The Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, whose famous polychrome glazed-tile roofs can only be seen from the inside, admitted its first patient in 1452. From the moment it was founded, the institution was rooted in a deeply charitable and hospitable ethos, much like those in France’s major cities, Paris, Lyon, Dijon. What sets the Hospices de Beaune apart is the international renown of the wine auction from its 60-hectare estate, comprising almost exclusively Premiers and Grands Crus from the Côte d’Or.
The Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction
The vineyard was gradually established through donations and bequests of plots of land. Depending on the size of the plot, one or more casks, known as ‘pièces’, are produced. Each ‘pièce’ bears the name of its donor as well as its appellation. Some vintages are named after the founders of the Hospices de Beaune – Nicolas Rolin, chancellor of Duke Philip the Good, and his wife Guigone de Salins – as well as the Dames Hospitalières who cared for the sick.
From the 19th century, the Hospices decided to auction their wines to fund the modernisation of the hospital and the upkeep of the historic buildings. Traditionally held on the third weekend of November, the Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction has become the world’s most famous charitable wine auction.
The 166th edition: a charity auction to fund research on rare diseases.
As well as funding local hospital facilities, the Hospices de Beaune offer a cask of wine known as the ‘pièce des Présidents’ to raise money for charitable causes. This year, the funds raised at the auction will support two organisations: DEBRA France, which works to support people with epidermolysis bullosa and fund research into this rare skin condition, and ARSLA, which is committed to providing day-to-day support for patients and funding medical research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Charcot’s disease). A mission of solidarity true to the spirit championed by Nicolas Rolin and Guigone de Salins nearly six centuries ago.
The 2026 vintage’s Wine Auction
As the 166th auction approaches, the estate is preparing to unveil the wines from the August and September harvest. In the cellar, the 2026 vintage is just beginning its ageing process in oak barrels., Although the heat wave reduced harvest volumes, the quality remains high. The wines display beautiful balance, with aromatic vibrancy in the whites and silky tannins in the reds. By acquiring these unique bottles, buyers and enthusiasts from around the world can help to continue a centuries-old tradition in which the prestige of Burgundy’s Climats supports solidarity and care for the sick.
