All eyes on Beaune for the 156th Hospices de Beaune Wine Auctio
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On Sunday 20 November, the 156th Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction will take place, one of the world’s most celebrated charity fund-raising events. Since 2005, auction house Christie's has lent its expertise to the Hospices de Beaune to give the sale greater international prestige. Négociants in the Bourgogne wine region also play a key role as intermediaries, inviting buyers for whom they will then age the wines until they are bottled, on average around 18 months.
Along with the gathering of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin at the Clos de Vougeot on the Saturday evening, and the renowned Paulée de Meursault on Monday, Sunday’s wine auction is the centerpiece of the Trois Glorieuses, the three glorious days which, for more than 150 years, have marked the end of the wine-growing season in the Bourgogne region.
The money raised during the auction goes to fund the Hospices de Beaune’s charitable works: Including healthcare equipment, modernizing infrastructure, and conservation of historical monuments, including the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune. What’s more, since 1945, the Hospices auction traditionally supports one or more charitable organizations, represented by well-known figures. The profits from the sale of one or more barrels depending on the year – known as thepièces des Présidents - are donated to these causes. This lot is the highpoint of the auction.
In parallel to the official celebrations, the tourists can participate in a vast tasting event as part of the 144th Fête des Grands Vins de Bourgogne in the Palais des Congrès, or else head out to discover the estates and wine merchants who open their doors over the weekend.
From Friday 18 to Monday 21 November, many events are lined up for the media, market influencers, and the general public, all making a wonderful occasion to (re)discover the region’s conviviality!
To bring the event to life for the wider audience, the Bourgogne wine sector has scheduled a series of events for journalists.
- Friday 18 November: Tasting wines from across Bourgogne at the inauguration of the Fête des Grands Vins de Bourgogne in the Palais des Congrès (from 9am)
- Saturday 19 November: 4pm, commented tasting, hosted by Ludivine Griveau, winemaker at the Hospices de Beaune, whose wines will be auctioned the following day
- Sunday 20 November: 10am, press conference about the Bourgogne wine sector in the Salle des Pôvres of the Hospices de Beaune; 2:30pm, start of the auction
We’d be delighted if you would like to join us and enjoy a getaway in the heart of the Bourgogne vineyards, whose Climats were included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2015.
For the full press program, contact: mathilde.paturaud@bivb.com.
