Festival · Beaune

Hospices de Beaune: Watch €18.75 Million Fall

November 16, 2025. 2:30 PM. The hammer falls on the 165th Hospices de Beaune auction. Since 1859, this has been wine's most prestigious charity event - the 2025 edition raised €18.75 million, the third-highest total in history. The 'Pièce des Présidents' charity barrel sold for a record-breaking sum. Attending means witnessing living wine history, rubbing shoulders with Burgundy's elite, and experiencing the electric atmosphere of the Trois Glorieuses weekend. This is the Super Bowl of wine.

What to do there

4 things to do

THE DATES: November 15 (Clos de Vougeot dinner), November 16 (Hospices auction), November 17 (Paulée de Meursault). BOOK ACCOMMODATION IN MAY: Beaune sells out 6+ months ahead. Hotels like Le Cep, Hôtel Dieu, or L'Hôtel fill first. Alternative: stay in Dijon (30 min by train) or Chalon-sur-Saône (30 min south).
Where: The auction is at Les Halles de Beaune, Rue Monge (GPS: 47.0248, 4.8401).
Backup: If all Beaune hotels are sold out, try Autun (1 hour west) or Mâcon (1 hour south) - both have train connections. Airbnb may have last-minute cancellations but at premium prices.

Log Memory
Witness the auction that sets Burgundy prices for the year.

WHEN: Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 2:30 PM.
Where: Les Halles de Beaune (GPS: 47.0248, 4.8401).
What: Public viewing is FREE - no bidding paddle required to watch. Arrive by 1:30 PM for good positioning. The auction runs 3-4 hours for ~450 barrels. THE MOMENT: Watch for the Pièce des Présidents - the charity barrel that always breaks records (€360,000 in 2024, even more in 2025). Sotheby's runs the auction with theatrical flair. HOW TO PARTICIPATE: If you want to bid, register with Sotheby's at sothebys.com/hospices-de-beaune in advance. Minimum bid is one barrel (~€4,000-30,000+ depending on cuvée).
Backup: If the hall is too crowded, many Beaune wine bars show the auction on screens - the atmosphere remains electric.

Log Memory
Step into the courtyard at the Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices de Beaune (Rue de l'Hôtel-Dieu, GPS: 47.0248, 4.8401) before the auction crowds explode on Sunday — Friday or Saturday mornings are golden. The famous polychrome tiled roof creates geometric patterns in Burgundian glazed tiles, and inside the medieval hospital wards (Salle des Povres) tell the story of Nicolas Rolin's 1443 vision: a hospital funded by wine auctions, still operating today. All auction proceeds from 60+ hectares of premier and grand cru vineyards still fund healthcare. Tickets ~€12 at hospices-de-beaune.com, open 9am-6:30pm. Mid-morning light makes the multicolored roof courtyard shot iconic.
Backup: If lines are long, walk the exterior — the roof is visible from Rue de l'Hôtel-Dieu.

Log Memory
WHEN: Friday-Sunday of auction weekend (Nov 14-16, 2025).
Where: Throughout Beaune's historic center.
What: The Festivinales transform Beaune into a wine festival - street tastings, producer open houses, négociant cellar visits, and Burgundian folklore. SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES: Joseph Drouhin (7 Rue d'Enfer) and Louis Jadot (21 Rue Eugène Spuller) often open their cellars. Check their websites for 2025 hours. Maison Champy (5 Rue du Grenier à Sel) offers tastings. The covered market hosts wine stalls.
How: No single ticket - just walk and explore. Bring cash for small producers. The atmosphere is unique - everyone's celebrating harvest end.
Backup: If specific cellars are booked, walk Rue Carnot and Rue Monge - pop into any shop pouring Burgundy. The Saturday half-marathon (Nov 15) adds to the festive chaos.

Log Memory

Insider tips

The 2025 auction was the third-highest grossing in history at €18.75 million - prices are strong.
The 2024 vintage is the first fully organic certified in Hospices history - a historic moment.
Book accommodation in MAY for November - this is not an exaggeration. Beaune has only ~50 hotels.
Celebrity sponsors have included Eva Longoria, Dominic West, and Jean Reno - the event draws global attention.
The Saturday half-marathon (Vente des Vins de Beaune) is a beloved tradition - runners in costume are common.