Judgement of Paris to be recreated in Napa with Steven Spurrier

Steven Spurrier and George Taber are to head to Napa in May for “a modern day interpretation” of the famed Judgment of Paris.

Steven Spurrier at his vineyard in Dorset’s Bride Valley. Picture credit: Thomas Skovsende

The tasting later this year has been dubbed The Judgment of Napa, and provides a chance for fee-paying members of the public to take part in the blind tasting 44 years after the original event, which was organised by Spurrier for wine professionals.

50 places are available for a price of $15,000, with Masters of Wine Peter Marks and Matt Deller curating the tasting, which will also feature the men behind the original event – author Steven Spurrier as well as journalist George Taber, who reported on the results from the original judgement, which saw Californian wines placed above the great names of France.

A further 50 people for a fee of $1,500 can attend a reception and watch the tasting while enjoying “highly credible” wines.

The event is being put together by Angela Duerr of “luxury concierge service” Cultured Vine.

Commenting on this year’s tasting in a video promoting the event, Steven Spurrier said that The Judgment of Napa would “remind people of Judgment of Paris and also bring it up to date,” and described the invitation to lead the tasting in May as “a great honour”.

The event will include a welcome dinner featuring Spurrier’s sparkling wine from England, called Bride Valley Brut Reserve.