Hospices of Sonoma

The Hospices of Sonoma Barrel Auction was a glorious affair held last Saturday, April 21, at Shone Farm in Sebastopol, California. The auction is modeled after the Hospices de Beaune held each year the third weekend of November in Beaune, France. Hospices de Beaune, also known as Hôtel- Dieu, was founded in 1443 as a charitable hospital by Nicolas Rolin, former Chancellor to the Duke of Burgundy, and his wife Guigone de Salins. Rolin was a rich man who gave back to the poor the money he had gained from them and the building is a monument to him. (At the right is Chancellor Rolin painted by Van Eyck)

And there's more, including 2 tasting notes for wines from 1 winery!