The Hospices de Beaune wine auction remains one of the most famous charity events in the world, bringing together wine professionals and connaisseurs. Every year since 1978, the Hospices has supported one or more charities represented by well-known personalities, donating to these causes the profits of the sale of a barrel of wine called “Presidents Piece”..

For this 157th sale held on November 19, 2017 in Beaune, for the first time 2 “charity pieces” from the Corton Grand-Cru Clos du Roi appellation were auctioned, for the benefit of 3 associations including the Tara Expeditions Foundation.

The mobilization of 2 faithful sponsors of the Tara Foundation — agnès b. and Julie Depardieu — inspired the enthusiasm of bidders. The sale of the “Presidents Piece” raised €420,000, shared by the 3 beneficiary associations, with €140,000 going to the Tara Expeditions Foundation. These funds will help finance Tara’s mission on the oceans and further research on the impact of climate change on this endangered ecosystem.

« It’s urgent to bring people closer to their planet. This is the first time the total sum of money made at this auction is dedicated to a cause like Tara, the ocean and climate. It touches me, because Tara is my passion. Tara, the sailors, scientists and their missions are recognized and supported today, because more and more people understand that the intimate link between Man and Nature can no longer be denied. But we have to act quickly now” said agnès b., co-founder of Tara Expeditions Foundation and sponsor of the Hospices de Beaune auction.

Julie Depardieu, another sponsor of the event, stated: “I am very pleased to represent the Tara Expeditions Foundation at the Hospices de Beaune auction. The funds raised will allow Tara to continue scientific research on the ocean, one of the lungs of our planet, important for the health of the environment and for all of us. I warmly thank the Hospices de Beaune and the buyers for their support

Many thanks to the Hospices de Beaune and the buyers of the “President’s Piece for their commitment to research and the ocean.