Burgundy Vacation vs. The Kentucky Derby

We sometimes write about the famous wine auctions held at the Hospices de Beaune (and de Nuits) in these blogs, but it’s not so often that we cover auctions in America. We’ll make an exception, however, to report that at a recent charity auction in Atlanta, one lucky bid secured the top lot in the live auction for a luxury Burgundy vacation for six days and nights for three couples at the Domaine de Cromey — and for more than was paid for an elite Kentucky Derby day! 

We have donated this prize every year since the beginning of the auction in 1993 as part of our philanthropic mission. In fact, we are the oldest prize contributor to the auction. Over the years we have welcomed many from the auction and from the Atlanta area and are proud to be a small part of it.

The six-day Burgundy vacation in the heart of the region at Domaine de Cromey – home of BurgundyWine.com in France – went for $95,000, which guarantees the winning bidder a week’s worth of exclusive Burgundy wine tours, presented by our chefs Ellie and Joss, and the unbeatable backdrop of the gorgeous Burgundy countryside. 

Not familiar with Domaine de Cromey? Want to learn more about a Burgundy Vacation? Allow us to set the scene... 

Your Burgundy House Party at Domaine de Cromey

Over the last 30 years of living in Burgundy, we have built up local contacts to allow visitors to experience things that the average tourist could never hope to see. We can introduce you to our favorite winemakers, to their domaines and cellars, and craft itineraries especially for you. But the fun doesn’t stop there – the sheer variety of places to see nearby makes Cromey the ideal base for an exploration of the whole region. Why not consider some of the following day trips? 

• Burgundy Biking Vacation - A Cyclist’s Dream: We frequently accommodate cyclists and collaborate with experienced cycling guides, nature guides, and climbers who can provide advice on routes and show you the best spots. Our professional partners in the area offer high-quality bikes for rent, catering to all levels of expertise. Biking in Burgundy is a vast topic in itself, as there are over 2,900km of stunning cycle routes to explore. These routes can lead you to renowned vineyards, historic castles, picturesque canals, and charming cafes and restaurants. 

• A Trip to Mâcon – White Wine Country: When in Mâcon, you can visit the cathedrals, and the rocks of Solutré and Vergisson, where on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Alps. Just a half-hour drive northwest of Mâcon, you'll find the ancient town of Cluny and its famous abbey. 

• Discover Auxerre – on Burgundy’s Famous Waterways: Auxerre (pronounced "Ausserre") is located in the department of Yonne, about 150 km southeast of Paris, roughly midway between the capital and Domaine de Cromey. It is also just 20 km from Chablis. The city is well-connected by its famous waterways, such as the Canal de Nivernais, which helped the city's industry to grow. Today, visitors can explore the waterways at a leisurely pace by taking one of the many boat trips on offer in the city.  

Two Ways to Stay With Us At Domine de Cromey

At Domaine de Cromey, we offer two options for our guests' Burgundy vacation. The first option is to participate in one of our renowned Burgundy House Parties. You have the opportunity to select family and/or friends to invite, for a maximum of 12 guests (which can be extended to 14 if needed). During your stay, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to the estate, including the beautiful gardens, pool area, salon, tasting room, dining room, and luxurious accommodations. Our dedicated staff, including your own private chef and concierge service, will ensure that your trip is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Or you might prefer to come to one of our Mix and Meet weeks! You'll enjoy the same wonderful experience as our Burgundy House Party, but if you don’t have a large enough group, or you simply want to socialize with other like-minded individuals, this is the perfect option. Our Domaine de Cromey Mix and Meet weeks quickly turn into lively gatherings, with guests bonding over their shared love for great food and wine, often forming lasting friendships. You'll live like a local, meet top producers, sample unique wines, and create unforgettable memories. 

To learn more about the magic of a Burgundy vacation at Domaine de Cromey, take a look at our sample itinerary to get a taste of what you can expect. All stays last a week and run from Sunday to Saturday. 

Interested in learning more about the wine auction at the Hospices de Beaune? Then read on... 

Bid for a Barrel or a Share - Here's How 

An important part of any visit to Beaune, the capital of the region and the heart of its wine industry, is a trip to the renowned Hospices de Beaune. Now it can be the highlight of your Burgundy vacation too... This beautifully-tiled building is a symbol of the influential yet compassionate Dukes of Burgundy, who originally established it as the Hôtel-Dieu. Each November, on the third Sunday, a wine auction takes place here to raise funds for charitable causes. Dennis Sherman from burgundywine.com by Elden Selections attends every year, and you can find information on how to participate in a Hospices auction and buy a barrel share here, as well as sample Hospice de Beaune wines from Elden Selections. For a complete list of upcoming events and booking details, please visit the Beaune Tourism website. 

Put 2025’s High Museum of Art Wine Auction in Your Diary 

Since 1993 these wine auctions have raised over $37m for the High Museum of Art. If you want to take part in next year’s auction, it’ll be held on March 20-22, 2025, so put the dates in your diary. 

The Museum is located in the heart of Atlanta. Audiences from around the world are captivated by its unique collection, busy schedule of exhibitions, and community-focussed activities. Featuring a collection of nearly 20,000 works of art, the museum is located inside facilities designed by award-winning architects Richard Meier and Renzo Piano. 

Keep an eye out for more articles on our Domaine de Cromey blog for more Burgundy vacation ideas, but also over on our BurgundyWine.com blog, where you can ready our handy How To guides, appellation profiles, producer information, and lots of other fascinating viticultural writing!