Judgement+50
A History-Changing Event
Then and Now
In 1976, a blind tasting - since nicknamed the 'Judgement of Paris'
- pitted top French wines against Californian upstarts.
The results shocked the world, transforming wine globally.
Fifty years on, we're staging a retrial.
This time, it's France against the world.
Hundreds will judge, in multiple cities.
Everyone has a vote.
Who will win? You decide.
Why this matters
The tasting that changed wine history
On May 24, 1976, British wine merchant Steven Spurrier assembled several elite French palates in Paris for a blind wine tasting. It pitted top French red Bordeaux and white Burgundies against little-known California Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays.
Shockingly, the top scoring wines were Californian - from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Chateau Montelena. A publicity stunt became a seismic shift: proof that greatness wasn’t confined to Europe.
The result legitimised New World regions and democratized prestige. Napa Valley and other regions weren't just curiosities - they could be world-class.
The event inspired books by George Taber and a major 2008 film called 'Bottle Shock' starring Alan Rickman, Bill Pullman and Chris Pine.
No other single event in history has catalyzed change in the wine industry.
What you’ll do on the night
An updated format
Like 50 years ago, you'll blind taste two flights of wine - Chardonnays and Bordeaux Blends.
To reflect today’s broad wine world, we've expanded beyond a California vs France head-to-head tasting. French wines will now face off against entrants from North and South America, South Africa and Oceania.
You'll score the wines according to our pre-set guide. No expertise is required. All you need is a palate and an opinion.
We'll compile the scores across hundreds of tasters in all locations.
The rankings will be announced on May 24, 2026.
Join The Occasion
Visit our Major Events page for information on regional Judgement+50 events.