Fifty years ago, a blind tasting in Paris changed the wine world forever. This November, Manila got to raise a glass to that moment.
The California Wine Institute (CWI) brought its Judgment of Paris 50th anniversary celebration to the Garden Pavilion of the Grand Hyatt Manila. Top trade executives, sommeliers, and members of the media gathered for an afternoon of history, film, and some truly legendary pours.
Manila was the grand finale of CWI’s Southeast Asian tour, after stops in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bangkok. Earlier in the year, the celebration also traveled to Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Macau.
Background on the tasting that shocked the French
On May 24, 1976, British wine merchant Steven Spurrier organized a blind tasting in Paris. He pitted France’s most revered wines against bottles from California, which back then barely registered on the global wine map.
Nine French judges, including top critics, sommeliers, and château owners, scored the wines without knowing which was which. The result was a stunning upset. California won both categories:
- Best white: 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, Napa Valley
- Best red: 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
The results were met with disbelief at first, but later tastings confirmed them. The Judgment of Paris proved that great wine can come from anywhere with the right land, skill, and daring. It put California on the world wine map for good.
“2026 is a landmark year for California wines,” said Christopher Beros, Director for Greater China & Southeast Asia at the California Wine Institute. “The 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris isn’t just about celebrating a historic victory, it is about showcasing how California continues to lead in quality, innovation, and sustainability.”
He added that California wines are a natural fit for the Philippines. “As the Philippines’ culinary scene expands and local wine appreciation deepens, the versatility and bold flavor profiles of California wines make them an exceptional match for rich Filipino flavors, dynamic dining occasions, and the warm hospitality that defines the Philippine market.”
What I love about the Judgment of Paris is that it is an underdog story. A young wine region took on the old masters and won, and 50 years later it is still pushing boundaries. With Filipinos growing more curious about wine, California’s bold, food-friendly bottles are worth a try at your next salu-salo.
History In A Glass
The afternoon opened with a documentary screening about the 1976 tasting. Then came the best part: a curated tasting flight.
The stars were pours from the two estates that won in Paris 50 years ago, Chateau Montelena for Chardonnay and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars for Cabernet Sauvignon. Beyond the classics, guests also explored modern California winemaking, including Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, California’s signature grape, from Napa Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Lodi.
The theme tying it all together was California’s “Golden State of Mind,” a spirit of optimism, boldness, and innovation. It shows in winemakers who experiment with new grape varieties and lead in sustainable farming.
The wines poured that day were:
Judgment of Paris Selection: The Chardonnays
- Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley Chardonnay 2023
- Freemark Abbey, Chardonnay 2024
- Spring Mountain Vineyard, Chardonnay 2024
- Veedercrest Vineyards, 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, Albariño, Clements Hills 2025
- Maggie Hawk, Jolie Pinot Noir 2022
- Massican, Annia 2024
- Matthiasson, Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
- Rombauer, Chardonnay 2024
- Senses, Charles Heintz Chardonnay 2023
- Cattleya, The Initiation Syrah, Single Vineyard 2023
- Chalone Vineyard, Estate Grown Chardonnay 2024
- Cadre, Band of Stones, Grüner Veltliner 2025
- Terah, Shake Ridge Ranch, Barbera 2024
- Titus, Napa Valley Zinfandel 2023
California wine by the numbers
- 4th largest wine-producing region in the world
- Produces 81% of all U.S. wine
- Home to more than 6,200 wineries and 5,900 winegrape growers
- More than 110 grape varieties grown, across 154 American Viticultural Areas
- Over 95% of U.S. wine exports to Asia
- 80% of California wine is made in certified-sustainable wineries
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