Napa & Sonoma Valley: Judgement of Paris Tour

The "Judgment of Paris Tour" offers wine enthusiasts a captivating exploration of Napa and Sonoma Valley‘s pivotal role in reshaping global perceptions of California wines. This immersive 6-hour journey takes visitors through iconic wineries, where they’ll savor award-winning Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons. With a focus on the historic 1976 tasting that propelled California onto the world stage, this tour provides a unique insight into the region’s rich winemaking heritage. From guided visits to convenient pickups and a flexible booking policy, the tour delivers a comprehensive experience that sets the stage for a deeper understanding of California’s wine country.

Contents show

Key Points

Explore the historic wineries of Chateau Montelena, Grgich Hills Estate, and Stags Leap Wine Cellars that played a pivotal role in the Judgment of Paris tasting.
Taste award-winning Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon wines that stunned French judges and elevated Napa and Sonoma Valley’s global reputation.
Learn about the significance of the 1976 Judgment of Paris, a pivotal event that changed the perception of California wines worldwide.
Enjoy a comprehensive guided tour with pickup, lunch, and the opportunity to explore the winery grounds and sustainable practices.
Experience an immersive 6-hour tour with flexible booking and a 24-hour cancellation policy for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Chateau Montelena

After departing the pickup location, the tour begins at Chateau Montelena, which was established in 1886.

Guests explore the historic winery, known for its award-winning Chardonnay featured in the film "Bottle Shock". They learn about the winery’s legacy and the influential Judgment of Paris tasting of 1976, where Chateau Montelena’s Chardonnay beat out prestigious French wines, putting Napa Valley on the global wine map.

Visitors have the opportunity to taste Chateau Montelena’s renowned Chardonnay and other varietals, gaining insight into the winery’s storied past and its role in revolutionizing the California wine industry.

Looking for more options in Napa? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Discovering Grgich Hills Estate

The tour next visits Grgich Hills Estate, a landmark winery founded by Miljenko "Mike" Grgich.

His 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay stunned the world at the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting, putting California wines on the map.

Guests explore the winery grounds and learn about Grgich’s winemaking philosophy and the estate’s commitment to sustainability.

They taste the acclaimed Chardonnay and other varietals, discovering why Grgich Hills is renowned for its award-winning wines.

The tour provides an insider’s look at this iconic Napa Valley winery and its role in California’s wine revolution.

Visiting Stags Leap Wine Cellars

The tour concludes at Stags Leap Wine Cellars, renowned for its acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon that secured a victory in the red wine category at the historic Judgment of Paris tasting in 1976.

Visitors will explore the estate’s winery and taste the award-winning wines.

Stags Leap’s Cabernet Sauvignon is recognized for its exceptional quality, marked by its rich, full-bodied flavor and velvety tannins.

The tour offers a chance to learn about the significance of the Judgment of Paris and how it has shaped the reputation of Napa and Sonoma Valley wines on the global stage.

The Historic Judgment of Paris Tasting

Though overshadowed by the fame of the Napa and Sonoma Valley wines, the historic Judgment of Paris tasting of 1976 remains a pivotal moment that forever altered the global perception of California’s winemaking prowess.

In a blind tasting, French judges unexpectedly ranked California wines over their French counterparts in both the red and white wine categories. This watershed event proved that California could produce world-class wines, elevating the region’s reputation and catalyzing its meteoric rise.

Exploring the legacy of this iconic tasting is a must for any visitor to the Napa and Sonoma wine country.

More Great Tours Nearby

Tasting Award-Winning Wines

While exploring the iconic wineries of Napa and Sonoma, visitors can savor a range of award-winning wines that have cemented California’s status as a premier wine region.

Visitors to Napa and Sonoma can savor award-winning wines that have cemented California’s status as a premier wine region.

The tour includes tastings at Chateau Montelena, known for its acclaimed Chardonnay, and Grgich Hills Estate, where visitors can sample the Chardonnay that gained international recognition.

The final stop is Stags Leap Wine Cellars, renowned for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon.

Throughout the tour, guests can learn about the historic Judgment of Paris tasting and purchase bottles of these prestigious wines to take home.

There's plenty more to explore in Napa

Inclusions and Tour Details

This Napa and Sonoma Valley tour provides a comprehensive experience for visitors.

The tour includes pickup from Sonoma or Napa, guided visits to iconic wineries like Chateau Montelena, Grgich Hills Estate, and Stags Leap Wine Cellars.

Lunch is included, as are gratuities. Guests can taste award-winning wines, including Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, and have the opportunity to purchase wine bottles.

Wine tasting fees are typically waived with purchases. The tour is conducted in English, and participants receive a picture of the tour guide in advance.

Booking is flexible, with a 24-hour cancellation policy for a full refund.

Booking and Availability

To reserve this Napa and Sonoma Valley tour, customers can check availability for desired starting times.

The tour is conducted in English and you will receive a picture of the tour guide a day in advance with instructions.

This Judgement of Paris tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Plus, there’s a reserve now & pay later option available.

With a duration of 6 hours and a price from $570.00 per group (up to 2 participants), this tour provides an immersive experience exploring iconic estates and tasting award-winning wines.

Tour Highlights

The Napa & Sonoma Valley Tour explores three iconic estates renowned for their award-winning wines.

First, visitors tour Chateau Montelena, known for its celebrated Chardonnay that was featured in the film Bottle Shock.

Next, they visit Grgich Hills Estate, founded by winemaker Miljenko Grgich whose Chardonnay gained international acclaim.

The tour concludes at Stags Leap Wine Cellars, recognized for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon that won the red wine category in the historic Judgment of Paris tasting of 1976.

Throughout the tour, guests enjoy tasting these renowned Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

The tour includes a complimentary lunch, so bringing your own food is not necessary. However, you’re welcome to bring snacks or non-alcoholic beverages if you’d like. The tour staff will ensure you’re well-fed during the experience.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. Guests with mobility needs can be accommodated, and the wineries visited have wheelchair-friendly facilities. Participants should notify the tour operator of any accessibility requirements when booking the tour.

What Happens if the Weather Is Bad on the Tour Day?

If the weather is bad on the tour day, the tour operator will provide appropriate transportation and ensure the safety and comfort of participants. They’ll adjust the itinerary as needed to accommodate the weather conditions while still providing an enjoyable experience.

Can I Substitute the Lunch for a Different Meal?

Typically, the tour includes lunch as part of the package. However, you can generally request a substitution for a different meal option, such as a vegetarian or gluten-free alternative, by contacting the tour operator in advance.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can be customized to an extent, though it may incur additional fees. Participants can request changes to the wineries visited or add additional stops, subject to availability and guide approval. Lunch can also be substituted for another meal option.

The Sum Up

The "Judgment of Paris Tour" offers a captivating journey through Napa and Sonoma Valley’s rich winemaking history. Visitors can experience the pivotal 1976 tasting that reshaped global perceptions, explore iconic wineries, and savor award-winning Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons. With convenient transportation, a delicious lunch, and flexible booking, this tour provides a comprehensive and practical way to uncover the region’s ascent in the world of fine wines.