judgement of paris, vineyard at stockcross
A painting re-creating the Judgement of Paris tasting in 1976, at the Vineyard at Stockcross in Berkshire.
(Image credit: Vineyard at Stockcross)

One of the people responsible for up-and-coming American wines beating the best of France at the 1976 Judgement of Paris tasting has been inducted into California's all-time hall of fame.

Warren Winiarski, founder of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, has been inducted into California’s hall of fame alongside director and film maker Steven Spielberg and American football quarterback Jim Plunkett, plus others.

warren winiarski

Warren Winiarski sits alongside Steven Spielberg in California’s hall of fame.
(Image credit: Credit Unknown)

At a tasting organised by Steven Spurrier in the French capital, Winiarski’s wine – the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – triumphed against fine Bordeaux in a blind tasting.

The result, which also saw Napa’s Chateau Montelena Chardonnay out-score some of the best white wines Burgundy had to offer, went viral in the pre-digital age following a small write-up in Time magazine.

SEE ALSO: Take Decanter’s Judgement of Paris quiz – Test your knowledge of wine history

‘I am deeply honored to be inducted into the California Hall of fame and accept this award on behalf of the entire California wine community,’ said Winiarski, who moved to Napa Valley in 1964 and became Robert Mondavi’s winemaker in 1966 before going on to plant his own vines.

‘Especially following the terrible fires, which affected our Northern California region, it’s an honour for all of us.’

Inductees in the 11th class of the California hall of fame will join 104 existing members who ’embody the state’s spirit of innovation’, according to the officer of California governor Edmund G. Brown Jr and first lady Anne Gust Brown.

They will receive ‘spirit of California’ medals at a ceremony to be held on 5 December at the California Museum, where objects related to their achievements will also be on display from 6 December.

In 2013, the Napa wines from the 1976 tasting chosen from among millions of artefacts as one of the 101 items that ‘made America’.

Chris Mercer
Chris Mercer

Chris Mercer is a Bristol-based freelance editor and journalist who spent nearly four years as digital editor of Decanter.com, having previously been Decanter’s news editor across online and print.

He has written about, and reported on, the wine and food sectors for more than 10 years for both consumer and trade media.

Chris first became interested in the wine world while living in Languedoc-Roussillon after completing a journalism Masters in the UK. These days, his love of wine commonly tests his budgeting skills.

Beyond wine, Chris also has an MSc in food policy and has a particular interest in sustainability issues. He has also been a food judge at the UK’s Great Taste Awards.