By Annick Dournes & Frederic de Poligny
Once again and for the 162nd time the famous and glamour Burgundy wine charity auction “Vente des Hospices de Beaune” will take place on 18, 19 and 20 November 2022 in the iconic city of Beaune. A very good reason to spend a festive weekend in Burgundy and be part in special events organised by wine makers and prestigious wine estates.
Top-Burgundy-vineyards
The Beaune wine charity auction takes place every year in the beautiful city of Beaune on the third weekend of November. Professionals, connoisseurs and mere wine enthusiasts will once again meet in this picturesque town to enjoy 3 days of fun and celebration in a unique Burgundy atmosphere. All along the Burgundy wine road, famous villages such as Pommard, Aloxe Corton, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Vougeot… welcome tourists and wine lovers. Cellars open their doors to visitors, gala dinners are organised by major wine houses, exceptional wine tasting are proposed by great wine makers. All these events are listed on the town website and you can easily book online in a few clicks. In Beaune street performances, folk parade, craft and food stalls create a joyful and relaxed ambiance.
Salle-des-Povres-at-Hospices-de-Beaune
Over the last 500 years Beaune hospital inherited or received the donation of many vineyards and today it owns 60 hectares (150 acres) that produce different kinds of Burgundy wine. The proceeds of the sale help finance the hospital. Today a modern hospital has been built in Beaune surroundings but the ancient one still proudly stands in the city centre. It’s been turned into a museum and is an absolute must-see. This late medieval building has an amazing colourful tile roof, a huge dormitory, a spectacular panelled pharmacy, and typical kitchens not to mention the precious collection of religious art.
Chateau-Clos-de-Vougeot
The festivities begin at Clos de Vougeot where the members of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, a famous wine brotherhood, celebrate their love for wines and parties. The wine auction organised by Sotheby’s takes place in the ancient market place on the Sunday afternoon and is liven up by a French celebrity. In the evening lucky ones can attend a candle-lit dinner. On the last day a final lunch is organised at Chateau de Meursault. It’s called “La Paulée” and each guest is supposed to go there with his or her own bottles a-of wine, a typical Burgundy tradition.
Vaulted-cellars-in-Burgundy
There are many other events to attend to during this very special weekend. Exclusive wine tasting with rare vintages are organised in several cellars and estates. A rare opportunity to taste expensive wines for a few dozen Euros. Here is the link to the website to discover the whole programme and book online www.beaune-tourisme.fr/reserver/vente-des-vins-beaune
Text ©Annick Dournes
Photos ©Frederic de Poligny
A-few-top-burgundy-wines-to-taste-among-many-more
