California Wines celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Judgment of Paris and its Golden State of Mind

California Wines marks a historic milestone as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the legendary Judgment of Paris — the blind tasting that forever changed the global wine industry.

This year, California Wine Institute (CWI) is delighted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Judgment of Paris - the tasting that changed wine forever. To honor the 50-year legacy and to celebrate California wines, a series of events will take place in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Macau.

 

Guests and Media who attended the wine tasting

In 1976, British wine merchant Steven Spurrier organized a blind tasting in Paris with results that shocked the wine establishment: California Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon outscored highly regarded French wines, proving that excellence comes not only from heritage but from bold vision and open minds. The results astonished the wine world as California wines triumphed, establishing California as a world-class wine producing region. The spirit of the historic event continues to define and shape modern day California - pioneering, innovative, diverse, and bold, which is exemplary of California wines’ ‘Golden State of Mind’.

 

Christopher Beros, Director for Greater China & Southeast Asia.

“2026 is a landmark year for California wines for us,” says Christopher Beros, Director for Greater China & Southeast Asia. "The 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris isn't just about celebrating a historic victory—it's about showcasing how California has continued to lead the world in quality, innovation, and sustainability. The values and spirits that shaped the Judgment of Paris and define California wines continue to drive California winemakers today, from pioneering new winemaking techniques to being at the forefront of sustainability efforts.”

Christopher Beros addressing the crowd

 

The Pool House @ Grand Hyatt in Kuala Lumpur

The event was held at the Pool House @ Grand Hyatt in Kuala Lumpur on June 19, 2026, with over 60 trade and media quests attending. The celebratory event featured a special screening of a short documentary on the Judgment of Paris, and showcased wines from wineries that participated in the Judgment of Paris 50 years ago. In addition, a curation of wines that are representative of modern day California. 

Some of the wines showcased

Selected trade and media guests had the opportunity to taste wines from the wineries that were rated with the highest scores in each category at the historic event: Chateau Montelena for Chardonnay, and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars for Cabernet Sauvignon. Wines in the showcase included other iconic grape varieties from California, such as Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel, California’s native grape, and spanned across various wine-growing regions such as Napa Valley, Sonoma Coast, Lodi, and more.

Featured wine list:

Judgment of Paris Selection - The Chardonnays

Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay, 2023

Spring Mountain Vineyard Chardonnay, 2024

Veedercrest Vineyards Chardonnay, 2022

David Bruce Winery Chardonnay, 2022

Judgment of Paris Selection - The Cabernet Sauvignons

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello, 2023

Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021

Clos du Val Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023

Heitz Wine Cellars Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018

Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021

Pioneers

Grgich Hills Chardonnay, 2022

Robert Mondavi To Kalon Reserve Cabernet, 2022

Modern Day California

Gallica Albarino, 2025

Maggie Hawk Jolie Pinot Noir, 2021

Massican Annia, 2024

Matthiasson Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023

Rombauer Chardonnay, 2024

Senses Charles Heintz Chardonnay, 2023

Terah Barbera Amador County, 2024

Titus Napa Valley Zinfandel, 2023

For more details on California wines, please visit www.discovercaliforniawines.com

About Wine Institute

Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy organization representing more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses. The organization initiates and advocates for state, federal, and international public policies that enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption, and enjoyment of wine. Wine Institute leads California's wine industry in sustainable winegrowing practices and partners with Visit California to showcase the state's wine, food, and tourism offerings.

Wine Institute's California Wine Export Program is a public-private partnership supported by winery contributions and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It supports more than 185 California wineries exporting to 142 countries worldwide.

To learn more about California wines, visit www.DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com

Golden State of Mind

California's "Golden State of Mind" embodies optimism, boldness, innovation, and sustainability. It's the belief that anything is possible—a philosophy that has made California a global leader not only in wine but in technology, arts, and culture. From Silicon Valley to Hollywood, from sustainable agriculture to pioneering winemaking, California represents fresh starts, big dreams, and the courage to challenge tradition.

 

California winemakers carry this spirit in every bottle: experimenting with new varieties, pushing boundaries in winemaking techniques, and leading the world in environmental stewardship. The state's diverse terroir—from cool coastal regions to sun-drenched inland valleys—produces wines as varied and dynamic as California itself.

Key Facts on California Wine

●4th largest wine producing region in the world

●Produces 81% of all U.S. wine

●Home to 6,200+ wineries and 5,900+ winegrape growers

●More than 110 winegrape varieties grown

●Wine grapes cultivated in 49 of 58 California counties

●154 federally approved American Viticultural Areas (AVAs)

●Represents over 95% of U.S. wine exports to Asia

●80% of California wine produced in certified-sustainable wineries

●Over 55% of California winegrape acres certified sustainable

●118% increase in certified sustainable vineyards over the past five years

About the Judgment of Paris 

On May 24, 1976, British wine merchant Steven Spurrier organized a blind tasting in Paris featuring top French wines against relatively unknown California wines. Nine French judges—including leading wine critics, sommeliers, and château owners—rated the wines. In a stunning upset, California wines took top honors in both the white and red categories:

White Wine Winner: 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay (Napa Valley) 

Red Wine Winner: 1973 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

The results, initially met with disbelief and controversy, were later validated in subsequent tastings and fundamentally changed global perceptions of California wine. The event demonstrated that great wine could come from anywhere with the right terroir, expertise, and innovative spirit—not just from traditional European regions. This moment put California on the world wine map and continues to inspire winemakers globally.