Encourages Participation to Drive Awareness for the American Wine Industry
SONOMA, Calif. (May 30, 2024) – Today, three wine industry professionals have joined forces to announce The 1976 Redo, a friendly wine competition that aims to raise awareness for independent wine producers across the United States and for the American wine industry as a whole. Submissions are now open, and any American winery, whether a legacy or young up-and-coming brand, that produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, or Syrah is invited to participate. The deadline for submissions is June 21 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
In its inaugural year and in conjunction with 48th anniversary of the 1976 Judgement of Paris and the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, The 1976 Redo is led by Josh Entman, Founder and CEO of Vinohead, Patrick Cappiello, Owner and Winemaker at Monte Rio Cellars and Pax Mahle, Owner and Winemaker at Pax Wines. The complete panel of judges will be announced in the coming weeks. The first round of blind tastings will take place at The Barlow Market in Sebastopol, Calif., later this summer. Finalists that are selected from each varietal will be selected to go on to compete against French wines at the main event this fall. The 1976 Redo team has plans for a greater series of American wine competitions to promote the diversity and uniqueness that goes beyond the traditional varietals that have historically been produced in America.
“Forty-eight years after the pivotal Judgment of Paris wine tasting put American wines on the map, we’re gearing up for a renewed showdown with our legendary French rivals to showcase the new generation of American winemaking,” explained Entman. “Our goal all along has been to raise awareness for the American wine industry while fostering a sense of community and camaraderie in an otherwise competitive landscape.”
The 1976 Redo organizational partners have put together an impressive list of prominent U.S. winemakers and reputable wine industry professionals to create the new competition and its one that pays homage to the spirit of the original 1976 Paris tasting, but that will further showcase the incredible wines that are being produced in the U.S. today.
“This is just the beginning of a series of blind tasting events that will showcase the hard work of American winemakers and the diversity that their wines are offering to a younger generation of wine drinkers,” said Mahle.
There is a $15 administration fee for each wine submission. The 1976 Redo submission guidelines and form can be found here. All U.S. based wineries that qualify are encouraged to participate. Each winery is allowed to submit one wine per qualifying varietal that they believe best represents their brand and has a fighting chance to square off in the finals against rival French bottles. Fees assist with the production of the tasting event.
“We want this to be a fun and impactful moment for the American wine industry, so we launched The 1976 Redo to spark new interest and celebrate American winemaking. This is a friendly competition that provides an opportunity for U.S. producers of any size to gain widespread recognition,” said Cappiello.
For more information and a list of FAQs, please visit the76redo.com
More Information about The 1976 Redo Team
About Josh Entman
Josh Entman is a two-time founder with over 17 years’ experience at early-stage tech and digital media startups leading corporate strategy, business development, content creation, sales and marketing. Prior to launching Vinohead as a next-gen media and commerce platform, Josh co-founded Los Angeles-based viral video company, Jukin Media.
About Patrick Cappiello
Patrick Cappiello is the owner/winemaker of Monte Rio Cellars in Sonoma County, CA. His winemaking career began in 2017 when he moved to California from New York City, where he worked as a Sommelier since 2001. After working harvest with close friend Pax Mahle, he decided to make the move from the restaurant world to wine production. The first vintage of Monte Rio Cellars was 2018. He has been featured multiple times in the New York Times, Food & Wine Magazine, Men’s Journal, the New York Post, Forbes and Wine Spectator.
About Pax Mahle
In 2000, at the age of 29, Pax Mahle founded Pax Wine Cellars with his wife Pamela and has been creating provocative and conversation starting wines ever since. Pax’s focus has always been on the vineyard, what makes each vineyard unique and how best to emphasize that singularity in the bottle. Pax Mahle was named “Best New Winemaker” by Food & Wine Magazine in June 2005, and has been included in Wine & Spirits Top 100 Wineries for both Pax Wine Cellars and Wind Gap Wines. Over the years, Pax has mentored many young winemakers and hopes to inspire people to create and drink wines that push the conversation forward on freshness and transparency.
