Founded in 1443, the Hospices de Beaune was originally for a home and sanctuary for the poor. Throughout the centuries, its vocation remains the same: the quality of care is still as high, in numerous satellite establishments, and the famous auction that is held once a year takes place above all for charity purposes.Today, numerous donated parcels of vines make up a superb domain which includes 60 hectares of vines situated mostly in Grand Crus and Premiers Crus. The annual Hospices de Beaune auction, created in 1859, has always been held on the third Sunday in November. This charitable event, that is amongst the most broadcast in the world, is an important trend indicator for the Burgundy wine market. The catalogue lots at the auction are named 'cuvée' and are indicated with the name of the wine or village and one of the names of the institution's benefactors. Apart from the two charity barrels, all the profits from the auction are used to finance projects carried out by the institution. The wine commercialised during the sale is wine produced in the year. The wine is sold in barrels called 'pièces', (containing 228 litres).

Each of the lots acquired during the auction is entrusted to a winemerchant who is responsible for ageing and bottling the crus. Moreover the Beaune appellation, which is the most emblematic, the Hospices have parcels situated in Corton, Mazis-Chambertin, Monthèlie, Pernand Vergelesses, Pommard, Savigny-lès-Beaune and Volnay appellations.