California Wines celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Judgment of Paris and its Golden State of Mind

[PHILIPPINES] — November 2026 — The California Wine Institute (CWI) commemorated the 50th anniversary of the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris in the Philippines with an exclusive celebratory showcase at the Garden Pavilion of the Grand Hyatt Manila. The gathering brought together leading Philippine trade executives, sommeliers, and media to honor a half-century of California winemaking excellence and innovation.

The Manila gathering served as the grand finale of CWI’s multi-city regional tour across Southeast Asia, which also included stops in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bangkok, following an East Asian tour earlier in the year across Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Macau.

The 1976 Judgment of Paris remains one of the most pivotal moments in modern wine history. Organized by British wine merchant Steven Spurrier, the blind tasting shocked the global establishment when California Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon outscored revered French vintages. The unexpected victory forever shifted global perceptions, establishing California as a premier, world-class wine-producing region and proving that excellence stems from bold vision and pioneering spirit as much as heritage.

"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. 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."

Guests at the Manila showcase attended a screening of a documentary chronicling the historic 1976 tasting, followed by a curated tasting flight. Highlights included pours from the legendary estates that earned top honors in Paris 50 years ago: Chateau Montelena (Chardonnay) and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (Cabernet Sauvignon).

Alongside these historic labels, the event highlighted the evolution and diversity of modern California winemaking. Guests sampled Pinot Noir and Zinfandel—California’s signature grape—sourced from renowned regions such as Napa Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Lodi.

The celebration emphasized the enduring "Golden State of Mind" philosophy—pioneering, innovative, and bold—that continues to elevate California wines on tables across the Philippines and around the globe.

Featured wine list:

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, Albarino, 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, Gruner Veltiliner 2025

Terah, Shake Ridge Ranch, Barbera 2024

Titus, Napa Valley Zinfandel 2023

For more details on California wines, please visit www.discovercaliforniawines.com.

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