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ABOUT HOSPICES CIVILS DE BEAUNE AND SOTHEBY'S WINE

The history of the Hospices Civils de Beaune began in 1443 when Nicolas Rolin and Guigone de Salins decided to build a hospital: the Hôtel-Dieu. The founders' charity and patronage established a tradition that has enabled the Hospices de Beaune to survive throughout history in exceptional conditions. Today, the Hospices Civils de Beaune comprises the hospital centres of Beaune, Arnay-le-Duc, Seurre and Nuits-St-Georges. The Philippe Le Bon Hospital in Beaune is the support facility for the Groupement Hospitalier de Territoire du Sud Côte-d'Or.

The originality of this hospital institution lies in the size and nature of its assets, which include, on the one hand, a historic monument, the 15th-century Hôtel-Dieu, which has not welcomed patients or elderly residents since the early 1980s; and, on the other hand, a prestigious 60-hectare Beaune wine-growing estate of the best Burgundy appellations. All these vineyards come from bequests and donations, and their production is auctioned every year on the 3rd Sunday in November, as part of the world's most famous charity sale. Thanks to its heritage, this hospital plays a leading role in the two major activities of Beaune and its region: tourism and wine.

The auction, which can include more than 500 lots, is the most famous and oldest charity wine auction in the world (1859). True to its founding values, each year the Hospices de Beaune supports a charity by donating the profits from the sale of a piece of wine, known as the "Pièce du Président". Proceeds from the sale of this ine are ear-marked for the upkeep of the hospital's heritage and the modernisation of its equipment and buildings.

About Sotheby’s Wine

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industryleading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

Sotheby’s Wine’s annual worldwide auction sales of wine and spirits achieved a record total of 8 million in 2022, a 20% increase from 2021. Sotheby’s currently holds the world records for any whisky collection ever sold at auction, any private wine collection ever sold at auction, the most valuable bottle of wine ever sold at auction and the most valuable bottle of spirits ever sold at auction, in addition to the highest ever total for a charity wine auction.