Hospices de Beaune weekend in Burgundy - key moments around the wine auction

Every year, for one weekend in November, our little town of Beaune becomes the beating heart of winegrowing Burgundy. In 2025, the famous Vente des Vins des Hospices de Beaune will celebrate its 165th edition, under the sign of disability and technological innovation. A historic and festive event not to be missed under any circumstances. Here are the highlights of this great event in Burgundy, where wine, charity and conviviality are shared at every moment.

Les Trois Glorieuses: a festive weekend around Burgundy wines

Organized every third weekend in November, the Wine Sale follows in the tradition of the Trois Glorieuses, a trilogy of legendary Burgundy festivities: the Chapter from the Clos de Vougeot brotherhood on Saturday, the Hospices de Beaune auction on Sunday, and the very convivial (and selective!) Paulée de Meursault on Monday. Together, these events celebrate the excellence of Burgundy wines, gastronomy, and the French art of living.

Beaune then transforms into a festive capital, bringing together lovers of grands crus, the curious, wine professionals, and personalities from around the world. The streets vibrate to the rhythm of brass bands, street entertainment, farmers' markets and tastings open to all.

The Hospices de Beaune weekend: tastings and highlights

It all begins on Friday, November 14, 2025, with the opening of the Festivinales. Set up on Place Carnot, this ephemeral village hosts a three-day market of local produce, craft demonstrations, concerts and entertainment for the whole family. It's the ideal meeting point to feel the effervescence of the town.

In the evening, the Hôtel-Dieu - the emblematic monument of the Hospices de Beaune - opens its doors to an exceptional dinner: the Gala "Vignerons & Jeunes Talents". This prestigious evening honors the new generation of Burgundy winemakers, rewarded for their expertise and commitment. The meal, accompanied by Hospices cuvées, is a unique sensory experience to be enjoyed at the heart of history.

Saturday is dedicated to dégustations: many estates open their cellars, and at the Palais des Congères is the Fête des Grands Vins de Bourgogne, open to all. Our house also organizes a tasting (by invitation only) reserved for buyers at our Clos Frantin estate in Nuits-Saint-Georges.

On Saturday afternoon also takes place the famous semi-marathon de la vente des vins des Hospices de Beaune, which brings together thousands of runners in the vineyards of Beaune and surrounding villages. An opportunity to pass among some of the prestigious parcels that make up Hospices de Beaune wines! Read more

Sunday November 16 marks the high point of the weekend: the auction of Hospices de Beaune wines, held under Les Halles in the heart of the town. This is where the pages of winegrowing history are written every year. The sale, orchestrated by Sotheby's in 2025, attracts buyers from all over the world. Its most emblematic moment is the sale of the "Pièce des Présidents", an exceptional barrel whose profits will be donated to associations. In 2025, this piece will support projects related to disability and technological innovation, in partnership with leading institutions.

How to buy at Hospices auctions thanks to hospices-beaune.com by Albert Bichot

For lovers of fine wines wishing to buy a Hospices cuvée, our website hospices-beaune.com by Albert Bichot is the ideal gateway. Unlike a traditional auction reserved for professionals, since 2009 our platform has enabled you to participate simply and securely, with tailor-made support.

Each buyer is advised by Jean-David Camus of the Maison Albert Bichot, who then takes care of the aging and personalized bottling of your wine. An elegant and unique way to mark an event, build up an exceptional cellar, or offer a heritage gift.

Hospices de Beaune: history, heritage and wine

The Hospices de Beaune sale would not have such resonance without the place that saw its birth: the Hôtel-Dieu. This masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic architecture, recognizable by its colorful glazed roofs, was founded in 1443 to house the poor and sick. For several centuries, it functioned as a hospital, financed by donations, notably from vineyards.

Today, the Hôtel-Dieu is a living museum, where you can discover the "pôvres" room, the apothecary, the period kitchen, as well as Rogier van der Weyden's famous Last Judgment polyptych. A must-see visit to understand the solidarity and heritage dimension of the auction.