Seven of the Iconic Wineries that Participated in the 1976 Tasting Join Together for a Year-Long Tribute
October 15, 2025 (Napa Valley, CA) — This harvest marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of one of the most pivotal moments in wine history: the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Judgment of Paris wine tasting.
In honor of this golden milestone, seven legendary Napa Valley wineries – Chateau Montelena, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Clos du Val, Freemark Abbey, Heitz Cellar, Mayacamas Vineyards and Spring Mountain Vineyard – have come together to invite wine lovers from around the world to retrace the roots of a revolution that forever changed the global perception of American wine. Fifty years after making history, these pioneering estates remain standard-bearers of Napa Valley, continually evolving, pushing boundaries and crafting wines that stand the test of time.
In the lead up to the Judgment of Paris 50th Anniversary next year, visitors can immerse themselves in a curated itinerary of exclusive tastings and commemorative events at the estates 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.
Whether guests are discovering these wineries for the first time or revisiting long-time favorites, the Judgment of Paris 50th Anniversary offers an unmatched opportunity to visit Napa Valley and experience Napa’s enduring influence on the world of wine.
Highlights of the year-long celebration include:
- Special Tasting Flights and Vertical Experiences featuring library vintages and rare pours tied to the Judgment of Paris era.
- Historical Tours and Storytelling that showcase original cellars, heritage vineyards and archival materials.
- Exclusive Culinary and Wine Events in partnership with top Napa Valley restaurants and resorts.
- Themed Itineraries for self-guided visits or concierge-curated experiences for travelers.
Participating Wineries & Experiences:
- Chateau Montelena
Step into the history books at the winery that won the white wine category in 1976. Guests can enjoy the “Story Behind the Bottle” experience or the “Legacy in a Glass” tasting featuring library vintages and estate insights. - Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
Home of the 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon that stunned the French judges, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars offers the “Estate Experience” and the “Exploration of FAY” tasting, spotlighting its renowned vineyards and age-worthy reds. - Clos du Val
A global search led the Goelet family and winemaker Bernard Portet to the Stags Leap District where Clos du Val was founded and where the 1972 Cabernet for Paris tasting was crafted. Clos du Val offers an exclusive “Retrospective Decade Tasting” and a “Hirondelle House Estate Tasting.” - Freemark Abbey
A Napa pioneer and one of the few wineries represented in both red and white wine categories at the 1976 tasting. Guests can choose from the “Appellation Tasting” or a “Decades Tasting” that spans the winery’s acclaimed cellar. - Heitz Cellar
World-renowned for Napa’s first vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignon, Heitz Cellar invites guests to explore its deep heritage with “The Napa Valley Legacy” and “Martha’s Vineyard Legacy” tastings at its historic estate in St. Helena. - Mayacamas Vineyards
Perched high on Mount Veeder, Mayacamas offers sweeping views and classically styled wines through its “Estate Classic” and “Estate Reserve” tastings, with optional Downtown Napa experiences. - Spring Mountain Vineyard
Spanning historic vineyard parcels and stunning botanical gardens, Spring Mountain Vineyard presents its “Judgment of Paris” tasting and a more expansive “Spring Mountain Explorers” estate experience.
For anyone planning a trip to wine country in the coming year, this milestone moment offers a reason to raise a glass, and to visit the very place where wine history was made.
More events will be announced throughout the course of the year. For full itineraries, experience reservations and updates on the celebration, visit www.jop50.com or the individual winery sites.
About the Judgment of Paris
On May 24, 1976, a blind tasting organized by British wine merchant Steven Spurrier shocked the wine world when California wines—then considered upstarts—triumphed over French icons. Chateau Montelena’s Chardonnay and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ Cabernet Sauvignon took top honors, putting Napa Valley on the global map and inspiring generations of winemakers to come.
