November 17, 2019: Date of the 159th Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction

Famous around the world, the Hospices de Beaune wine auction attracts wine professionals and enthusiasts every year. Held on the third Sunday in November, it features festive events and entertainment. This year, this charitable wine event takes place on November 17, with festivities scheduled from November 15 to 17. Conducted by Christie’s since 2005, this auction is sponsored for its 159th edition by several prominent figures: journalist Ophélie Meunier, actor François-Xavier Demaison, and basketball player Tony Parker. And for the “Presidents’ Lot,” it is a Burgundy grand cru which was selected—a Corton Bressandes—with proceeds from the sale to be donated to the Brain and Spinal Cord Institute and the Autour des Williams association.

A rather modest vintage due to weather conditions

Last year, the harvest yielded 828 coins and set a record: 14.2 million euros, including 230,000 euros for the two “Presidential coins.” For the 2019 vintage, the quantity had to be scaled back due to unfavorable weather conditions: a lack of rain and frosts in winter, a heatwave in June, and thunderstorms and hail in July… The yield is therefore lower. Thus, for the 159th edition of the Hospices de Beaune wine auction, “only” 589 barrels will be presented, from 50 vintages—17 white and 33 red. Nevertheless, while the quantity is lower than in 2018, the quality is good! Similarly, the harvest took place earlier this year, in September, resulting in “alcohol levels similar to last year’s but with higher acidity—a hallmark of Burgundy wines—and seductive tannins,” according to Ludivine Griveau, cellar master at the Hospices de Beaune.

What can we expect from the 2019 edition?

Will the 2018 record be broken on November 17, 2019? For now, it’s impossible to say. We’ll have to wait a few more days to find out. But we already know that the 2019 event will be packed with festivities. Throughout the weekend, numerous wineries and wine merchants will open their cellars and offer tours and tastings. Entertainment is also planned, including street performances, a food village, and a folk parade. Following the auction, which can be watched live online, a candlelit dinner will be held. And as tradition dictates, the auction of the President’s bottle will take place by candlelight. All in all, a wonderful program for this new edition of the Hospices de Beaune wine auction!