Judgment of Paris - 1976
The Judgment of Paris (1976)
A blind tasting in Paris that changed the global perception of fine wine.
Location: InterContinental Hotel, Paris
Organizer: Steven Spurrier
Format: Blind tasting comparing French and Californian wines
The Judgment of Paris was a pivotal event in the history of the wine industry. Held on May 24, 1976, the blind tasting was organized by British wine merchant Steven Spurrier to compare wines from California’s Napa Valley with the traditional benchmarks of France, particularly Bordeaux and Burgundy.
The tasting was conducted by a panel of nine French judges, composed of leading sommeliers, critics and wine professionals. Two flights were served: Chardonnay for the whites and Cabernet Sauvignon for the reds.
Key Results
Chardonnay Category
- 1st: Château Montelena 1973 — Napa Valley
- 2nd: Meursault-Charmes (Roulot) 1973 — Burgundy
Cabernet Sauvignon Category
- 1st: Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 1973 — Napa Valley
- 2nd: Château Mouton Rothschild 1970 — Bordeaux
The unexpected victories of Château Montelena and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars shocked the wine world. For the first time, wines from California had defeated some of the most prestigious estates of France in a blind tasting judged by French experts.
The results attracted international attention and transformed the perception of American wine. The tasting helped establish the credibility of Napa Valley and opened the door for the rise of the New World wine regions on the global stage.
Today, the Judgment of Paris is widely considered a turning point in modern wine history — a moment that demonstrated that great wine could come from many places beyond Europe.