5/18 – “Judgement of Paris” Wine Tasting & Small Plate Experience – A Reenactment of the France vs. California Event that Rocked the World

Le Grande Tente Garden Terrace

On May 24th, 1976, Steven Spurrier, an Englishman running a wine shop and wine school in Paris, organized a tasting of six top California cabernets and chardonnays to celebrate the American Bicentennial.

He added four Bordeaux wines and four white Burgundies to act as markers against which to evaluate the Californians. The judges were among the best tasters in France, and, to everyone’s surprise, chose a California wine over the French for both the red and white flights.

The tasting became known as the Judgment of Paris, and ended an era in which it was thought that fine wine came only from Europe. The response of the French judges to the results was that the California wines would not age, and the French wines would win if tasted again in 30 years.

Please join us on May 18th 6pm as we recreate our very own “Judgement of Paris” on our beautiful Le Grande Tente Garden Terrace. Co-hosting this very special evening are special guests Victoria Pons-Strigari, Luxury Wine Specialist, Virginia, Constellation and Krysti Atwood, Director, Virginia of Constellation.

Our evening experience includes a reception with bubbles–Cremant d’Alsace–and Chef Jacques’ seasonal canapes. Sit down, sip and vote on four French White and Red wines and four California White and Reds. You, our esteemed judges this evening, will declare France or California the winner!

Chef Jacques and our Wine expert guests for this evening are pairing each four flights (2 each for a total of 8 wines) with a scrumptious selection of small plates sure to delight your palate.

Viva La France and Viva California! Let the winner be chosen again at L’Auberge Chez Francois with our judges, you!

Judgement of Paris Menu Experience

Reception
Seasonal Canapes
Cremant d’Alsace

Cours de Pain: Harvest Multigrain, Sourdough Rolls, Local Butter

First Tasting Flight
France White vs California White
Maine Lobster and Chesapeake Crab Cake Gateau

Second Tasting Flight
France White vs California White
Wild Parmesan Crusted Maine Halibut

Third Tasting Flight
France Red vs California Red
Chive Crêpe Stuffed with Duxelle of Wild Mushrooms, Tomato Concassé, Truffle Sauce

Fourth Tasting Flight
France Red vs California Red
A House Delicacy: Braised Wagyu Beef Cheeks, Wild Mushrooms, Sherry Wine Sauce

Dessert Course
Chef Pascal’s Strawberry Gateau
Julius Meinl Coffee, Selection of Harney and Sons Fine Teas

Event Price: $150.00 (Excludes Tax & Gratuity), for a total of $192.00 per person.