The world-famous Christian hospice in the town of Beaune in the Côte d'Or wine-growing region of Burgundy is also aptly named "Hôtel Dieu" (Hotel of God). It was founded for charitable purposes in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin (1376-1462), the chancellor of the Burgundian Duke Philip the Good (1396-1467) and his wife Guigone de Salins (1403-1470). Since then, the income from the associated vineyards and farmland has been used to help the poor and care for the elderly and sick. The vineyards and arable land increased steadily through donations and inheritances in the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits sub-areas. After half a millennium, the estate now comprises 62 hectares of vineyards spread over around 40 plots, all of which have Grand Cru or Premier Cru status.
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien