Tour of Champions
1976 Paris Tasting Itinerary

TRAVEL - April 14, 2010

Founder's Note: With travel season upon us we're often asked, "Where should we go?" So we're sharing a travel minute from our early days about the people and places that propelled Napa Valley to what it is today. Whether you're planning a trip or just dreaming of wine country, visit our Travel pages for some of our favorite destinations from Santa Barbara to Walla Walla.

Napa Valley offers such a multitude of great experiences that knowing where to start is daunting. As part of our Itinerary Series, we suggest a loop linking the winning players of the famous 1976 Paris Wine Tasting that thrust California onto the world stage of fine wines.

Start on the Silverado Trail with Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, the vineyards planted by Warren Winiarski. His cabernet sauvignon bested the best of French Bordeaux in the Paris Tasting. The history of his participation is well documented on its website and the modern traditions started here can be felt throughout.

Then head north to Chateau Montelena, a grand stone edifice built in the 1880's and home of the champion in the white Burgundies competition in the Paris Tasting. Paraphernalia of vintner Jim Barrett's winning chardonnay are carefully preserved. Consider renting the movie "Bottle Shock" before you go. It is a light-hearted, Hollywood rendition of Barrett's role and an eye pleasing look at Napa in the 1970's.

But your troika would not be complete without visiting the winery of the man who crafted that chardonnay, Mike Grgich. Swing south to his Grgich Hills Estate in Rutherford. Still made in the same old-world style, the 1979 Grgich Hills Chardonnay was served by President Reagan to French President Mitterrand at the American Embassy in Paris.

(Originally published February 25, 2009)

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