50 Years After the ‘Judgment of Paris,’ American Wine Is Once Again on a Precipice
Illustration by Chris W. Kim
In 2011, clubvino1.com featured a post about the film Bottle Shock, including a link to the full movie on YouTube. This film offers an entertaining and insightful look at how the historic “Judgment of Paris” unfolded. The post also highlighted another classic, Sideways, which—according to wine folklore—contributed to the sudden decline in Merlot consumption.
No wine education can truly be considered complete without watching these two films with full attention. And did I mention they’re both genuinely funny?
Our former Club del Vino President Juan Luis Colaiacovo shared this interesting article on the trajectory of the wines of California. After the abstract the full article for your enjoyment.
Abstract: The Legacy and Future of the Judgment of Paris
The 1976 Judgment of Paris stands as a pivotal moment in viticultural history, where California wines unexpectedly triumphed over prestigious French labels in a blind tasting. This event dismantled the myth of European superiority, providing the Napa Valley and the broader American wine industry with the credibility and identity needed to spark a decades-long “golden age.”
Fifty years later, the industry faces a new, more complex set of challenges. While the 20th century was defined by a rivalry with the “Old World,” today’s winemakers must navigate:
- Economic Volatility: Oversupply issues leading to the removal of thousands of acres of vines.
- Shifting Consumer Habits: Increased competition from non-alcoholic beverages and a move away from the “bigger is better” (high-alcohol, oak-heavy) style of the Robert Parker era.
- External Pressures: Climate change, tariff wars, and geopolitical instability.
A “1976 Redo” tasting held in March 2026 underscored a shift toward independent, small-scale producers favoring a “less is more” approach. The results mirrored the original event—American wines won three out of four categories—highlighting the continued excellence of domestic viticulture. As the industry reflects on its 50th anniversary, it stands at a critical inflection point: the need to return to the innovation and convention-challenging mindset of 1976 to ensure relevance in an increasingly perilous global market.
50 Years After the ‘Judgment of Paris,’ American Wine Is Once Again on a Precipice
By Christina Pickard Wine Enthusiast Magazine April 2026
In the 1970s, French wines were revered in America, but only by an elite few. This same class of wine lovers also considered their homegrown offerings to be something of a joke.
Then, on May 24th 1976, a blind tasting competition in France dubbed “The Judgment of Paris” pitted northern Californian wines against French equivalents. California triumphed, propelling the wines, their producers, and Napa Valley onto the world wine stage, while proving to both global critics and domestic drinkers alike that the United States was capable of fine wine greatness.
The event kickstarted a golden age of vine plantings and wine-growing in California, reviving an industry that had for decades struggled to recover from the blows of early 20th-century recession, war, and Prohibition.
“[The Judgment] opened the door for great wine to be from anywhere,” says Jon Bonné, author of The New French Wine and The New California Wine.
50 years later, California—and American wine in general—face a new set of challenges that are far more complicated than a rivalry between “Old World” and “New World.”
A half century on from the tasting that changed the fate of American wine, the industry is primed for a new kind of judgment, one that, however it shakes out, will once again determine the future of homegrown wine.
Just like five decades ago, many of California’s winemakers are struggling to get their wines into Americans’ glasses. The oversupply in 2024-25 led to nearly 40,000 acres of California’s vines being ripped out. 3,000 of these acres were in Napa, equating to 7% of the region’s total plantings, according to a recent study.
Climate change, tariff wars, health debates, and geopolitical instability all contribute to today’s perfect storm. And as beverage choices increase, the competition is no longer just between Europe and the nations it colonized. Instead, it’s between wine and other alcoholic drinks (not to mention the N/A ones). The sandbox has never been more crowded.
Meanwhile, the sheer diversity of wine styles and overall quality have never been greater.
“If I sit down at a wine bar in San Francisco, I can choose between biodynamic Bordeaux pét-nat made in Libourne, and qvevri-macerated Friulano from the Sierra Foothills,” says Bonné. “I’d say we have moved into a very different and more interesting world.”
The world may be more interesting, but also more perilous. A half century on from the tasting that changed the fate of American wine, the industry is primed for a new kind of judgment, one that, however it shakes out, will once again determine the future of homegrown wine.
A 20th-Century Reckoning
In the years leading up to 1976, California was still struggling to re-establish its wine industry after Prohibition had decimated it.
“The American wine business in the 1950s was literally dying in the vine. The number of California wineries fell by more than one third between 1950 and 1967,” George M. Taber wrote in his 2005 book, Judgment of Paris. (Taber, in fact, was the sole journalist present at the Judgment tasting.) “Only a very small part of the population drank wine with meals, and when they wanted good wine, they looked to France.”
1976 marked America’s bicentennial anniversary. It was the year Jimmy Carter was elected president, and Barbara Walters became the first female anchorwoman for an evening news program. Steve Jobs founded Apple, Bill Gates founded Microsoft just the year prior, and American consumerism charged forth.
“As the U.S. started to become ‘the great consumer,’ we began to latch onto wine,” says Patrick Cappiello, the winemaker-owner of Monte Rio Cellars in Sonoma County and a former New York sommelier. “We followed the lead of the British, and so Bordeaux was one of the first and most important regions [for Americans]. Burgundy followed on.”
Viticultural and winemaking techniques had been quietly improving throughout the 1950s and ‘60s, with help from the Department of Viticulture and Enology at University of California Davis. Technological advancements like controlled malolactic fermentation and micro-filtration were actually ahead of the French, according to Taber. By 1976, there were around 100 wineries established in Napa Valley. Word was out—albeit only at a whisper—that the Californians were making some pretty decent wine.
Enter Steven Spurrier, an English wine merchant and owner of the English-speaking Parisian wine school, Académie Du Vin, and his trusty right-hand woman, American Patricia Gallagher. The pair decided to stir up business by hosting a blind tasting between the two nations, timed with the bicentennial anniversary. Spurrier travelled to California to choose the six Chardonnays and six Cabernet Sauvignons from 11 boutique producers that French judges would blind-taste beside top Bordeaux wines from the likes of Château Mouton-Rothschild and Château Haut-Brion.
California won.
Taber released a Time article a few weeks later announcing America’s triumph over its French counterparts. He titled it “The Judgment of Paris,” a nod to the Greek mythological event that sparked The Trojan War. The name stuck and the two California wineries whose wines won—Chateau Montelena’s 1973 Chardonnay and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon (only their second and first releases, respectively)—became overnight successes. So did other high-ranking California wineries like Ridge Vineyards and Spring Mountain Vineyard. In fact, all of Napa rode the wave.
“It is no coincidence that the first vintage of ‘Opus One,’ the Napa Valley joint venture between Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, was 1979, just three years later,” Spurrier himself wrote in a September 2020 article on the Académie du Vin Library website, just six months before his death in 2021.
“[The Judgement] gave Napa Valley real direction, including us,” says Marcus Notaro, Stag’s Leap’s current head winemaker. “Where are we going to be most successful? In Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. It gave us identity, direction, and confidence that we were on the right track.”
Matthew Crafton, the current head winemaker and president at Chateau Montelena, agrees: “It gave credibility to a region that hadn’t yet earned it in the eyes of the world and opened the door for American wines to be considered among the best anywhere.”
The Judgment was a perfect storm. It reset the tumblers at a moment when the French had let down their guard, the Californians were surging, and Americans still viewed France as a gastronomic north star. So that set the conditions for homegrown wines to find their market.
Jon bonné, author of The New French Wine and The New California Wine.
France, of course, had been making wine since the Greek and Roman times, with the transition from shed to chateau taking place in the 19th century. But the ‘70s were tough times, especially for Bordeaux: overproduction, poor vintage conditions, and a general complacency, according to Bonné, led to a decline in quality, while California’s star was rising.
“The sheer talent and quality of that era [in California] was extraordinary, while Bordeaux, especially, had fallen into a deep decline in the 1970s,” he says. “The Judgment was a perfect storm. It reset the tumblers at a moment when the French had let down their guard, the Californians were surging, and Americans still viewed France as a gastronomic north star. So that set the conditions for homegrown wines to find their market.”
The following five decades saw massive transformation for California, especially for Napa, which, post-Judgment, firmly established itself as America’s vinous center of gravity: an industry with a $13 billion economic impact.
“The lines have shifted so much, and been reset so much, since [1976],” says Bonné.
A Modern Day Rematch
It was while watching the 2008 Hollywood movie that fictionalized the Judgment, Bottle Shock, that Patrick Cappiello came up with the idea for a “1976 Redo” tasting.
Cappiello hoped the event could bring attention to small, independent American producers, many of whom currently face a similar challenge to the one 50 years ago—many Americans still believe European wines are superior to homegrown ones.
He also had another motive, which was to showcase a new wave of Californian wines—those made closer to the style of those in the 1970s.
“As a U.S. winemaker, you have to jump over [the Euro-centric] hurdle, which is hard enough,” says Cappiello. “But then there’s an even bigger, dumber hurdle which is the fact that the production of wine in California—especially in Napa Valley—for around three decades experienced the Robert Parker effect.”
The “bigger is better” influence of critics like Robert Parker and of recently deceased global wine consultant Michel Rolland—who pushed both Napa and Bordeaux into making riper, oakier, more alcoholic wines—lingers in California.
For the last several years, Cappiello has made it his mission to encourage people to buy American-made wines, particularly those from small producers making “pre-Parker” wines.
“There are less and less of these big brands that produce oversaturated, high alcohol, heavily oaked wines—they’re all falling out of favor,” Cappiello says.
“Those wineries are closing or they’re reducing stock or changing their methods to try and go back to an old style. It’s a conversation you hear in Napa all the time: ‘I want to go back to making wine the way they were doing it in the ‘70s.’”
It took Cappiello two years—and the help of wine professionals on both coasts, including winemaker Pax Mahle, media entrepreneur Josh Entman, author and sommelier Vanessa Price, and wine broker Ryan Mills Knapp—to make the “1976 Redo” tasting a reality. Cappiello decided to once again include Chardonnay and Cabernet, but two new varietal categories were added: Chenin Blanc and Syrah.
“We got hundreds of wineries and thousands of submissions for the first round of tasting,” says Cappiello, who did not include his Monte Rio wines in the lineup. Eight wine professionals whittled that down to five wines per category, to be judged in the final round against well-known French bottles.
There are really two paths forward. One is to remain dynamic, forward-looking, and willing to challenge convention—the same mindset that made the Judgment of Paris possible in the first place. The other is to become more static, more risk-averse, and ultimately less relevant over time. I’m optimistic because I think Napa, at its best, chooses the former. But that outcome isn’t guaranteed. Success is fragile, and it has to be earned continuously.
Matthew Crafton, head winemaker and president at Chateau Montelena
The Redo took place on March 24th 2026 in New York City, two months shy of the exact date of the original Judgment. Twelve judges from several sides of the wine industry—proctored by Master Sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier—blind tasted the ten total wines from each category. Once again, an American wine placed first in all categories except Cabernet, where Bordeaux’s Château Latour 2017 triumphed.
The rest of the winning wines were all from small West Coast producers, made in the “less is more” style that Cappiello champions: 2022 Chenin from Las Jaras Wines in Mendocino, California; 2021 Flaneur Wines Chardonnay from Oregon’s Willamette Valley; and 2021 Scar of the Sea Wines Syrah from San Luis Obispo Coast, California. Cappiello hopes the “Redo” will shine a spotlight on them—and the wines of other American producers, too, who, in these challenging times, could use all the support they can get.
“In the end, if you’re not buying wines from this country, you’re adding to the problem of us not being able to produce things,” Cappiello quips. “We may be the ‘great consumer,’ but what do we really produce? Wine is something that we do produce in every one of the 50 states.”
Another Inflection Point for the Wine World
Beyond the Redo, various events around the country will honor the world’s most famous blind tasting. Stag’s Leap will open ten of the 30 bottles that remain of its victorious 1973 Cabernet at various commemorative occasions, and Spurrier’s own Académie du Vin Library will release a book titled The Judgement of Paris: The 1976 Event That Shook the Wine World, featuring old photos and quotes from the world’s top wine professionals, on May 15.
The timing of the Judgment’s anniversary celebrations seems apt. As the wine industry rises to meet some of the toughest challenges it’s ever faced, the David versus Goliath narrative of ’76 provides hope and introspection.
Montelena’s Crafton believes that Napa is at another inflection point. “There are really two paths forward,” he says. “One is to remain dynamic, forward-looking, and willing to challenge convention—the same mindset that made the Judgment of Paris possible in the first place. The other is to become more static, more risk-averse, and ultimately less relevant over time. I’m optimistic because I think Napa, at its best, chooses the former. But that outcome isn’t guaranteed. Success is fragile, and it has to be earned continuously.”
The time is ripe for another wine awakening. Only this time, the ball is in home court.
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Tasting No 288 – April 28, 2026
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Tasting #287 – March 31, 2026 Tasting Spätburgunder 
The VDP also has a separate classification for Sekt, or traditional-method sparkling wine:
– The Producer: Weingut Rebholz family has long been defined by a steadfast commitment to producing pure, natural, and authentically dry wines. This began with Eduard Rebholz (1889–1966) who transformed the winery after World War II and rejected the growing trend toward sweetened, manipulated wines. In 1951, he articulated his principle of “natural wine”: wines made without sugar additions, artificial sweetening, or any intervention that alter their original character. For him, true quality began in the vineyard, and cellar work should preserve — not modify — the wine. His son, Hans Rebholz (1920–1978), continued this uncompromising dry style, even when it was unfashionable in Germany. Since the mid‑1990s, Hans’s son Hansjörg and wife Birgit have led the estate, expanding vineyard holdings, joining the VDP, and strengthening their commitment to sustainability through organic and later biodynamic certification. Their sons, Hans and Valentin, represent the next generation embracing these same values.
– The Producer: Weingut Meyer-Näkel is a producer in Dernau in the Ahr Region. It is best known for red wines made from the Spätburgunder wine grape variety, though the portfolio also includes whites and rosé. The name of the wine estate goes back to the marriage of grandparents Paula Meyer and Willibald Näkel in 1950. They cultivated an area of just 1.5 hectares yet were able to make a name for themselves, because Willibald’s production of dry red wines represented thoroughly pioneering work at the time. As of 2021 the vineyard holdings had grown to 15 hectares of Pinot Noir. The business was managed by Willibald’s son Werner, his wife Claudia and their daughters Meike and Dörte. The two sisters are now proceeding with making the magnificent terroir of the steep slopes by the Ahr tangible in mineral-laden and fruity wines. This requires a great deal of care in the vineyard as well as reduced yields, which are harvested by hand and carefully selected. The work in the cellar focuses exclusively on preserving this high level of quality through a gentle working method.
– The Wine: VDP.ORTSWEINE denotes high-quality, characterful and traditional vineyards within a town and give expression to the local terroir. Only regional varieties are used. Reduced yield yields and a long ripening period on the vine enable the typical aroma and elegant acidity and tannin structure. The slate soils of the Ahr River give Spätburgunder an unmistakable minerality that is truly unparalleled, making it something unique.
– The Producer: The Thörle Estate dates back to the 16th century. In 1985 Rudolf Thörle took over from his father Jakob Thörle and set the estate’s focus more on the traditional varietals Riesling and Pinot Noir. In the following years, the Thörle family acquired and planted excellent parcels in Salheim’s Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards sites to expand the estate’s diversity of terroir. Since 2006 the state has been in the hands of the next generation, Johannes and Chrisph Thörle, who manage the winery with innovative skills.
Tasting No 286 – February 24, 2026
Despite not being part of the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands were included for the following :
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Canary wine industry flourished thanks to the production of sweet wines, especially those made from Malvasia, which were exported massively to England, Flanders, and the Americas. These wines, internationally known as Canary Sack or Malmsey, enjoyed great prestige and were widely cited in European literature of the time. This golden age positioned the Canaries as one of the major wine centers of Atlantic trade, in direct dialogue with other Mediterranean regions producing sweet and fortified wines.
Sicily as a whole enjoys ample sunshine and lots of heat. However, Mt. Etna’s high elevation also provides greater rainfall, moderating breezes and cooler temperatures. Etna’s unique nature means soils, microclimates and exposures change dramatically from site to site, creating a panorama of characteristics and possibilities in the vineyards. Etna DOC is a stunning wine appellation that covers the slopes of Sicily’s Mount Etna. The appellation is famous for its unique volcanic terroir and distinctive wines. More details about wines from Sicily, and Etna DOC in particular can be found in our blog post from February, 2024 (
The Priorat wine DOP is located in the Catalonia region, just inland from the Mediterranean port city of Tarragona. The Montsant mountain chain dominates the region, with vineyards situated between 330 feet above sea level in the valleys of Bellmunt del Priorat and el Molar up to 2,500 feet above sea level on the slopes of La Morera de Montsant and Porrera. Many vineyards are located on costers (Catalan for “steep slope”), so terracing is common, and vineyards are often too steep and narrow for machine-harvesting. The slate soil on the slopes is known as llicorella due to its dark color and is the main feature of the soil’s terroir and the success of its native grapes: Ganarcha and Cariñena.
– Producer: Tenuta delle Terre Nere is one of Etna’s benchmarks, a pioneer in parcel‑based vinification and in showcasing the purity of volcanic terroir. Terre Nere’s vineyards encompass 55 hectares (135 acres) in four different subregions across the island. Altitude here ranges from 1960 to 3280 feet (600 to1000m) above sea level, creating steep slopes within an undulating landscape. The steepest gradients are closely terraced and require manual farming practices. Many vines are approaching 100 years old with a handful of plots over 130 years having been planted prior to the phylloxera epidemic of the late 19th Century.
– Producer: Bodega Envínate is one of Spain’s most influential projects, focused on minimal‑intervention wines with strong terroir identity. In the Canaries, Envínate is a highly regarded winery situated in the Tenerife Island, known for its terroir-driven, low-intervention wines made from ancient, indigenous grape varieties. The project, founded in 2008 by four enology graduates—Roberto Santana, Alfonso Torrente, Laura Ramos, and José Martínez—focuses on expressing the unique volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands, particularly in the Valle de la Orotava, where the Migan Tinto is produced, and the Taganana region.
– Producer: Founded by Lluís Llach, Celler Vall Llach is one of the emblematic names of modern Priorat, and specialist in old‑vine Cariñena and Garnacha in Porrera. Their “trossos” (plots of land) are centenary farms, with vineyards between 90 and 110 years old of Carignan and Grenache. Their slopes are impressive and don’t allow mechanized work. They ensure we have an exclusive must for our selections. These vineyards are supplemented with others, chosen for their quality among the oldest and most famous in the villages of Porrera and Torroja, all cultivated by farmers who work on a regular basis with the winery. In addition, to further ensure the complexity of our wines, the winery planted a series of vineyards with grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Viognier.
– The Wine: from the same producer, its Style: Deep, powerful, mineral red with firm tannin.
Tasting 283 November 18, 2025 Pinot Noir
NEW ZEALAND – The history of Pinot Noir in New Zealand is relatively young, but it’s a story of rapid rise and global acclaim. In just a few decades, New Zealand has established itself as one of the premier Pinot Noir producers in the Southern Hemisphere, known for purity, elegance, and vibrant fruit. The earliest vine plantings in New Zealand go back to the 1800s, brought by European settlers, but it didn’t catch on due to lack of wine infrastructure, limited viticultural knowledge, and inappropriate vineyard sites. It is only in the 1970s, that the modern New Zealand wine industry began to take shape, particularly in regions like Martinborough, Canterbury, and Central Otago, where the first producer recognized that the cool, dry climate and free-draining soils mirrored conditions in Burgundy The current trends are: greater focus on single-vineyard bottlings and sustainable practices; use of native yeasts, whole-bunch fermentation, and minimal intervention; and increasing comparisons to Burgundy, especially from Martinborough and Central Otago.
ARGENTINA – Pinot Noir in Argentina is a niche production, with about 2,000 hectares of cultivation. Making great Pinot Noir is often seen as the holy grail of winemaking, a quest that Argentine Producers have been chasing for decades. The earliest Pinot Noir success in Argentina was actually as sparkling wine and many of the Pinot Noir clones available in Argentina are Champagne clones used for sparkling wine rather than still reds. Since the 2000’s producers have changed their genetic selection and red Pinot Noir wines have improved greatly. The best Pinot Noir comes from the cooler regions of high altitude Uco Valley (notably Galtallary) and low altitude Rio Negro [Barnes, 2022].
UNITED STATES – Pinot Noir was first introduced to the U.S. in the mid-19th century, primarily by European immigrants bringing vine cuttings with them. Initial plantings were scattered and experimental, and the grape didn’t gain immediate traction due to its sensitivity to climate and soil. In the early 20th century, California saw some of the earliest serious attempts at cultivating Pinot Noir, particularly in areas like the Santa Cruz Mountains and later in Sonoma and Napa. However, it wasn’t until after Prohibition that efforts really picked up again. A major turning point came in the 1960’s when planting Pinot Noir began in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. By the 1980’s and 1990’s, both Oregon and cooler parts of California were producing world-class Pinot Noir. The grape became known for its elegance, complexity, and expression of terroir. American Pinot Noirs gained further credibility on the world stage after Eyrie’s 1975 South Block Reserve placed well in international tastings. Pinot Noir is now one of the most prestigious and sought-after varietals in the U.S. Willamette Valley is widely considered one of the top Pinot-producing regions in the world, and California continues to innovate with diverse styles ranging from bold to delicate. Stylistically, these wines range from types similar to Burgundy’s (leaner, with firmer tannins and earth and mineral accents) to plusher and riper versions with rich dark fruit and spice notes, and styles in between.
CHILE – Pinot Noir likely arrived in Chile in the 19th century, brought by European settlers. However, it was not widely planted or seriously cultivated mainly because Chile’s central wine regions were too warm for Pinot to thrive. In the 1990s, Chilean winemakers began exploring coastal regions, realizing the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean and Humboldt Current could support delicate grapes like Pinot Noir. Regions like Casablanca Valley, San Antonio Valley (especially Leyda), Limarí Valley, Bio-Bío and Itata in the south began to produce higher-quality, cooler-climate Pinot Noir. Winemakers started to use better clones of Pinot Noir (especially Dijon clones from Burgundy); implement lower yields and more precise vineyard management; and experiment with oak aging, whole-cluster fermentation, and minimal intervention techniques.
The wine – Vineyard & winemaking: this wine comes from the cool clay soils and rolling north facing slopes of Marlborough’s Southern Valleys region. The aged alluvial gravels and dense clay subsoils balance drainage and water availability to yield the region’s best Pinot Noir grapes. The key vineyards for this variety are Mustang, Delta and Barracks.
The Wine – Vineyard & winemaking: The vineyard soils are described as follows: depths of 0-40 cm: loose, sandy, loamy soil; between depths of 40-60 cm: reddish-hued compact calcium carbonate. Between depths of 60-110 cm: 90% boulder debris 5 cm in thickness, with dispersed calcium carbonate. Vineyard located in Gualtallary, Tupungato, elevation of 1450 m.s.n.m. (4757 feet). Fermentation is in roll-fermentor and 24 hL stainless steel tanks with 50% whole cluster. Fermented at an average temperature of 22ºC for 12 days. Aged 12 months in French oak (100% François Frères), 15% new barrels, 35% second-use and 50% third-use barrels.
The Wine – Vineyard & winemaking: the wine maker describes the soil of the vineyard, located in a steep slope on Chestnut Ridge, at a high elevation (around 1,800 feet), as weathered igneous rock of charnockite granite containing a complexity of quartz, pyroxene, feldspar converting to clay and other minerals. This wine is aged for 11 months in French oak barrels. (30% new French oak, with the remaining in neutral French oak).
The wine – Vineyard & winemaking: The wine is produced from fruits from the Quebrada Seca vineyard (Block 5 and Block 15) which is situated on the northern bank of the Limarí River at an altitude of 190m above sea level, just 22 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean. The soils are clay and rich in calcium carbonate; the temperatures are cool and the mornings cloudy, so the fruit ripens slowly, producing fresher wines. Block 5 is associated with the Santa Cristina soil series. They are of colluvial origin with angular stones and a high percentage of rusted iron-rich red clay and calcium carbonate in the subsoil. Block 15 is associated with the Quebrada Seca soil series. These are of colluvial origin, without angular stones and have a high percentage of rusted iron-rich clay and calcium carbonate. It has a semi-arid coastal climate. The proximity to the ocean and the cool sea breezes that blow directly towards the valley cool off and moderate the temperatures at the vineyard and this, together with the morning fog, results in slow, prolonged fruit ripening, making for fresher wines.
The very first thing to understand is that Greece is much more diverse in terms of climate than most people realize. The country has everything – from arid Mediterranean islands to wet, mountainous pine forests that receive snowfall in the winter. With such a diverse climate, you can expect Greek wines to be quite varied as well. So, one of the best ways to wrap your head around Greek wine is to split the country up into four overarching wine zones based on their climates. 
The Best Wines from Greece – a summary 
The Producer: Domaine Douloufakis Winery: In 1930, Dimitris Douloufakis became one of the first winemakers in Crete to produce wines professionally in his traditional, old winery. Their privately owned vineyards of 200 acres are located in the heart of the wine-growing zone of Crete, in Dafnes, Heraklion and at an altitude of 350 – 450 meters. The limestone soils of the area and the microclimate that prevails are considered ideal for the production of good quality grapes. This region has a long history in viticulture and also has been established as a Protected Designation of Origin for Liatiko wines .The privately owned vineyards are certified 100% organic and span over 70 acres of rolling hills in the Dafnes sub-region, a village close to Iraklio in Crete. 
– The Producer: Greek Wine Cellars, formerly known as Kourtaki Wines, is a large, historic wine producing and blottling company in Greece. The company was founded in 1895 by Vassili Kourtakis, one of the first Greeks to gain a diploma in oenology. In 1905, the company established in Markopoulo, Mesogia, an old wine-growing region where it continues to operate today. The company has continuously expanded its operations to include several regional wineries across Greece, including Ritsona, the Peloponnese, and Crete. It encompasses several brands split in three divisions: Kourtaki, Calliga and Oenoforos. Their wines are produced under PDO and PGI appellations. The winery’s annual production is approximately 30 milion bottles, half of which is exported. The The Ritsona winery in central Greece has always been at the forefront in implementing new methods and investing in modern technology with the aim of constantly improving the wines it produces. 
– The Producer: Kir-Yianni Estate was established in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris, one of the leading figures in the Greek wine industry. Kir-Yianni, “Mr. John” in Greek, is best known for producing premium Xinomavro from the slopes of Mt. Vermio in Northwestern Greece. Today, Stellios Boutaris, son of Yiannis, actively manages the winery and their two 30+ year-old estate vineyards located in Naoussa and Amyndeon. The Kir-Yianni philosophy is a desire for innovation, respect for tradition and true knowledge of the wine, from the grape to the consumer. 
– The Producer: Mitravelas Estate was founded in the city center in 1913 and later in the 1950’s the three Mitravelas brothers Andreas, Spyros and Nikos took over the winery. By the end of the 20th century, the family owns about 10 hectares of vineyards in various areas of Nemea zone. The winery is located in Achaldia, one of the best sites in Nevea. Some pieces of the land are formed of extremely old vines which are dry farmed non irrigated. This results in very small annual production and on the other hand excellent concentrations and ripeness of the grapes. Elements necessary for the highest quality in the wines produced. 
The Producer: Cloudy Bay Vineyards, established in 1985, is today a partnership with champagne house Veuve Clicquot. The winery and vineyards are situated in the Wairau Valley in Marlborough at the northern end of New Zealand’s South Island. This unique and cool wine region enjoys a maritime climate with the longest hours of sunshine of any place in New Zealand.
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Club del Vino - Washington DC area 