In 2005, the administrative Council of the Hospices de Beaune asked Christie's to run the auction of the wines from its vineyard Domaine. This is the longest-established, most famous Charity wine auction in the world, and takes place annually after the vintage, on the third Sunday of November.

This happened again the following year, in respect of the 2006 vintage. The traditional sale of barrels (known as pièces), each containing 228 litres, was conducted in Beaune's covered market. Throughout the town, crowds of revellers and wine enthusiasts took part in tastings of Burgundy's new vintage, and wines from previous years. At the 2006 sale, 680 barrels (564 of red wine, with 116 of white) came under the Christie's hammer. Prior to the sale, wine professionals and members of the public were able to taste the wines from barrel, in the Hospices cellars. One exceptional barrel : Traditionally, the Hospices de Beaune offers one barrel each year (known as the "President's Barrel") to benefit charitable causes chosen by those invited to preside over the Beaune auction. In 2006, the causes which benefited were : ENFANTS & SANTE (which offers support to families with children suffering from cancer), whose patrons were Alice Taglioni and Jocelyn Quivrin, and PRINCESS MARGARET OF ROMANIA'S ASSOCIATION (which works to restore the dignity, and promote the talents and cultural values of Roumanians) whose patrons were Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret of Romania and Fanny Ardant.

The 41 wine Cuvées featuring in the catalogue of the Sale of Wines of the Hospices de Beaune show the name of the wine, with its village and specific vineyard, its classification as Great Growth and First Growth (Grand Cru, Premier Cru) where appropriate, along with the name of the Benefactor.

Click here to see full results of the 2006 Auction

The 147th Auction of the wine of the Hospices de Beaune

The 2007 auction will take place at 2.30 pm, on Sunday 18th November, in Beaune's covered market, as is traditional. The directors of the Hospices de Beaune have asked Christie's to organise the next four sales, up until 2010. Christie's will continue its pursuit of the goals set with the Hospices, to renew and expand the international renown of the wine auction, attracting members of the public, and professionals of the wine trade, to bid from around the world. The 2007 auction will also benefit from the new, on-line auction service, CHRISTIE'S LIVE™

Click here to view the bi-lingual Christie's catalogue...

Leave absentee bids online...

The Hospices Civils de Beaune

This internet site explains the history and organisation of the Hospices Civils de Beaune opened without interruption since their foundation in 1443 by the Chancellor Nicolas Rolin.

This institution, unique in its historical and wine-producing heritage, is closely connected with the economic life of the region.

The General Hospital, made necessary by evolutions in medical techniques, called the Centre Hospitalier Philippe le Bon is operational since 21 April 1971.
It treats short stay patients. A medical centre for medium and long stay treatments, the Nicolas Rolin centre, and two retirement homes, the Hôtel-Dieu and the Charité, also offer their services to the local population.

In this site you can discover the many aspects of the Hospices Civils de Beaune and the services provided by this prestigious Burgundy institution, which employs more than 700 people.

Advances in medical science and treatment methods made the construction of a modern hospital essential. Known as the Philippe le Bon Hospital Centre (Centre Hospitalier Philippe le Bon), the new general hospital became operational on 21 April 1971. Located between Beaune and its hillside vineyards, it treats short stay patients.

In addition, medium and long stay treatments are offered at the Nicolas Rolin centre. There are also two retirement homes, both located in historic buildings within Beaune, at the Hôtel-Dieu, and the Hospices de la Charité, which offer their services to the local population. These centres accommodate elderly people who are more or less disabled by problems of dependency, and aim to offer them comfort and care.

By exploring this site you may discover many aspects of the Hospices de Beaune - its Museum, its vineyards, its medical facilities, etc. This Burgundian institution provides numerous services, and employs more than 700 people.

While the Hospices de Beaune is above all an up-to-date hospital, functioning from modern buildings, it has also taken the initiative to reach out to those who are most needy.

A medical reception unit for the most destitute was set up in 1993, its main focus being the homeless, and those sleeping on the streets. It aims to bring warmth, comfort and the opportunity for social exchanges to those who may have lost touch with these benefits.

Parallel to these activities, the General Hospital offers a course in nursing care services, with initial training for nurses and orderlies. This is based on the traditions of care of the "Hospital Sisters" (the Dames Hospitalières") of the Hôtel-Dieu of Beaune. The organisation charged with this training within the Hospital is known as the Institut de Formation en Soins Infirmières (I.F.S.I).

Today, the famous, historic buildings of the Hôtel-Dieu are a museum. Their architectural splendour has been preserved intact and unspoilt, since the 15th century. Given its original mission - to provide care and relief for the destitute - income is sought from the hiring out of its prestigious rooms. More than 200,000 tourists visit the Hospices de Beaune each year, along with its museum and shop. Revenues from these activities are used to improve the conditions of accommodation and care, to modernise the general hospital and to conserve the works of art, and fabric, of the institution.

Equally, the vineyards generate a great deal of activity. The auction of its production is one of the essential, annual events in the life of the Hospices - and indeed in the whole world of Burgundy wine. It constitutes a charitable work faithful to the spirit of Nicolas Rolin and Guigone de Salins, and the profit is dedicated to the policy of investment in care services and heritage.

The Hospices de Beaune is a uniquely original institution, thanks to the diversity of its activities, its importance in Burgundy's life and history, and its focus on staying faithful to the original mission of the Founders.

It is part of France's national heritage, drawing interest from all over the world.

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