Californian Wine • 50th Anniversary of the Judgment of Paris & Golden State of Mind

The California Wine Institute (CWI) is thrilled to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Judgment of Paris in 2026—an event that transformed the wine industry. To mark this milestone and honor California wines, a series of events will be held in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Macau.

In 1976, British wine merchant Steven Spurrier organized a blind tasting in Paris, which yielded surprising results: California Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon outperformed esteemed French wines, demonstrating that excellence stems not only from tradition but also from bold innovation and open-mindedness. The outcome amazed the wine world, as California wines prevailed, establishing the region as a top-tier wine producer. This pioneering spirit continues to define modern California—innovative, diverse, and bold—embodying the ‘Golden State of Mind’ of California wines.

"2026 is a significant year for California wines for us," says Christopher Beros, Director for Greater China & Southeast Asia. "The 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris is not just about celebrating a historic win—it's about highlighting how California has maintained its leadership in quality, innovation, and sustainability. The values and spirit that shaped the Judgment of Paris and define California wines continue to inspire California winemakers today, from pioneering new winemaking techniques to leading sustainability efforts."

The event was held at 67 on Scotts in Singapore on June 17, 2026, with more than 60 trade and media guests present. The celebration featured a special screening of a short documentary about the Judgment of Paris and displayed wines from wineries that participated in the event 50 years ago, along with a selection of wines representing modern California. Selected trade and media guests had the opportunity to taste wines from the wineries that scored the highest in each category at the historic event: Chateau Montelena for Chardonnay and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars for Cabernet Sauvignon. The showcase also included other iconic California grape varieties, such as Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, California’s native grape, from various wine-growing regions like Napa Valley, Sonoma Coast, Lodi, and more.

Chateau Montelena was a standout among our media tasting group, and the Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis captured our hearts alongside Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello. We support Heitz, knowing it would be exceptional, and it was! We truly admire the Robert Mondavi To Kalon Reserve Cabernet, another top winner, for its strong finish, while the Matthiasson Cabernet Sauvignon was my wine of the day as a newcomer to our tasting list!

Featured wine list at the Event: 

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 

California Wine Institute

Founded in 1934, the California Wine Institute serves as the public policy advocacy group for over 1,000 California wineries and related businesses. The organization promotes and supports state, federal, and international public policies that improve the conditions for the responsible production, consumption, and enjoyment of wine. The Wine Institute guides California's wine industry in sustainable winegrowing practices and collaborates with Visit California to highlight the state's offerings in wine, food, and tourism. The California Wine Export Program by the Wine Institute is a public-private partnership funded by winery contributions and the U.S. Department.

Golden State of Mind 

California's "Golden State of Mind" symbolizes optimism, daring, innovation, and sustainability. It's the conviction that anything is achievable—a mindset that has positioned California as a global leader not only in wine but also in technology, arts, and culture. From Silicon Valley to Hollywood, and from sustainable agriculture to groundbreaking winemaking, California embodies new beginnings, ambitious dreams, and the bravery to defy tradition. 

Winemakers in California infuse this spirit into every bottle: experimenting with new varieties, pushing the limits of winemaking techniques, and leading the world in environmental stewardship. The state's diverse terroir—from cool coastal areas to sun-soaked inland valleys—yields 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, pitting top French wines against lesser-known California wines. Nine French judges, including notable wine critics, sommeliers, and château owners, evaluated the wines. In a surprising outcome, California wines claimed the top spots 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 skepticism and controversy, were later confirmed in subsequent tastings and significantly altered global perceptions of California wine. The event showed that exceptional wine could be produced anywhere with the right terroir, expertise, and innovative spirit—not just in traditional European regions. This moment placed California on the global wine map and continues to inspire winemakers worldwide.

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