Burgundy is the type of wine region that invites pleasure, fascination and even obsession. Now Burgundy lovers have the opportunity to purchase their own piece of wine history. On November 12, the Burgundy Wine Bureau (BIVB) will organize an auction of retired appellation signs. These signs, which until recently adorned the roadsides and vineyards of Burgundy, would make a beautiful addition to a wine cellar, tasting room or garden.

Bids can be placed online on auction sites Interauctions Or Drouot. The panels cover the entire Burgundian hierarchyregional signs from Burgundy passing through the villages and first vintage designations. There are also plaques for 23 of the 33 great winesof Montrachet in the Côte de Beaune in Mazis-Chambertin in the Coast of Nights. Specific location signs bear the name of the vineyard and its surface area in hectares.

Panels for 23 of the 33 Burgundians great wines are up for grabs. (BIVB)

Installed in 2006 and 2007 and replaced earlier this year, these signs provide useful geographic markers for visitors to Burgundy, where precise geography matters more than in any other wine region. They are also iconic symbols of legendary vineyards.

Rather than destroying the old signs, the BIVB decided to auction them for the benefit of the community. City of Climats and Burgundy winesa new organization which operates wine tourism and educational sites in Chablis, Beaune and Mâcon.

The director of the City, Olivier Le Roy, declared Wine spectator These funds will support the ongoing expansion and development of the group’s educational structures, particularly in Beaune. Proceeds will be used to improve accessibility, create additional language services and organize rotating exhibitions on a range of topics. Le Roy added that these funds will help the Cité pursue its objective of “transmitting the culture of Burgundian wine, education and social responsibility” by “welcoming all citizens”.

The auction will open on two brands from the Bâtard-Montrachet appellation. (BIVB)

The panels have been exposed to the elements for almost 20 years, so their condition varies. Some, especially the smaller ones, are visibly discolored, but others are in good condition. Potential bidders can review bids online before the auction. Price estimates for the 338 lots (comprising nearly 600 panels) range from about $30 to $55 for basic Burgundy plates to about $110 to $540 for Burgundy plates. grand cru markers.

The auction will be broadcast live from the Cité de Beaune campus on November 12. Register in advance to bid on Interauctions Or Drouot.