Internationally recognized for the magnificence of their architecture, the Hospices de Beaune also owe their notoriety to the annual wine auction that has become the most famous charity wine sale in the world. Established in 1859 in the form of candlelight auctions, the event constitutes a work of charity faithful to the spirit of the founders of the hospital institution, Nicolas Rolin and his wife, Guigone de Salins. The auction provides the Hospices de Beaune with substantial income. Particularly time-consuming, the traditional candlelight procedure is now reserved for a limited number of auctions - the President's pieces and the Charity pieces - in each sale.