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At this year's charity wine auction at the Hospices de Beaune, international film stars will chair the event. The French actors Jean Reno and Zabou Breitman, as well as the British actor Dominic West and the American film star Eva Longoria, will be present live in Beaune on November 17, according to organizers. Jean Reno and Eva Longoria will represent the 'Global Gift Foundation,' one of the two charities that will receive the proceeds from the sale of the main lot: the so-called 'pièce des présidents' ('pièce' refers to a barrel in Burgundy). In addition to the Spanish charity, 'Doctors Without Borders' will also be supported this year. Their ambassadors, Zabou Breitman and Dominic West, will represent them.
The auction of the president's piece is traditionally the highlight of the auction. Last year, it was sold for 350,000 euros (excluding fees). That equates to 1,215 euros per bottle. The record was set in 2021 at 800,000 euros. Since this year's harvest was low due to heavy rainfall and diseases, only 438 pieces and three feuillettes (half barrels) will be offered for sale, in addition to the president's piece. Furthermore, 2024 marks the first organic certified harvest. Last year, there were 802 lots that brought in a total of around 23 million euros. Besides the sale of the president's piece, the proceeds from the auction, which was established in 1849, are intended for investments in the hospital of Beaune and for the nine nursing homes. The hospices do not receive public funding. Since their founding in the 15th century, the hospices have operated a hospital service through donations from private individuals.
(ru / La revue du vin de France)