Les Hospices de Beaune and La Vente des Vins

For centuries, this wealthy, charming town was the capital of the dukes of Burgundy. Beginning with the Capetian dukes and continuing through the Valois dukes, Beaune was the site of Burgundy’s parliament. Nicolas Rolin, one of the most famous chancellors of Parliament, commissioned the most imposing edifice in town—Les Hospices de Beaune (aka Hôtel Dieu).

Founded as a charity hospital in 1443, over the centuries, vineyard owners willed portions of their land holdings to Les Hospices de Beaune as a gesture of charity. Consequently, the humble hospital has become one of the largest vineyard proprietors in Burgundy.

Each year wines from the vineyards of Les Hospices de Beaune are sold at an auction, La Vente des Vins, attracting buyers from all over the world to the hospital’s central courtyard. For three days, the entire city celebrates. Wine cellars and wine estates open their doors (and their bottles) for international visitors, and the entertainment includes wine tastings, bottle-opening contests, a fair and even a marathon around the Côte de Beaune.

Obviously, the wine auction is the main event. A celebrity presides over the international charity auction each year, selling an exceptional pièce (a barrel of wine). The auction is a traditional “candle auction,” where the auctioneer lights a one-inch candle and accepts bids only while the candle burns (20 minutes or so).

All proceeds from the wine auction go to a charitable organization. As a result, the Wine Auction sets the yearly pricing trends for French wines.

For a behind-the-scenes look at Beaune and (a few tips for bidding in the auction), check out this great video from Christie’s auction house, which has organized the auction since 2005: