Beaune, a small town in the heart of Burgundy, becomes the center of the wine world every year on the third Sunday of November. That is when the Hospices de Beaune holds its Vente des Vins, one of the most famous charity wine auctions in the world. The auction takes place under Les Halles, the covered market hall located directly opposite the Hôtel-Dieu, the town's historic hospital turned museum. Hospices de Beaune
The event is more than a sale; it is the climax of the three-day Les Trois Glorieuses festival, which brings together wine professionals and enthusiasts alike. For travelers, it offers a rare chance to see an auction of newly harvested wines in a town that is the capital of Burgundy wine country.
If you are planning a broader trip, exploring other festivals in France can enrich your itinerary. This guide focuses on the auction itself and how to make the most of a visit to Beaune.
A History Rooted in Charity
The Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune was founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor to the Duke of Burgundy, as a hospital for the poor. The building remained a working hospital until 1983, and it is now a museum open to the public. The estate's vineyards were gifted over the centuries, and the first recorded wine auction took place in 1859 to fund the hospital's charitable work.
Today, the Hospices Civils de Beaune is the administrative body that manages the hospital, the Hôtel-Dieu museum, retirement homes, and the wine estate. The auction raises substantial funds for hospital projects, with sums around 25 million euros in recent years, according to the official estate page. The money comes from buyers worldwide who contribute to the charity's mission.
The Domaine and Its Wines
The Domaine des Hospices de Beaune stretches across about 60 hectares of vineyards, with 85% classified as Premier or Grand Cru. The wine estate is certified organic since the 2024 harvest, reflecting a long-standing commitment to environmentally friendly practices. Since 2015, winemaker Ludivine Griveau has led the estate, and it is she who oversees the vinification of the 52 cuvées that go to auction each year.
The wines are sold as barrels rather than bottled wines, a few weeks after harvest. Buyers, often négociant-éleveurs, then age the wine for 12 to 18 months before bottling and distribution. This means that when you buy a bottle of Hospices de Beaune wine later, it carries the name of the merchant who finished it.
Understanding the Auction
The auction takes place under Les Halles de Beaune, the covered market hall opposite the Hôtel-Dieu. Here, the entire vintage of the Domaine is sold in the form of barrels, each containing the equivalent of 288 bottles. Bidders can purchase a full barrel or a fraction, starting from as little as a quarter barrel (72 bottles).
One of the highlights is the Pièce des Présidents, a special barrel chosen for charitable auction. This barrel is often sold by candlelight and draws celebrity support, with proceeds going to health-related charities. The 2022 edition set a world record for a charity wine auction, raising 32 million euros in total.
Les Trois Glorieuses Festival
The Vente des Vins is part of Les Trois Glorieuses, a three-day festival that begins on the Saturday with a dinner at the Château du Clos de Vougeot, followed by the auction on Sunday afternoon, and ending with the Paulée de Meursault on Monday. This festival marks the end of the harvest and is a time for wine lovers to celebrate Burgundy's rich gastronomy.
For visitors, the festival is an opportunity to experience Burgundy at its most vibrant, though the private events are by invitation. Travelers can still enjoy the public atmosphere of Beaune during this period, with many tastings and activities planned around the auction.
Attending as a Visitor
The auction is open to the public, so even if you are not a bidder, you can watch the proceedings from the public areas of Les Halles. Check with the organizers for specific viewing arrangements, as space may be limited. The atmosphere is electric, with auctioneers in traditional attire and spotters tallying bids from the crowd.
If you are interested in purchasing without being physically present, you can participate online or via phone bidding. For more detailed information on how to bid, refer to our dedicated guide on how to bid.
Visiting the Hôtel-Dieu and the Hospices Museum
The Hôtel-Dieu is open to visitors as a museum, showing rooms such as the Salle des Pôvres, a 50-meter hall lined with old hospital beds, and the apothecary. The building is famous for its colorful glazed roof and Flemish architecture. Visitors can explore at their own pace with an audio guide, which often is included in the entrance fee.
Opening hours can vary by season, so it is advisable to check the current hours on the official website before your visit. Plan your trip accordingly to avoid disappointment.
Getting There and Practical Tips
Beaune is easily accessible by car from Dijon, making it a popular day trip from the regional capital. The drive is straightforward, but schedules for trains are subject to change, so verify timings ahead of your trip. Parking is available in Beaune, though it fills quickly during the auction weekend.
For a smoother visit, you can combine this with a stay in Dijon, which offers other attractions. The city has its own summer festival, the Festival d'été de Dijon, and a gastronomic fair, the Foire Internationale et Gastronomique de Dijon, which may interest food lovers.
Plan Your Visit
The Vente des Vins des Hospices de Beaune is a unique event that combines history, charity, and world-class wine. Even if you never raise a paddle, the spectacle of the auction and the historic setting of Beaune make it a memorable visit.
Before you go, verify the exact auction dates and any visitor restrictions on the official Hospices de Beaune website. For more details on the auction weekend events and tickets, see our related page.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Vente des Vins des Hospices de Beaune take place?
The auction occurs annually on the third Sunday of November, as confirmed by the Hospices de Beaune official estate page. This date is a few weeks after the harvest, when the new wines are ready to be auctioned. For exact dates and schedule, check the official website, as they may publish the precise program closer to the event.
How can you attend the Hospices de Beaune wine auction as a visitor?
As a visitor, you can watch the auction live at Les Halles in Beaune, as it is open to the public. If you wish to bid without being in the room, you can participate online or via phone. For detailed instructions on bidding, refer to the official auction pages or a guide on how to bid.
What is the history of the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune?
L'Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune was founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the poor. It served the sick and needy for over five centuries until its last patient left in 1983, and it is now a museum. The building is renowned for its distinctive architecture and colorful roof tiles.
What is Les Trois Glorieuses festival?
Les Trois Glorieuses is a three-day wine festival centered around the Hospices de Beaune auction. It starts on Saturday with a dinner at the Château du Clos de Vougeot, includes the auction on Sunday, and ends with the Paulée de Meursault on Monday. It celebrates the end of the harvest.
