On 15 November 2026, the Hospices de Beaune will host their 166th Wine Sale, an unmissable event for lovers of Burgundy grands crus. Every year this auction draws collectors, merchants and enthusiasts who come to discover the cuvees of an exceptional wine estate.
This 2026 edition has several distinctive features. Between a vintage produced in limited quantities, 52 cuvees on offer and a first-ever Presidents' Barrel, the bidding is set to be followed especially closely.
The Hospices de Beaune, a unique wine heritage
Founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin and Guigone de Salins, the Hospices de Beaune are today one of the symbols of Burgundian heritage.
Over the centuries, numerous gifts of vines have built up a prestigious estate made of parcels in several renowned appellations.
Since 1859, the wines of the estate have been sold at an annual auction.
The proceeds help fund hospital projects, continuing the charitable mission of this historic institution.
That feature sets the Hospices de Beaune apart from other estates: every cuvee embodies a terroir, a history and a commitment at once.
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The 2026 vintage: scarcity at the centre of the bidding
The 2026 vintage in Burgundy was marked by demanding weather, with a direct effect on yields.
For this 166th edition, 432 barrels of wine and two feuillettes will go under the hammer, representing 52 cuvees.
Those limited quantities sharpen interest in certain appellations, particularly where available volumes are small.
Scarcity alone, however, is no guarantee of quality.
Structure, balance and ageing potential remain essential to judging the character of a great wine.
Under Ludivine Griveau, the estate's winemaker, the 2026 Hospices de Beaune wines will have to reveal the full personality of their Burgundian terroirs.
Clos de Vougeot, a historic first
One of the major novelties of this edition concerns the traditional Presidents' Barrel.
In 2026, it will be represented for the first time by a Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, from a parcel given to the Hospices de Beaune by the Faiveley family.
Located in the Cote de Nuits, Clos de Vougeot ranks among the most prestigious appellations in Burgundy.
Its red wines, made from Pinot Noir, are known for their complexity and their ability to develop over time.
This new cuvee is a major event for the estate and should draw the attention of bidders.
It is also a reminder of how important donations have been in enriching the Hospices' wine heritage.
Why do collectors follow this sale?
The great wines of Burgundy hold a particular place on the international market.
Their reputation rests on the diversity of the terroirs, the precision of the appellations and the sometimes very limited quantities of certain cuvees.
The Wine Sale of the Hospices de Beaune therefore attracts buyers drawn as much by the story of the bottles as by their qualities.
Run by Sotheby's, the auction will show how much interest trade buyers and collectors have in the 2026 vintage.
Prices will depend on the scarcity of the lots, the reputation of the appellations and international demand.
The sums reached are not, however, a guarantee of future value. The market for grands crus remains influenced by many economic factors.
A prestigious sale in the service of charity
Behind the great wines and the bidding, the Hospices de Beaune keep a deeply humanitarian mission.
The Presidents' Barrel, also known as the Charity Barrel, supports causes chosen each year.
In 2026 the beneficiaries will be ARSLA, which supports people with motor neurone disease, and DEBRA France, which works with people affected by epidermolysis bullosa.
Melanie Doutey, Eric Judor and Ramzy Bedia will take part in this edition as honorary presidents.
Their presence will help put these charities in the spotlight and encourage bidders.
The sale is a reminder that the prestige of grands crus can also serve a charitable cause.
Hospices de Beaune 2026: an eagerly awaited date
On Sunday 15 November, the Halles de Beaune will host this new edition from 2.30 pm.
Beyond the financial results, the event will showcase the winemaking skills and the exceptional heritage of Burgundy.
With a limited harvest, the arrival of the Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru and a strong charitable dimension, this 166th Wine Sale has several remarkable features.
Enthusiasts will be watching the result of the Presidents' Barrel in particular, along with the prices achieved by the various cuvees.
Conclusion: an edition between scarcity and generosity
The 2026 Hospices de Beaune sale promises to be a major event of the wine year.
This 166th edition will bring together Burgundy grands crus, a singular vintage and a historic Presidents' Barrel.
But beyond the prestige of the bottles, the Hospices de Beaune Wine Sale continues to carry an essential tradition: pairing winemaking excellence with charity.
A history that has run for centuries and that contributes to the international standing of Burgundy wines.
