The history of the Hospices de Beaune dates back to 1443. The namesake of this luxurious Marc is a hospital founded to care for the sick and wounded after the 100 Year War between the English and French. It has remained an active hospital throughout five centuries, modernized over the years, with assets bequeathed and land donated to keep the facility solvent.
Today the Hospices owns 57 hectares of Grand Crus and Premier Crus in Côte de Beaune. Every year, on the third Sunday of November, wine lots and finished brandies from their premium vineyards are sold by auction in Burgundy, French Oak barrels. The proceeds go to the hospital, to the restoration of the historic building, and to the operation of the winery.
Bearing the label “Hospices de Beaune” serves at utmost exclusivity. It is very prestigious to be the highest bidder as the labels are produced only per the quantity won in auction each year.