November 17, 2019: date of the 159th Hospices de Beaune wine auction

Famous throughout the world, the Hospices de Beaune wine auction attracts professionals and wine lovers every year. Held on the third Sunday in November, it is punctuated by festive moments and entertainment. This year, this charity wine event will take place on November 17, with festivities scheduled from November 15 to 17. Organized by Christie's since 2005, this auction is sponsored for its 159th edition by several personalities: journalist Ophélie Meunier, actor François-Xavier Demaison, and basketball player Tony Parker. And for the "Presidents' Room," it is a Burgundy grand cru which was chosen, a Corton Bressandes, the proceeds from the sale of which will 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, including €230,000 for the two "Presidents' coins." For the 2019 edition, the quantity had to be revised downwards due to unfavorable weather conditions: lack of rain and frost in winter, heatwave in June, storms and hail in July... The yield is therefore lower. As a result, 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. However, although 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 more acidity, a typical feature 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 know. We'll have to wait a few more days to find out. But we already know that the 2019 edition will be full of festivities. Throughout the weekend, many estates and wine merchants will open their cellars and offer tours and tastings. Entertainment is also planned, including street performances, a food village, and a folkloric parade. At the end of the auction, which can be followed live on the Internet, a candlelit dinner will be held. And, as tradition dictates, the president's coin will be auctioned off by "candle." All in all, a wonderful program for this year's Hospices de Beaune wine auction!