The Judgment of Paris took place in 1976 as a way to introduce well-made American wines to discerning French wine consumers who were accustomed to the well-made wines from Bordeaux and elsewhere in France. Experienced wine tasters were invited to taste a number of Bordeaux and Bordeaux-styled wines blind (without knowing each label). To most people’s astonishment, these tasters indicated an American wine as their favorite out of the lineup. More details about this event can be found on Wikipedia:
Five of the six American red wines featured in the Judgment of Paris originated from Napa Valley, while the sixth came from the mountain-top vineyards looking down on the booming Silicon Valley to the south. While it is impossible to visit all six of these wineries in one day, the five in Napa Valley can be visited in one day with an early start. If you can only do four of the five, it is probably wisest to skip Mayacamas Vineyards high up on Mt. Veeder. Where there is a choice of flights on the wine menu, opt for a flight featuring reserve wines to get a better idea of what was poured in Paris.
Clos du Val (Stag’s Leap – Silverado Trail) www.closduval.com
This winery at the southern end of the Stag’s Leap District was started in 1970 and produces a number of special Cabernet Sauvignons as well as Merlot, Pinot Noir, and a number of white wines. The reserve tasting menu not only features their limited-production Cabernets, but often includes a library wine or two. The vine-covered building speaks of timeless elegance. You’ll find outdoor tables for fair-weather picnicking in style.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (Stag’s Leap – Silverado Trail) www.cask23.com
Not to be confused with Stags’ Leap Winery, the buildings at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars tend toward a modern mission style. Nestled in a nook at the end of the valley floor, the winery features stone-faced walls with vines spilling over the rooftop of its architecture. When you enter the tasting room, you will find two tasting bars – go for the Estate tasting to experience their best Cabernets.
High atop Mount Veeder sits the most intimate tasting experience of the Judgment of Paris wineries. You will need to make a reservation in advance, and the available time slots are limited. Also, if renting a car, opt for something smaller or sportier as the mountain drive up to Mayacamas is one of the more arduous drives among the mountain wineries. Once there, you will be treated to a tasting and tour of their facilities, including a number of their old-world wine-making techniques.
Heitz Wine Cellars (St. Helena – Highway 29) www.heitzcellar.com
They may be the humblest and most accessible of the Judgment of Paris wineries. Located just south of St. Helena on the main highway, Heitz Cellars welcomes visitors for complimentary tastings of their wines every day. The interior features a few very comfortable leather chairs that are perfect for sitting back and tasting their wines, regardless of the weather. Because the tasting is complimentary, don’t expect to taste any of their reserve Cabernets.
Freemark Abbey (St. Helena – Highway 29) www.freemarkabbey.com
Located a bit to the north of the town of St. Helena, this older winery offers three tasting experiences, one of which is quite unique among tasting rooms I have visited. The lineup starts with a classic tasting, but a Cabernet Comparison tasting can be selected instead (allow 90 minutes for this). For those with a strong curiosity about how Cabernet ages (and a bigger tasting budget), opt for the Decades tasting experience, where Cabernet will be poured from each of the past three decades (also 90 minutes).
Ridge Winery (not in Napa Valley) www.ridgewine.com
Monte Bello tasting room open weekends only
Lytton Springs tasting room open daily
Monte Bello tasting room open weekends only
Lytton Springs tasting room open daily
If you split the Judgment of Paris trip into two days, and don’t mind a bit of driving, you can visit the Ridge tasting room in Lytton Springs in the morning and get to the Mayacamas tasting room in time for their early afternoon appointment. The Lytton Springs tasting room features modern styling that is functional and ecologically concerned (including solar power). On a sunny day, take your wine tastes outside onto the surrounding patio and enjoy your wines while overlooking the vineyards. Be sure to ask for the Monte Bello tasting to experience the wine that won at the 30th reunion tasting of the Judgment of Paris wines. If you find yourself in the San Jose or Palo Alto area on the weekend, visit the Monte Bello tasting room high above the city of Cupertino off Foothill Blvd.
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