Have you ever noticed the distinct appellation signs dotted around Burgundy? The name of each appellation appears in black on a white background featuring a vine leaf. One lets you know you’re in the hallowed ground of “Grands-Echézeaux Grand Cru” while another informs you that you’ve arrived in a lesser-known gem such as “Bourgogne Chitry”. Closer to home, perhaps you have a favorite Burgundy appellation that’s the prize of your wine cellar or dinner table?

Well, anyone who loves red or white Burgundy will be delighted to learn that they now have the
opportunity to own a unique piece of this legendary wine region for $32 to $550. On November 12th, the Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) is organizing a special online auction of almost 600 charming decommissioned appellation signs.

“Whether it’s the Grand Auxerrois, Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits, Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais, and whether you’re a professional, an enthusiast or a lover of Bourgogne wines, one of these signs could find its place in your home or garden, or even at the heart of your business,” says the BIVB.

The event comprises 300 lots covering Grand Cru, Village, and regional appellations so there will be plenty of choice for any Bourgogne lover seeking a memento from the area’s rich vinicultural heritage.

The appellation signs to appear in the auction have graced the Burgundy landscape for 20 years, enhancing visitors’ experience by signposting the famous wine spots of the region.

The sale comes as the board released them from service at the end of 2023 to introduce new signs featuring a vineyard motif, aimed at strengthening the region’s wine tourism experience. This drive has occurred in parallel with the openings of the Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne in Chablis, Beaune, and Mâcon.

These state-of-the-art wine cultural centers highlight each sub-region’s unique qualities through
bespoke museums, sensory experiences, wine tastings, and workshops, providing an authentic
experience of Burgundy by bringing visitors, local winegrowers, and merchants together under one roof.

Meanwhile, hundreds of old appellations signs are looking for a new home and a fresh lease of life in a fan’s garden, living room, office, or wine cellar.

The sale will feature the following signs:

• 29 Grand Cru appellation signs (1.3m x 0.6m)
• 280 Régionale or Village appellation signs (1.9m x 0.4m)

• 280 "Bourgognes" signs (1.9m x 0.4m) and the Bourgogne "B" logo (0.45m diameter)

The November 12th auction will be live-streamed from the Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne in Beaune from 2 to 6 pm local time. Seasoned auctioneers Jérôme Duvillard and Alexandra Chaillou-Weidmann will conduct the sale which will take place via the websites drouot.com and interencheres.com.

To participate in the auction, visit drouot.com or interencheres.com to view the available lots. If there’s a sign that you have your eye on, you need to register in advance on the platform. This will require identification and a payment card. Shipping or collection details are available on the auction websites.

If you are interested in the auction but want to watch the event without bidding, the BIVB told WGW that you don’t need to register. Simply visit the auctioneers’ sites at the time of the sale for live streaming.

As a new owner of a Burgundy appellation sign, you will not only have a unique souvenir of the region, but you will also be supporting local wine tourism. Auction proceeds are earmarked to boost the cultural programming of the Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne. Funds will go towards expanding the center’s conferences and exhibitions on Burgundy’s cultural and historical wine heritage.

That just leaves the question: where are you going to display your new Burgundy appellation sign?

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