Some evenings are destined to linger long after the last glass, and the charity gala on 6th December 2025 at the Hospices de Beaune promises to be one of them – a meeting of fine wine, gastronomy and generosity in support of research into Motor Neurone Disease.
The Spirit behind the event
The evening is driven by François Ponnelle, founder of Fight Charcot, who was diagnosed Motor Neurone Disease (the illness is called ‘maladie de Charcot’ in French) at 31 and has since dedicated himself – alongside his sister Aude – to raising awareness and funding research. Together with Les Invincibles, a charity created by three men also living with the disease, François has shaped an event that reflects Burgundy’s long tradition of solidarity and generosity.
A setting steeped in history
The night opens with a recital by internationally renowned pianist Anne Queffélec in the atmospheric Salle des Pôvres, before moving to the Bastion for dinner – a rarely opened historic space. Four Michelin-starred chefs – Marcon, Patrick Henriroux, Pierre-Louis Vigilant and Jean-Michel Lorain – will prepare a six-course menu with pairings chosen by Xavier Thuizat, Best Sommelier in France and sommelier at Hôtel de Crillon. Wines are generously donated by leading Burgundy estates including Domaine de l’Arlot, Arnoux-Lachaux, Hudelot-Noëllat, Matrot and Bachelet-Monnot.
The iDealwine charity auction
The evening also features a standout auction hosted on the iDealwine websites, with estates from Burgundy and beyond donating rare bottles, large formats and exclusive experiences. Highlights include magnums from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Bizot, Angerville, Roulot, Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey, Comte Lafon and Keller; jeroboams from Denis Mortet, Comte Senard, Ramonet and Bonneau du Martray; and coveted bottles from Macle, Yquem, Cheval-Blanc, Clos des Lambrays and Screaming Eagle.
The online catalogue opens 25th November on iDealwine.com and closes at 10.30pm CET on 6th December, with a handful of rare lots auctioned live during the dinner by iDealwine CEO and licensed auctioneer Cyrille Jomand, joined by artist Marine Bibas.
How to take part?
Attend the charity evening
This unique event at the Hotel de Beaune is €800 per person which includes the dinner and the wine pairings. During the dinner, you’ll be sat alongside iDealwine representatives, Cyrille Jomand, the company’s CEO, and Angélique de Lencquesaing, co-founder.
This event is practically sold out so if you would like to go, don’t wait to reserve your spot.
Bid from a distance
The lots will be available on the iDealwine website from 25 November until 10:30pm CET on 6 December. A few rare lots will be sold at the event on the night and if you would like to see the catalogue for this part of the auction, please contact us. You can pass along your purchase orders and requests for telephone bids to us so that you can bid on the lots going under the hammer on the night.
