In Burgundy you’ll find many good wineries. But one stands out in its particularity: Hospices de Beaune. Located in the heart of the picturesque village Beaune you find a typical hospital, now a museum and winery, called Hospices de Beaune.

History
Hospices de Beaune was founded in 1443. Not only because of the victims of the just ended 100-year war but also for the poor, sick people, pregnant women, orphans and old people from Beaune to provide them shelter and care. The Hospices de Beaune was depended on donations from local farmers (agriculture, livestock and wine growing). Especially the great appellations came in possession by donation of the former rich owners.

Auction
Since 1859  on the third Sunday of November the traditional annual auction of Hopices de Beaune is held . Then the vintage of that year is being auctioned. After the auction the wine you purchased will be raised the cellar by a "negociant-eleveur of Burgundy" until the meticulously selected time of bottling (between 12 and 24 months after the auction). Interested in taking part in the auction? The ‘Syndicat des négociants en vins fins de Bourgogne’ keeps a list of members (auction booklet) and send it on request to wine lovers. Sorry, no website available.

Syndicat des négociants and vins fins de Bourgogne
7, Place Carnot
F-21200 BEAUNE
Tel. : 33 (0) 3 80 22 19 60
Fax: 33 (0) 3 80 24 03 88

Museum
The museum of Hospices de Beaune shows how they nursed the people and gives you a glimpse in the traditional wine cellar. The colorful roofs against the blue sky makes it worth a visit. You can visit Hospices de Beaune every day from mid March to mid November from 09.00 - 18.30 hours. For other months check out the website visit http://www.hospicesdebeaune.com/ for specific hours. There are also organised visits focused on the production of wine including a tour in the museum, the wine cellar and tasting.