On April 20, the Centre Hospitalier de Tonnerre will stage the very first auction of “Vins des Hospices de Tonnerre” as part of Salon des Vins 2025 – Les Vinées Tonnerroises. Proceeds will fuel the restoration and ongoing preservation of the 13th‑century Hôtel‑Dieu, founded in 1293 by Marguerite de Bourgogne and regarded as one of Europe’s largest medieval hospices.
Thanks to generous donations from vineyards in Tonnerre, Épineuil, Chablis and across the Aube, the sale will showcase the estate’s own Cuvée Marguerite de Bourgogne—a dry Chardonnay aged two years on its lees—alongside premier crus from regional producers. Master auctioneer Maître Aurélie Guen will oversee live bidding in Tonnerre, with remote participation available via Interencheres.com.
The initiative reflects a broad coalition of stakeholders—from viticulturists like Dominique Détolle of Domaine des 4 Saisons to members of the local tourism commission—working in concert to safeguard Burgundy’s architectural and cultural heritage. Net proceeds will ensure the Hôtel‑Dieu continues to welcome visitors and honor its centuries‑old legacy.