Hundreds of signs with appellation for Burgundian wines are sold at auction

Burgundy is the type of wine region that invites delight, fascination and even obsession. Now Burgundian fans have the chance to buy their own piece of wine history. On November 12, the Burgundy Wine Board (BIVB) will hold an auction of old designation 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 on auction sites Interencheres or Drouot. The signs cover the entire area Burgundian hierarchyof regional signs Burgundy through village and premier cru names. There are also plaques for 23 of the 33 grand crusof Montrachet in the Cote de Beaune to Mazis-Chambertin in the Cote de Nuits. Signs for specific locations bear the name of the vineyard and its area hectares.

Boards for 23 of the Burgundian 33 grand crus are there for the taking. (BIVB)

The signs, installed in 2006 and 2007 and replaced earlier this year, are useful geographical markers for visitors to Burgundy, where precise geography is more important than in any other wine region. They are also iconic symbols of legendary vineyards.

Instead of throwing away the old signs, the BIVB decided to auction them for the benefit of the Cité des Climats and wines from Burgundya new organization operating wine tourism and educational sites in Chablis, Beaune and Mâcon.

Cité director Olivier Le Roy explains Wine spectator those funds will support the continued expansion and development of the group’s educational facilities, particularly in Beaune. Proceeds will benefit accessibility improvements, the creation of additional language services and rotating exhibitions on a range of topics. Le Roy added that the funds will help the Cité achieve its goal of “transmitting Burgundian wine culture, education and social responsibility” by “welcoming all people.”

The auction opens with bidding on two Bâtard-Montrachet appellation boards. (BIVB)

The signs have been exposed to the elements for almost twenty years, so their condition varies. Some, especially the smaller ones, are noticeably faded, but others are in good condition. Potential bidders can view the offer online prior to the auction. Price estimates for the 338 lots (consisting of nearly 600 plates) range from about $30-$55 for the basic Burgundy plaques to about $110-$540 for the big cru markings.

The auction will be streamed live from the Cité campus in Beaune on November 12. Register to pre-bid Interencheres or Drouot.