California

On May 24, 1976, Steven Spurrier, a British wine merchant hoping to stoke sales at his French-wine-only shop, held a wine competition in Paris. In this competition French judges were invited to blind-taste top chardonnays and cabernet sauvignons from France and California. In an event that would later be dubbed the Judgment of Paris, the California wines –included merely to serve as the “sacrificial lambs” to the supposedly superior French wines- won the competition in a shocking upset. This singular event revolutionized the wine industry and put California on the map as a major world producer of fine wine.

This story comes to life on the silver screen for the first time with the film Bottle Shock, starring Bill Pullman, Alan Richman, and Dennis Farina among other notables. I recently chatted with Bottle Shock Co-Writer and Producer Jody Savin about the film.

Why this film now?

To answer this question in a socio-political sense, I would venture to say that we live in challenging times.

Interested in the history behind Napa Valley and the evolution of the wines you are tasting? IntoWine.com has scoured Napa to find the wineries that devote attention to the history of Sonoma wine country. The list below is in no particular order nor is it by any means complete (given the long list of wineries that shaped Napa).

Madonna Estate Napa - For Napa history buffs, Madonna Estate is a must stop. The original winery was founded by a bona fide Italian immigrant during one of the earliest waves of Napa vinification, in 1922. After being sold in the 1970s, a new iteration of Madonna was founded by some of the family heirs just a few years later. Today, they boast the distinction of representing four generations of winemaking. Read more...

Planning a picnic in Napa? IntoWine.com has scoured Napa Valley to find the best wineries for picnics. The list below is in no particular order.

Rutherford Hill Winery Rutherford - If you have the drive time and the picnic basket, and you’re looking for one of the best outdoor eating areas in Napa, head up to Rutherford Hill, where you can sit in one of three dedicated picnic grounds and gaze out at the valley below. Read more...

Some Napa Valley wineries do a fantastic job of displaying art from both local and national artists. IntoWine.com has scoured Napa to find the wineries that devote time and attention to displaying art. The list below is in no particular order.

Artesa Winery Napa (sculpture) - If you’re a buff of just about anything – art, architecture, the history of winemaking, great landscaping, or riding your bike- then this place is for you. Artesa has something for everyone, beginning with fountains that greet you at eye level as you make your way up to the tasting room. One of the few wineries with an artist in residence, Artesa decorates its grounds with sculpture and glass installations by Gordon Huether. Read more...

Taking a large group or even hiring a bus for a trip to Napa? IntoWine.com has scoured Napa Valley to find the wineries best suited to host large groups. The list below is in no particular order.

Folie a Deux Oakville - Folie a Deaux is a psychiatric term that refers to two people sharing the same delusional ideas. Perhaps a whimsical name for a winery, but appropriate if the founders of the winery happen to both be psychology professionals. While the original couple no longer own the winery, their legacy lives on in the Rorschach dancers on the logo. Read more...

There are some Napa wineries that simply have the good fortune of being located in a prime spot for visitors to take in a grand view. IntoWine.com has scoured Napa Valley to find the wineries that are worth checking out if only for the view. The list below is in no particular order.

Signorello Vineyards Napa - There are two things that are unique about Signorello, the first is that it’s got an open demo kitchen in the tasting room, and the second is the aqua blue pool that seems to spill over a hillside onto the Napa vines below. Read more...

Looking to take a guided tour of a winery production facility or the vineyards themselves? IntoWine.com has scoured Napa to find the wineries that offer tours. The list below is in no particular order.

Domaine Chandon Yountville - In a valley replete with still winemakers, Domaine Chandon represents a (relatively) unique opportunity to opt away from the cabs and chards and pick up a slim glass of sparkling wine. Read more...

Thinking of holding your wedding in Napa? Don't know where to start in terms of gathering info on potential recpetion spots? IntoWine.com has scoured Napa to find the best wineries for wedding receptions. The list below is in no particular order.

Domaine Carneros Napa - If you think you might not make it to a true French chateau before you die, the grand estate at Domaine Carneros is the next best thing. From their sparkling wines to their landscaped gardens, sweeping views, and French parent company, this estate exudes French charm from a quiet corner of the Napa Valley. And they know how to work it. As you park your car, you can only look up and admire the flights of stairs that you have to ascend to reach their main terrace. Read more...

There are some Napa wineries that stand out for their grand, beautiful,  or unique architecture style. IntoWine.com has scoured Napa to find the wineries that are worth checking out if only for the architecture. The list below is in no particular order.

Domaine Carneros (French) Napa - If you think you might not make it to a true French chateau before you die, the grand estate at Domaine Carneros is the next best thing. From their sparkling wines to their landscaped gardens, sweeping views, and French parent company, this estate exudes French charm from a quiet corner of the Napa Valley. And they know how to work it. As you park your car, you can only look up and admire the flights of stairs that you have to ascend to reach their main terrace. Read more...

The Rhone Report: About Rhone and Rhone-Style Wines and Winemakers is part of an ongoing series.

The 16th annual Hospice du Rhone events in Paso Robles, California from May 1 to 3, 2008 was an opportunity to consider Rhone-style wines from a fresh perspective.  Unlike most tasting opportunities, these events included Rhone-style wines from the Rhone Valley itself (51 wineries), elsewhere in France (4 wineries) as well as from Spain (4 wineries), Australia (17 wineries), South Africa (6 wineries), Chile (2 wineries), Argentina (1 winery) and the United States.  The American wines were mostly from California (144 wineries), but a few examples from Arizona (2 wineries) and Washington State (5 wineries) were also included.  While this is a California-dominated event, and while many of the Rhone Valley’s best producers aren’t represented, there is still sufficient European and other entries to make for interesting comparisons and contrasts.  The events included two general tastings and a series of focused seminars.