Legendary Burgundies And Great Food In Beaune

Beaune is a beautiful little walled town that serves as Burgundy's wine, food, and charity capital. Its Hospices de Beaune hospital dates back to 1443, and each November since 1851, its auction of new barrels of some of the most prestigious cuvées from the new Burgundy vintage has been a highlight for pinot noir and chardonnay lovers – and buyers – from around the world.

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This year, there was much early damage in the famed vineyards along the Côte d'Or from hail and cold weather, reducing the crop by 30 to 50 percent. However, the resulting wines are delicious, and when I got one of the coveted press seats to the 152nd edition of the auction this past Sunday, I saw 2012 Burgundy prices go up and up, raising a record € 5.9 million or $7.5 million dollars for various charities – including one headed by France's former first lady, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.