California: The French Connection

1976 was the year the United States of America celebrated its Bicentennial as an independent republic. However, this year was to become legendary in America, and around the world, for another reason. The Paris Wine Tasting of 1976 – commonly known as the Judgement of Paris – is now an event recognised the world over for revolutionising the world of wine and establishing California and Napa Valley as one of the top wine producing regions.

The 1976 Judgement of Paris opened the eyes of the French – and the rest of the world – to the enormous winemaking potential to be found in California, and kickstarted a series of transatlantic collaborations that continue to this day. Last month, our Buying Director spent a week in Napa Valley where she visited a number of these ground-breaking estates with a distinctly origine française!