May 24: The Judgment of Paris—and the Day California Shocked the World

On May 24, 1976, the wine world got flipped on its head.

That was the day of the Judgment of Paris, a blind tasting that forever changed the global wine map—and made California a serious player in what had always been considered a French-only game.

The best part? The French judges had no idea what was coming.

What Was the Judgment of Paris?

Let’s rewind.

British wine merchant Steven Spurrier, who ran a wine shop and school in Paris, decided to stage a blind tasting that pitted the best of French Bordeaux and Burgundy against a few upstart wines from California. It was supposed to be a showcase of French dominance.

Instead, it turned into a mic-drop moment for American winemakers.

The tasters? All French wine experts.

The wines? 10 reds (Cabernet Sauvignon-based) and 10 whites (Chardonnay-based).

The result? California took top honors in both categories.

• The winning white: 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay (Napa Valley)
• The winning red: 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Cue the gasps. Cue the controversy. Cue the awkward silence from the French wine establishment.

Why It Mattered (Then and Now)

This wasn’t just a wine competition. It was a full-blown culture shift.

For decades—centuries, really—France had been the center of the wine universe. The Judgment of Paris proved that world-class wine could come from anywhere. California wasn’t just playing catch-up. It was rewriting the rules.

And that changed everything:

• California wine exploded onto the global stage
• Other New World regions (Australia, Chile, South Africa) gained respect
• Blind tastings became the gold standard for fair wine judging
• Consumers started exploring beyond traditional labels

In short, it was the day wine got democratized.

Who Were the Key Players?

• Steven Spurrier – The British wine merchant who organized the tasting. He thought the French would win handily. They didn’t.
• Mike Grgich – The winemaker behind Chateau Montelena’s winning Chardonnay. A Croatian immigrant, his success became part of Napa Valley lore.
• Warren Winiarski – Founder of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, whose Cabernet stunned the judges and sealed California’s status.
• The French Judges – Masters of palate, but totally unaware of what they were tasting… which made their choices even more significant.

How to Celebrate the Anniversary of the Judgment of Paris

This isn’t your typical wine holiday. It’s a moment of recognition, rebellion, and raising a glass to bold moves.

Here’s how to mark the day:

• Host a blind tasting – Compare Old World vs. New World wines. Don’t reveal the bottles until everyone’s voted.
• Pour the classics – Grab a bottle of Napa Chardonnay or Cab in honor of the originals.
• Watch the film “Bottle Shock” – A fun dramatization of the event starring Alan Rickman as Spurrier.
• Tell the story – If you’re a wine educator, influencer, or casual enthusiast, this is a story worth sharing.

May 24 isn’t about competition—it’s about awakening. It’s the day the wine world realized greatness doesn’t care about geography.

Final Sip: Why This Day Still Resonates

The Judgment of Paris was more than a tasting—it was a reminder that talent can come from unexpected places, that tradition doesn’t always get the final word, and that taste is the only real judge.

So on May 24, whether you’re sipping a $15 Chardonnay or a reserve Cab, remember the lesson that reshaped the wine world:

Trust your palate. Not the label.