A rare vintage, a rising global profile, and a cause that truly matters—the 64th Hospices de Nuits auction promises exceptional Burgundy wines and the chance to make a difference. Here’s what to expect from the event.
The annual Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges wine auction is set to take place on 9th March 2025 at Château du Clos de Vougeot, marking its 64th edition. While smaller in scale than its more famous counterpart in Beaune, this auction has been steadily growing in international recognition, attracting global buyers keen to support both the local hospital and Burgundy’s celebrated wines.
At the press briefing on 13th February, held at the historic Château du Clos de Vougeot, the organisers outlined the challenges and highlights of this year’s event. The mayor of Nuits-Saint-Georges, Alain Carton, acknowledged the financial pressures faced by hospitals, explaining that “looking for money is hard,” and underlined how vital the auction is in funding local healthcare projects.
A small yet exceptional vintage
Despite facing difficult weather conditions, particularly in September, 2024 has yielded a remarkably "high-quality vintage". However, quantities are significantly lower than usual. With yields at just 9.5 hectolitres per hectare and only 36 barrels produced (compared to a typical 100), the 2024 vintage will be rare. Speaking at the auction briefing, Jean-Marc Moron, director of The Hospices de Nuits, described the wines as “complex, rich and elegant,” with fermentation already completed for the reds. The wines, some already aged for three to four months in barrels, reflect the strength of the terroir, spanning 15 different Premier Crus.
For the first time, the charity auction will feature a white wine: Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru Les Terres Blanches. With Chardonnay covering only 5% of the appellation, this rare offering adds a notable dimension to the event. In another break from tradition, organisers will auction bottles from past vintages (2005 to 2017) to compensate for the lower barrel count this year.
A rising international profile
Originally a local event, the Hospices de Nuits auction has been steadily gaining traction on the international stage. This year marks the first time iDealwine will organise the auction, bringing its global expertise in online sales to the event. The auction house, founded in 2000, is a leader in digital wine auctions and has a presence in Paris, Beaune, Bordeaux, Hong Kong, Singapore, and New York. The partnership is a strategic move to further expand the reach of the auction beyond Burgundy, a shift welcomed by organisers keen to raise its profile.
Speaking at the press briefing, Cyrille Jomand, the CEO of iDealwine highlighted how the event aligns with their ethos: a blend of charity and fine wine, which resonates with their international clientele. The auction will be accessible both in person and online via Drouot Live, allowing bidders worldwide to participate.
Supporting a critical cause
Each year, the auction raises vital funds for the local hospital, with a portion of the proceeds dedicated to a chosen charity. This year’s beneficiary is Coucou nous voilou, a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the hospital experience for terminally ill children.
Founder Marc Salem, who previously directed one of France’s largest children’s hospitals, explained that while medical treatment is paramount, the emotional and psychological well-being of young patients is often overlooked. The charity funds projects that bring comfort to hospitalised children—whether through providing superhero-themed infusion bag covers or organising special outings. At the press briefing, Salem explained, for context, that Coucou nous voilou has €150,000 worth of projects planned but still needs the funding to make them a reality.
To support the charity, this year’s pièce de charité—the charity barrel—will be a blend of nine different Premier Crus, a special selection that is expected to generate strong bidding interest.
Market trends and auction expectations
The broader wine market has faced challenges recently, with prices dropping by 30% in some regions. However, Burgundy remains resilient, with high-quality wines maintaining their appeal. Organisers remain optimistic that the auction will see strong prices, particularly given the exceptional quality of the vintage and the increasing international interest in the event.
“The auction increases our visibility in the market,” Moron noted, emphasizing that the Hospices de Nuits serves not only as a fundraising initiative but also as a showcase for Burgundy’s historic winemaking expertise.
With its combination of historic tradition, outstanding wines, and charitable giving, the 64th Hospices de Nuits auction promises to be a highlight of the 2025 Burgundy wine calendar. Whether in the auction hall at Clos de Vougeot or bidding from afar, wine lovers have an opportunity to support both a remarkable cause and a unique piece of Burgundian heritage.
How to Take Part in the Hospices de Nuits Auction
The 64th Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges auction will take place at Château du Clos de Vougeot on Sunday, 9th March 2025, starting at 3 pm. Whether attending in person or bidding remotely, both private individuals and professionals can participate in the event.
Registering for the auction
All bidders must register in advance, with the deadline set for Thursday, 6th March at 23:59 (French time). There are multiple ways to take part:
In Person at the Château – Attendees can register on-site, but must provide proof of identity, banking details (IBAN), and, for professional buyers, a business registration document (Kbis).
Online via Drouot Live – For those unable to attend, live bidding is available through Drouot Live. Bidders must create an account on drouot.com and validate their participation with iDealwine before the registration deadline.
By Phone or Purchase Request – Buyers can submit a purchase request or arrange for phone bidding. iDealwine will place bids on their behalf according to pre-submitted instructions. These requests must be submitted in writing before 6th March.
What can you buy?
The auction primarily sells barrels (pièces) of wine, each holding 228 litres (about 288 bottles). However, for the first time, bottles from older vintages (2005–2017) will also be available, sold in lots of 1, 2, 3, or 6 bottles.
Additionally, the charity barrel (pièce de charité)—this year a blend of nine Premier Crus—can be purchased through a separate system, with buyers registering for bottles instead of bidding in the main auction.
