Monday, July 20, 2026

Question: Fifty years ago this year, a blind tasting in Paris upended the wine world when upstart California wines beat France’s most celebrated bottles. What is that landmark event commonly known as?

Answer: The Judgment of Paris. The May 24, 1976, blind tasting in Paris saw California wines take top honors over France’s finest in both the red and white categories. A Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chateau Montelena Chardonnay bested some of France’s most celebrated wines, helping put Napa Valley on the world map.