Every year on the third weekend of November, the Burgundy wine world gathers in Beaune. On Sunday, November 15, 2026, the 166th Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction will open under the town's historic market halls, at the center of a festive weekend known as Les Trois Glorieuses. To enjoy it all without the crowds, Château la Commaraine, a 5-star château hotel in Pommard, is the ideal base: the auction is ten minutes away, and at night you return to the quiet of a Premier Cru vineyard.
The World's Most Famous Charity Wine Auction
Since 1859, the Hospices Civils de Beaune have auctioned the wines of their estate, built up over the centuries through gifts of vineyards from benefactors. The proceeds support Beaune's hospital and the upkeep of the Hôtel-Dieu, founded in 1443 by Chancellor Nicolas Rolin. Run with Sotheby's, the auction sets the tone for the new vintage each year and draws buyers, merchants and wine lovers from around the world.
The highlight of the afternoon is the charity barrel, known as the Pièce des Présidents. In 2026, it is dedicated to fighting rare diseases, with proceeds going to DEBRA France and ARSLA.
Les Trois Glorieuses 2026: The Program
- Saturday, November 14: the chapter dinner of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin at Château du Clos de Vougeot, plus a half-marathon through the vineyards.
- Sunday, November 15: the 166th Wine Auction under the Halles de Beaune, with street events, tastings and illuminated monuments across the town center.
- Monday, November 16: the Paulée de Meursault, a winegrowers' feast where every guest brings their finest bottles.
The Clos de Vougeot dinner and the Paulée are by invitation or limited ticketing, while the festivities in central Beaune are open to everyone. For practical details, the Beaune Tourist Office is the best source.
2026, a Special Year for Pommard
This edition has a special meaning for Pommard: the appellation celebrates its 90th anniversary, having been recognized as an AOC on September 11, 1936, and the Hospices de Beaune own 7.20 hectares (nearly 18 acres) of vines here. The 2026 vintage, shaped by summer heat and an early harvest in mid-to-late August, promises powerful, concentrated wines. Staying at a château in Pommard that weekend means experiencing the auction from the village in the spotlight, the one whose wine Victor Hugo described as "the battle of day and night."
Château la Commaraine, Your Pommard Château for the Weekend
A former fiefdom of the Dukes of Burgundy, restored under the guidance of France's heritage authority, Château la Commaraine is Burgundy's first 5-star hotel set within the vines. Its 37 rooms and suites combine Burgundy stone and pale wood, and many look out over the Clos. For a group of friends coming for the Trois Glorieuses, the Villa des Vignes, a 211 m² (2,270 sq ft) private house within the Clos, has four bedrooms and suites.
On auction day, a private shuttle takes guests to central Beaune, just 10 minutes away: no hunting for parking in a town in full celebration, and no need to skip a glass. The château's Guest Experience Makers take care of the rest, from restaurant bookings to cellar visits. With the Inside the Hospices Wine Auction package, these van transfers are included.
Private Tastings in the Château's Winery
Between the weekend's main events, the estate opens its doors to hotel guests. The Clos de la Commaraine, a 3.63-hectare (9-acre) Pommard Premier Cru Monopole farmed biodynamically, is made in the winery rebuilt inside the château. During private tastings at Domaine de la Commaraine, Paul Krug's team introduces the estate's ten climats, from Chambolle-Musigny to Saint-Aubin.
To go further, the château can arrange visits to wine estates in Pommard, Beaune or Nuits-Saint-Georges, or a tour of Burgundy's great historic houses, from Clos de Vougeot to Savigny-lès-Beaune. A visit to the Hôtel-Dieu, the historic home of the Hospices, is part of the Burgundy heritage experiences.
Back to the Calm of the Estate
After the buzz of the auction halls, the château offers what Beaune cannot that weekend: peace and quiet. The spa, with its heated outdoor pool, sauna and hammam, is perfect for a November late afternoon. In the evening, Le VIII, the fine dining restaurant in the old vaulted cellar, serves its Nature, Parcellaires and Expression menus, while Le Clos offers seasonal Burgundy cooking, game included. End the night at the bar in the medieval tower, with a wine list by sommelier Victor Petiot.
The Inside the Hospices Wine Auction Package
To mark the Wine Auction, Château la Commaraine offers a dedicated package to experience one of Burgundy's most celebrated wine events: just minutes from the excitement of Beaune, discover the region's finest wines, culinary traditions and rich heritage, then retreat to the tranquility of the estate, surrounded by the vineyards of Pommard. Your stay includes:
- Two nights at Château la Commaraine, with daily breakfast for two.
- A dinner at Le Clos, featuring a special menu crafted by the Chef for the occasion.
- Van transfers to Beaune for seamless access to the heart of the festivities.
Go beyond the auction with exclusive access and insider experiences curated by the Guest Experience Makers:
- Behind the doors of Burgundy's prestigious wine estates: private visits and intimate tastings showcasing exceptional wines from the Hospices de Beaune.
- Inside the historic Hôtel-Dieu: a private guided tour of areas typically closed to the public, followed by a tasting in its historic wine cellars.
The package is available for a minimum two-night stay, starting at €2,030 for two guests. Dinner excludes beverages. Additional experiences are available upon request, at an extra charge and subject to availability.
Planning Your Stay for the Wine Auction
- Book early: the Trois Glorieuses weekend is one of the busiest of the year in Beaune and the surrounding villages.
- Plan for two to three nights: arriving on Friday or Saturday lets you enjoy Saturday, the Sunday auction and, if invited, Monday's Paulée. The Inside the Hospices Wine Auction package requires a minimum two-night stay.
- Reserve your tables: restaurants in the area fill up fast, so book Le VIII or Le Clos when you book your room.
- Come ready for November: every room has boots and a raincoat for walks through the Clos.
- Traveling from abroad: Dijon's TGV station is 45 minutes away, and private transfers can be arranged on request.
To learn more about the château, read our introduction: Château la Commaraine: A 5-Star Château Hotel in the Vineyards of Pommard.
Key Facts
- 166th Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction: Sunday, November 15, 2026, under the Halles de Beaune, with Sotheby's.
- Les Trois Glorieuses: Saturday, November 14 to Monday, November 16, 2026 (Clos de Vougeot, Beaune, Meursault).
- 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the Pommard appellation.
- Château la Commaraine: a 5-star hotel in Pommard, 10 minutes from the Beaune auction.
- Private shuttle to Beaune, private tastings in the winery, spa and two restaurants.
- Inside the Hospices Wine Auction package: two nights with breakfast, dinner at Le Clos and van transfers to Beaune, from €2,030 for two guests.
FAQ
When is the 2026 Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction?
The 166th auction takes place on Sunday, November 15, 2026, under the Halles de Beaune, during the Trois Glorieuses weekend (November 14 to 16).
Can visitors attend the auction?
The festivities in central Beaune are open to all. Seating in the auction hall is limited, so check with the Beaune Tourist Office; the château's Guest Experience Makers can also help you plan the day.
How far is Château la Commaraine from Beaune?
The château is in Pommard, a 10-minute drive from central Beaune. On auction day, a private shuttle is available for guests.
Can I taste the estate's wines during my stay?
Yes. Hotel guests have privileged access to the winery and can book private tastings of Domaine de la Commaraine wines, including the Clos de la Commaraine Monopole, Pommard Premier Cru.
Is there a special package for the auction weekend?
Yes. The Inside the Hospices Wine Auction package includes two nights with daily breakfast for two, a dinner at Le Clos with a special menu crafted for the occasion (beverages excluded) and van transfers to Beaune, starting at €2,030 for two guests. The Guest Experience Makers can also arrange private wine estate visits and a private tour of the Hôtel-Dieu, at an extra charge and subject to availability.
