Don’t Miss Out: Own a Piece of Burgundy’s Rich History! Chris Lehoux, October 30, 2024 On November 12, a unique opportunity awaits as hundreds of retired appellation signs, including grands crus, will be available for bidding in an online auction. Burgundy is a wine region that captivates and enchants, making it a source of fascination for many. Now, enthusiasts of Burgundy have the opportunity to acquire a piece of winemaking lore. The Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) is organizing this auction for retired appellation signs. These signs, which recently graced the roads and vineyards of Burgundy, would enrich any wine cellar, tasting area, or garden. Bids can be submitted online via auction platforms Interenchères and Drouot. The collection includes signs that represent the full spectrum of the Burgundy hierarchy, encompassing regional Bourgogne, village, and premier cru categories. Additionally, plaques for 23 of the 33 grands crus are included, ranging from Montrachet in the Côte de Beaune to Mazis-Chambertin in the Côte de Nuits. Certain signs display the vineyard’s name along with its size in hectares. These signs, installed in 2006 and 2007 and replaced earlier this year, serve as informative geographical references for visitors to Burgundy, where understanding the landscape is crucial to the wine experience. Moreover, they are iconic representations of renowned vineyards. Instead of discarding the old signs, the BIVB chose to auction them off to support the Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne, a newly established organization focused on wine tourism and educational initiatives in Chablis, Beaune, and Mâcon. The director of the Cité, Olivier Le Roy, shared with Wine Spectator that the funds raised will aid in the continued growth and enhancement of the group’s educational facilities, particularly in Beaune. The money generated will allow for improvements in accessibility, the introduction of more language services, and the development of rotating exhibits covering various subjects. Le Roy emphasized that the financial support will further the Cité’s mission of “transmitting Burgundy wine culture, education, and social responsibility” by “welcoming all people.” The signs have been subjected to weather conditions for nearly 20 years, resulting in varying states of condition. Some signs, particularly the smaller ones, show noticeable fading, while others remain in good condition. Interested bidders can review the items available online prior to the auction. Price estimates for the 338 lots, which include nearly 600 signs, range from approximately $30–$55 for the standard Bourgogne plaques to about $110–$540 for the grand cru markers. The auction is set to be livestreamed from the Cité’s campus in Beaune on November 12. Those interested in bidding can register in advance at Interenchères or Drouot. About the Author: Chris Lehoux Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored! Wine