Laurence Danel appointed new Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges winemaker

Laurence Danel replaces Jean-Marc Moron as Domaine des Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges chief winemaker

A few days after the final gavel fell at the 165th Hospices de Beaune auction, the announcement was made: Laurence Danel will officially take over as head of Domaine des Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges on January 2, 2026, succeeding Jean-Marc Moron, whose retirement is scheduled for May 2026.

A qualified oenologist since 2003, she first discovered Burgundy when she took part in the harvest at the Domaine des Perdrix (Premeaux-Prissey), an experience which led her to study oenology. She then worked for some renowned houses, then as an oenological consultant, before joining some lovely estates in the Côte de Nuits.

As a member of the Union des Œnologues de France, she combines solid technical expertise with in-depth knowledge of Burgundy terroirs, particularly those of the Côte de Nuits, the epicenter of the Domaine des Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges since its foundation in the 13th century.

Laurence Danel's arrival marks a symbolic and concrete turning point for the Domaine des Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges. By opting for an experienced manager from the local winegrowing community, the institution is affirming its commitment to continuity - but also its desire to evolve.

Its commitment to more responsible practices could initiate a transition to a vineyard that is even more respectful of the environment, without sacrificing the identity of its wines. In a context marked by the climate challenge - as demonstrated by the 2024 harvest - this orientation seems more relevant than ever.

Finally, her arrival comes at a pivotal moment: after a difficult vintage, auctions with contrasting results, and a Burgundy wine market under strain. Her mission will be to preserve the historic heritage of the Hospices - both hospital and winery - while projecting the estate into the future.

Strong ambitions for Domaine des Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges, Burgundy's other most famous "winemaking hospital"

On her arrival, Laurence Danel says she wants to continue the estate's heritage of precision and exacting standards, but also breathe new life into it, with a sharp eye for viticultural practices.

In particular, she wants to "let the terroirs speak for themselves" in each parcel, with a marked sensitivity for Pinot Noir, the king of Nuits-Saint-Georges grapes. Moreover, aware of the environmental issues at stake, she intends to inscribe the estate in more virtuous practices - a step towards greater eco-responsibility and, potentially, towards more "natural" or even organic practices.Of course, we'll be delighted to grow the Hospices de Nuits wines in our Albert Bichot cellars if they are one day certified Agriculture Biologique, as the Domaine des Hospices de Beaune wines now are (since the 2014 harvest - find out more).

Beyond wine production, his mandate is in line with the historical continuity of the link between viticulture and hospital support: income from wine sales is used to finance the health and social activities of the hospices.

The unique story of the Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges, between age-old wine tradition and exceptional auctions

The Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges estate traces its roots back to the XIIIᵉ century: a maladrerie was founded here around 1270, on the eve of the accession of the Duke of Burgundy Robert II. After destruction during the civil and religious wars, the establishment was reborn in 1633, when the hospital moved into a house on the banks of the Meuzin - purchased by the procurator Guillaume Labye.

In 1689-1692, the hospital was rebuilt in its current form (including the Saint-Laurent room for patients), with the help of Abbé Antide Midan. This renewal marked the beginning of a long history as a winemaker's hospital, combining care, charity and viticulture.

Over the centuries, the hospital has grown - adding chapels, pavilions, extensions and a retirement home - while preserving a wine-growing estate built up through donations of vines, family bequests and gifts from patients and benefactors.

See the results of the Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges auction

An estate with an exceptional collection of terroirs in the Côtes de Nuits, focused on the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation.

The Hospices de Nuits estate today covers around 12.5 hectares.

It includes several prestigious Côte de Nuits appellations: villages, premiers crus, and parcels spread over Nuits-Saint-Georges, Gevrey-Chambertin and Premeaux-Prissey.

Viticulture here was already conducted according to environmentally-friendly principles: manual harvesting, rigorous sorting, parcel-by-parcel vinification, modern vat room (installed in 2002). Under the new management of Laurence Danel, the aim is to strengthen this link between terroir and character - by letting each parcel express itself - while continuing to move towards more sustainable and even organic practices.

How to buy at the Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges auction

Discover all Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges wines for auction - vintage 2025

All premiers crus from Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges

• Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er cru Les Murgers - cuvée Guyard de Changey
• Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er cru Les Saint-Georges - cuvée Hugues Perdrizet
• Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er cru Les Corvées Paget - cuvée Saint-Laurent
• Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er cru Les Porets - cuvée Antide Midan
• Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er cru Les Boudots - cuvée Mesny de Boisseaux
• Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Didiers "Monopole" - cuvée Fagon
• Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Vignerondes - cuvée Bernarde Delesclache
• Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Saint-Georges Les Sires de Vergy - Cuvée Georges Faiveley
• Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er cru Les Rues de Chaux - Cuvée Camille Rodier
• Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Terres Blanches - cuvée Pierre de Pême

All Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges villages

• Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Maladières - Les Brûlées - cuvée Grangier
• Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Lavières - les Bas de Combe - cuvée Guillaume Labye
• Gevrey-Chambertin Les Champs-Chenys - cuvée Irène Noblet