospices, which has become a museum.
Exceptional wines accessible to individuals
Traditionally, the Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction is an event reserved for professionals. One of the reasons for this is the size of the lots for auction, which are barrels of the year's harvest, i.e. wines that are still to be matured. As a result, the people taking part in the auction are mostly traders or producers.
Nevertheless, the arrival of Christie's revolutionised this tradition by allowing the public to participate in the auction. A quota of places is offered to the public during the auction and you can also bid in writing or on the Internet.
However, it is advisable to be a connoisseur to take part in these auctions, during which traders engage in a fierce battle. If that’s not the case for you, Albert Bichot (External link) offers all the excitement of this auction experience of the Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction without the disappointment. It also allows you to bid for a single bottle and not necessarily for an entire item or lot. If you’re a wine lover or have a passion for wonderful traditions, you can put your name or that of your company on the most famous bottles of wine in the world, labelled Hospices de Beaune, Burgundy.
More information on : https://www.beaune-tourism.com/ (External link)