In 1443, Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor of the Duke of Burgundy, Philippe le Bon (Philip the Good) and his wife Guigone de Salins decided to create a hospital and refuge for the poor. They set up this « Hôtel-Dieu » in Beaune, at the heart of the Duchy of Burgundy, which was already a very busy crossing point because of its advantageous geographical position, at the crossroads of major trading and cultural routes.
It is a building of remarkable architecture and a visit that should not be missed by anyone with a love of wine and heritage. 
In 1457, Guillemette, widow of Humbert Leverrier, followed in 1459 by Jean Plampays, made an original donation to the hospices: a parcel of vines. This custom continued through the centuries and still continues today.
The Hospices de Beaune estate now extends over 60 hectares in numerous famous appellations : Beaune, Pommard, Volnay, Corton, Meursault… Roland Masse, the estate manager, supervises the 22 wine-makers on the payroll who tend to these magical “terroirs”.
With the judicious blending of different parcels from the same appellation, Roland Masse can create the 45 “cuvées” that are auctioned every 3rd Sunday in November. Their exact make up can vary slightly from year to year depending on various factors (conditions over the year, yields, etc).
Something that is rare for Burgundy, several Hospices cuvées can therefore come from multiple vineyard parcels, but always from the same, single appellation and grape variety. The name of each “cuvée” carries both the appellation (Corton Grand Cru for example) and that of a Hospices’ benefactor or donor of the vines that go into its composition (Charlotte Dumay).
In 1859, wines from the Hospices were sold at auction for the first time, to raise funds for the running of the Hôtel-Dieu. For many years, the sale took place by candlelight, the sale going to the last bidder before the two candles expired after burning continuously.
Today this traditional method is only used for the “Pièce de Charité” (Charity barrel) .
The funds raised from the sale of this unique barrel, also known as the “Pièce des Présidents” (Presidents’ barrel) and often sold at record prices (Euros 400,000 in 2010!) will be donated to one or several charities, different each year. One or more famous sponsors from the world of art, politics or science, usually conducts this particular auction with great enthusiasm!
Over the years, the Hospices de Beaune Wine Sale has become one of the most famous charity auctions in the world. . Each year the wine sale brings in several million Euros making a significant contribution to the Hôpital de Beaune’s budget.
The auction of wines from the Hospices, a tradition dating back to 1859
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