In 1976, the Judgment of Paris changed the course of wine history and established Napa Valley as a world-class wine region. This blind tasting, organized by British wine merchant Steven Spurrier, shocked the wine world when California wines—then considered just upstarts—triumphed over French icons.

At the time, Napa was still seen as an emerging region, its wines largely dismissed by the European establishment. Yet the results of that tasting—particularly with Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon—revealed a new paradigm: that greatness could come from outside the Old World, shaped by site, climate, and vision rather than legacy alone.

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of this pivotal event. To build excitement, the seven Napa Valley wineries that participated in the original tasting –  Spring Mountain Vineyard, Heitz Cellar, Chateau Montelena, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Clos du Val, Freemark Abbey, Heitz Cellar, and Mayacamas Vineyards – are kicking off a year-long celebration, including exclusive tastings and commemorative events. 

Visitors are invited to Napa Valley to explore the stories behind these iconic estates, and to help with trip planning, a comprehensive travel guide has been created, featuring thoughtfully curated itineraries, maps, and recommendations for dining and accommodations. You can access the guide online at JoP50.com.

At Spring Mountain Vineyard, we will be offering the Judgment of Paris experience, inviting guests to dive deep into our origin story, including the evolution of our famed Chardonnay. During the tasting, guests will trace this wine across vintages, discovering how Spring Mountain’s elevation, volcanic soils and cool exposures contribute to the incredible balance, texture, and mountain-driven elegance.

Don’t miss this opportunity to retrace the steps of this historic event. Now is the perfect time to plan your epic Napa Valley trip and immerse yourself in exclusive tastings and commemorative events that shaped this moment in time. Each property offers guests a chance to step into a living legacy, where history is not only remembered but poured into every glass.

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