Burgundy is the type of wine region that invites delight, fascination and even obsession. Now, Burgundy fans have the chance to buy their very own piece of wine history. On November 12, the Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) will conduct an auction of retired appellation signs. The signs, which until recently adorned the roadsides and vineyards of Burgundy, would make a great addition to a wine cellar, tasting room or garden.
Bids can be placed online at auction sites Interenchères or Drouot. The signs cover the entirety of the Burgundy hierarchy, from regional Bourgogne signs through village and premier cru designations. There are also plaques for 23 of the 33 grands crus, from Montrachet in the Côte de Beaune to Mazis-Chambertin in the Côte de Nuits. Signs for specific sites bear the name of the vineyard and its surface area in hectares.
Installed in 2006 and 2007 and replaced earlier this year, the signs are helpful geographical markers for visitors to Burgundy, where precise geography matters more than in any other wine region. They’re also iconic symbols of legendary vineyards.
Rather than trash the old signs, the BIVB decided to auction them to benefit the Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne, a new organization that operates wine tourism and educational sites in Chablis, Beaune and Mâcon.
Cité director Olivier Le Roy told Wine Spectator that funds will support the ongoing expansion and development of the group’s educational facilities, especially in Beaune. The proceeds will support accessibility improvements, the creation of additional language services, and rotating exhibits on a range of topics. Le Roy added that the funds will help the Cité further its goal of “transmitting Burgundy wine culture, education and social responsibility” by “welcoming all people.”
The signs have been exposed to the elements for almost 20 years, so their condition varies. Some, especially the smaller ones, are noticeably faded, but others are in good shape. Prospective bidders can scope out the offerings online ahead of the auction. Price estimates for the 338 lots (comprising almost 600 signs) range from around $30–$55 for the basic Bourgogne plaques to around $110–$540 for the grand cru markers.
The auction will be livestreamed from the Cité’s campus in Beaune on November 12. Register to bid in advance at Interenchères or Drouot.
