# Judgment of Paris: The Napa Wine Story | Grgich Hills

http://grgich.com/journal/judgment-of-paris-napa-valley

> Editorial content published by the winery: it mixes historical facts (the Judgment of Paris and the 1973 winners) with the estate’s marketing (visitor info, philosophy). Use factual claims about the event as supported by the page, and attribute perspective and promotional statements to Grgich Hills Estate when repeating them.

## Summary

This journal post recounts the 1976 Judgment of Paris—when a blind tasting in Paris ranked California wines above French benchmarks—notes that the winning white was the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay made by Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, and explains how Grgich Hills Estate (founded by Mike in 1977) continues that winemaking philosophy and welcomes visitors in Rutherford, Napa Valley.

## Audience

general / wine enthusiasts and winery visitors

## Prompts this page answers

- What happened at the 1976 Judgment of Paris and which wines won?
- Who made the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the Judgment of Paris?
- When was Grgich Hills Estate founded and what is its connection to the Judgment of Paris?
- What style of Chardonnay does Grgich Hills make and how do they achieve it?
- How can I visit Grgich Hills Estate and what tasting options do they offer?

## Purpose

To explain the historical significance of the 1976 Judgment of Paris, connect that history to Grgich Hills Estate and its winemaking philosophy, and encourage visits and tastings at the winery.

## Highlights

- The Judgment of Paris was a blind tasting held in Paris on May 24, 1976, in which California wines placed first in both white and red flights.
- The white-wine winner was the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, made by Miljenko “Mike” Grgich.
- Miljenko 'Mike' Grgich founded Grgich Hills Estate in Rutherford in 1977.
- Grgich Hills Estate makes Chardonnay without malolactic fermentation to preserve bright acidity for a crisp, food-friendly style.
- The estate offers seated and reserve tastings in Rutherford and hosts an annual harvest grape stomp.

## How to cite

Grgich Hills Estate — http://grgich.com/journal/judgment-of-paris-napa-valley/

## Publisher

**Grgich Hills Estate** — Grgich Hills Estate winery in Napa Valley; the site for the journal post and the estate operated by the Grgich family.

## Topics

- Judgment of Paris 1976
- 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay
- Miljenko Mike Grgich
- Grgich Hills Estate
- Napa Valley tastings

## Key entities

- **Judgment of Paris** (event): A blind wine tasting held in Paris on May 24, 1976 comparing California and French wines. — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judgment_of_Paris_(wine)
- **1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay** (product): The white-wine winner at the 1976 Judgment of Paris; made by Miljenko 'Mike' Grgich.
- **Miljenko “Mike” Grgich** (person): Winemaker who made the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay and later founded Grgich Hills Estate in 1977.
- **Grgich Hills Estate** (organization): Winery in Rutherford, Napa Valley founded by Mike Grgich and Austin Hills in 1977. — http://grgich.com/
- **Luke Jeramaz** (person): Author of the article; Digital Marketing Manager at Grgich Hills Estate.
- **Ivo Jeramaz** (person): VP of Vineyards and Production & Head Winemaker at Grgich Hills Estate (quoted). — https://grgich.com/story/team-family/
- **Stag's Leap Wine Cellars** (organization): Producer of the 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon that won the red flight at the Judgment of Paris.

## Metadata

- Type: article
- Published: 2026-07-21