The Napa and Sonoma Valleys are renowned for their world-class wines, and the Judgment of Paris Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the region’s rich winemaking heritage. This immersive 6-hour experience takes guests on a journey through iconic estates that were instrumental in reshaping the global perception of California wines. Visitors will have the chance to sample award-winning vintages from the legendary 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting, gaining a deeper appreciation for the region’s remarkable transformation. With delicious lunches, waived tasting fees, and a chance to uncover the stories behind these historic estates, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for any wine enthusiast.
This experience made our list of the 11 Best Tours In Napa.
Key Points
- This comprehensive 6-hour tour explores iconic Napa and Sonoma Valley wineries that were pivotal in the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting.
- Visitors will visit Chateau Montelena, Grgich Hills Estate, and Stags Leap Wine Cellars, learning about their award-winning wines that shocked the industry.
- The tour provides insights into the historic Judgment of Paris tasting, where California Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon outperformed their French counterparts.
- Participants can sample the acclaimed wines from these estates and gain an understanding of how they transformed the global wine landscape.
- The tour offers a comprehensive experience, including guided winery visits, provided lunch, and typically waived tasting fees with wine purchases.
Tour Overview
The Napa & Sonoma Valley: Judgment of Paris Tour offers visitors a comprehensive 6-hour excursion to explore the renowned wine regions, priced at CZK13,187 per group (up to 2 people) with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour includes pickup from Sonoma or Napa, and visitors will have the opportunity to visit iconic estates like Chateau Montelena, Grgich Hills Estate, and Stags Leap Wine Cellars.
They’ll learn about the historic Judgment of Paris tasting of 1976 and sample award-winning wines, including Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The tour also includes a provided lunch, gratuities, and the option to purchase wine bottles directly from the wineries, with tasting fees typically waived.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Napa.
Experience Highlights
Visitors frequently explore iconic estates like Chateau Montelena, Grgich Hills Estate, and Stags Leap Wine Cellars during the tour.
At Chateau Montelena, they’ll learn about the historic Judgment of Paris tasting of 1976, where the winery’s Chardonnay surprisingly beat out its French counterparts.
The tour then moves on to Grgich Hills Estate, founded by the renowned winemaker Miljenko Grgich, known for his world-renowned Chardonnay.
The final stop is Stags Leap Wine Cellars, recognized for its award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon that triumphed in the red wine category.
Throughout the experience, guests have the opportunity to taste these acclaimed wines and gain insights into the region’s rich winemaking history.
Tour Itinerary
The tour typically begins at Chateau Montelena, an iconic estate established in 1886 and renowned for its award-winning Chardonnay, as featured in the film Bottle Shock.
Visitors then head to Grgich Hills Estate, founded by the legendary winemaker Miljenko Grgich, known for producing world-class Chardonnay.
The tour concludes at Stags Leap Wine Cellars, a prestigious winery recognized for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, which famously won in the red wine category during the historic Judgment of Paris tasting in 1976.
Throughout the tour, guests have the opportunity to learn about the significance of this landmark event and sample the exquisite wines that put Napa and Sonoma on the global wine map.
Inclusions
This Napa and Sonoma Valley tour includes guided visits to all the wineries mentioned, ensuring guests fully experience the historic estates and gain insights into the award-winning wines.
Lunch is provided, allowing visitors to refuel during the comprehensive tour. Gratuities are also included, so guests don’t have to worry about additional expenses.
Visitors can purchase wine bottles to take home, and the wine tasting fees are typically waived when making purchases.
With a reserve now and pay later option available, booking this tour is convenient.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyBooking Information
Customers can conveniently reserve this Napa and Sonoma Valley tour with a reserve now and pay later option.
A picture of the tour guide will be sent a day before the tour, along with instructions to ensure a smooth experience. Customers can also check availability for desired starting times when booking. This flexibility allows travelers to plan their trip seamlessly.
The tour offers excellent value, with gratuities and wine tasting fees typically waived with wine purchases.
Customers can look forward to an immersive journey through iconic wineries, learning about the historic Judgment of Paris tasting, and savoring award-winning wines – all while enjoying a hassle-free booking process.
Iconic Estates
Visitors embark on an unforgettable journey through three iconic estates that played pivotal roles in the legendary Judgment of Paris tasting.
They’ll start at Chateau Montelena, a historic winery established in 1886, known for its award-winning Chardonnay that shocked the world at the 1976 event.
Next, they’ll visit Grgich Hills Estate, founded by Miljenko ‘Mike’ Grgich, whose Chardonnay triumphed over the best of France.
The tour concludes at Stags’ Leap Wine Cellars, renowned for its remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon that secured victory in the red wine category.
These legendary wineries offer a chance to walk in the footsteps of history and savor the very wines that shook the foundations of the wine industry.
Historic Tasting
The 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting, a landmark event in the wine world, pitted California wines against the best of France in a blind competition that shook the foundations of the industry. This historic showdown, which saw Californian Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon emerge victorious, has become the stuff of legend, forever altering perceptions of the quality and potential of New World wines.
| Tasting Category | California Wines | French Wines |
|---|---|---|
| Chardonnay | Chateau Montelena | Meursault |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap Wine Cellars | Château Mouton Rothschild |
The Judgment of Paris marked a pivotal moment in the rise of California’s wine industry, proving that it could produce world-class vintages that could stand toe-to-toe with the most esteemed estates of Europe.
Award-winning Wines
Building on the historic success of the Judgment of Paris, the tour showcases some of the most acclaimed and award-winning wines from Napa and Sonoma valleys.
At Chateau Montelena, guests will sample the renowned Chardonnay that shook the wine world in 1976.
The tour then visits Grgich Hills Estate, where winemaker Miljenko ‘Mike’ Grgich produces his world-famous Chardonnay.
The final stop is Stags Leap Wine Cellars, recognized for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon that triumphed in the Judgment of Paris red wine category.
Throughout the tour, guests can purchase these award-winning bottlings to take home and enjoy.
The opportunity to taste such iconic and celebrated wines is a highlight of this immersive Napa and Sonoma experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?
No, the tour does not allow guests to bring their own food. Lunch is provided as part of the tour package. Bringing outside food would not be permitted, as the tour give you a comprehensive dining experience for all participants.
How Many People Can Be in a Group?
The tour allows groups of up to 2 people. The price listed is per group, so the tour can accommodate a maximum of 2 individuals at the quoted price. Additional guests would incur a higher total cost.
Is There a Discount for Booking Multiple Tours?
There is no mention of a discount for booking multiple tours. The tour price is listed as a flat rate per group of up to 2 people, regardless of the number of tours booked.
Can I Request a Specific Pickup Location?
Yes, you can request a specific pickup location. The tour operator provides pickup from Sonoma or Napa, and they’ll coordinate the most convenient location with you. Just let them know your preferred pickup spot when booking the tour.
Do I Need to Print My Ticket or Can I Use a Digital Copy?
You don’t need to print your ticket; a digital copy on your mobile device will work. The tour operator accepts both printed and digital tickets, so you can use whichever is most convenient for you.
Recap
The Napa & Sonoma Valley: Judgment of Paris Tour offers an exceptional opportunity for wine enthusiasts to enjoy the region’s rich winemaking history.
Guests will visit legendary estates, sample award-winning wines, and enjoy a delicious lunch, all while gaining a deeper appreciation for the pivotal role this iconic tasting played in reshaping the global wine industry.
This tour provides excellent value and an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in the captivating story of the Judgment of Paris.
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