Orchestrated by Sotheby’s, the world leader in wine and spirits auctions, the event will take place on the third Sunday of November, November 17th, under the Halles in the heart of the city of Beaune
Guillaume Koch, Director and Chairman of the Management Board of the Hospices Civils de Beaune – “This year, our press day is more immersive, centered around wine and the 2024 harvest, with two main highlights: the first one inside the winery and the second one in a vineyard parcel of the Hospices de Beaune wine estate.”
Major investments for healthcare
“Let us remember that the Hospices de Beaune embody three entities: a public hospital, a tourist site, and a wine estate. A combination that requires continuous investment to modernize and improve working conditions. As such, a major construction project will begin very soon, with a new 15,000 m² building planned, for a budget of 86 million euros and an opening expected in 2028. This new structure will allow us to abandon the first modern-era building from 1971, inaugurated by Georges Pompidou, for a facility better suited to welcoming and caring for our patients. This flagship project is partially funded by the wine sales, with the next edition taking place on Sunday, November 17th, under the halls of Beaune, in the heart of the city, supporting the ‘One Health’ theme, accompanied by one or more associations. One Health is an integrated approach aimed at preventing and balancing ecosystems to protect human health.”
The Hospices Civils de Beaune have chosen an illustration by artist Christophe Merlin, created specifically to represent the 164th Auction. A change in continuity, reflecting and conveying the values of charity and hospitality upheld by the institution for nearly 600 years. In a desire to make a lasting impression for this 164th sale, the Hospices Civils de Beaune have taken a new graphic direction to renew the appeal for connoisseurs and capture the interest of newcomers.”
Marie-Anne Ginoux, Director of Sotheby’s France – “For this new edition of the Hospices de Beaune auction, and for the fourth consecutive year under Sotheby’s hammer, we are pleased to announce the organization of a series of exceptional tastings around the world (Seoul, Dubai, Taichung, and Fort Lauderdale). Each year, these events allow us to forge new connections with buyers and introduce them to the wines of the Hospices de Beaune, further enhancing the institution’s reputation and echoing the excellence of its craftsmanship internationally. Last year’s record-breaking auction result perfectly illustrates the continuous growth of Burgundy wine sales and our position as the world leader in wine and spirits auctions, with a record total of $159 million in sales in 2023. Since we started working with the Hospices de Beaune in 2021, the number of bidders has increased by more than 20% compared to the first sale, and last year, we saw passionate engagement from buyers in at least 21 countries worldwide. We are honored to continue this journey alongside the Hospices de Beaune for this 164th wine auction.”
Ludivine Griveau, Manager of the Hospices de Beaune Wine Estate – “This final year of organic conversion has been a true challenge for an estate of 60 hectares and represents the culmination of years of work, which began in 2017. These years of conversion have been successful, with the wines of the Hospices de Beaune estate being certified organic in 2024, as they leave the cellars. The 2024 vintage, marked by heavy rainfall (87% more than in a typical year), led to constant upheaval in our decision-making. However, our organization allowed for great efficiency and optimal protection of our 60-hectare vineyard, thanks to constant mobilization and the unwavering commitment of our teams. The harvest at the estate began with the Pouilly-Fuissé parcels on September 11, followed by the Pinot Noir in Côte d’Or on September 13, continuing with Chardonnay, and concluding on September 22 with the grand crus from Corton and Échezeaux. To date, the Hospices de Beaune wine estate is anticipating a small harvest, largely due to cold temperatures in May, a late Pinot Noir bloom, and mildew. The Pinot Noir grapes in the vats exhibit clear aromatic maturity, with very good aromas, highly encouraging, and a beautiful aromatic freshness. As for Chardonnay, the grapes are less golden but have interesting aromatic flavors. Join us on October 23 in Paris at Sotheby’s for the reveal of the number of lots to be auctioned!”
About the Hospices Civils de Beaune
The history of the Hospices Civils de Beaune began in 1443, with Nicolas Rolin and Guigone de Salins’ vision to build a hospital: the Hôtel-Dieu. The founders committed to charity and patronage, establishing a tradition that has allowed the Hospices de Beaune to endure through history in exceptional conditions. Today, the Hospices Civils de Beaune encompasses the hospitals of Beaune, Arnay-le-Duc, Seurre, and Nuits-St-Georges. The Philippe Le Bon hospital in Beaune serves as the lead establishment for the South Côte-d’Or Hospital Group.
The uniqueness of this hospital institution lies in the importance and nature of its heritage, consisting of both a historical monument, the 15th-century Hôtel-Dieu, which no longer accommodates patients or elderly residents since the early 1980s, and a prestigious 60-hectare wine estate in Beaune, featuring some of the best appellations of Burgundy. All these vineyards come from bequests and donations, and their production is sold annually at auction on the third Sunday of November, in the world’s most famous charity auction. Thus, through its heritage, this hospital institution plays a leading role in Beaune and its region’s two major activities: tourism and wine.
The auction, which can include more than 500 lots, is the most famous and oldest charity wine auction in the world (since 1859). True to its founding values, the Hospices de Beaune supports a charitable cause each year by donating the profits from the sale of a wine lot, known as the “President’s Piece.” The proceeds of the sale are dedicated to maintaining the heritage and modernizing hospital equipment and buildings.