Local Event Premier Host

“Judgment Of Paris” Wine Tasting & Small Plate Experience

Thu, May 22, 2025 (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

L'Auberge Chez François
332 Springvale Road
Great Falls, Virginia 22066
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Cost: $155 (Per Person; Excludes Tax & Gratuity) for a total of $198.40

La Grande Tente Garden Terrace 

On May 24th, 1976, Steven Spurrier, an Englishman running a wine shop and wine school in Paris, organized a tasting of six top California cabernets and chardonnays to celebrate the American Bicentennial. He added four Bordeaux wines and four white Burgundies to act as markers against which to evaluate the Californians. The judges were among the best tasters in France, and, to everyone’s surprise, chose a California wine over the French for both the red and white flights.

The tasting became known as the Judgment of Paris, and ended an era in which it was thought that fine wine came only from Europe. The response of the French judges to the results was that the California wines would not age, and the French wines would win if tasted again in 30 years.

(Spoiler alert: they didn't)

Please join us on May 22nd at 6:00pm as we recreate our very own “Judgement of Paris” on our beautiful Le Grande Tente Garden Terrace. Co-hosting this very special evening are special guests Victoria Pons-Strigari, Luxury Wine Specialist, Virginia, Constellation and Krysti Atwood, Director, Virginia of Constellation.

Our evening experience includes a reception with bubbles–Cremant d’Alsace–and Chef Jacques’ seasonal canapes. Sit down, sip and vote on four French White and Red wines and four California White and Reds. You, our esteemed judges this evening, will declare France or California the winner! Chef Jacques and our wine expert guests for this evening are pairing each four flights (two each for a total of 8 wines) plus Cremant Bubbles with a scrumptious selection of small plates sure to delight your palate.

Viva La France and Viva California! Let the winner be chosen again at L’Auberge Chez François with our judges, you!


JUDGMENT OF PARIS MENU

Reception

Seasonal Canapes

Crémant d’Alsace


Cours de Pain

Harvest Multigrain, Sourdough Rolls, Local Butter


First Tasting Flight

France White vs California White

Maine Lobster and Chesapeake Crab Cake Gateau


Second Tasting Flight

France White vs California White*

Wild Parmesan Crusted Maine Halibut


Third Tasting Flight

France Red vs California Red

Chive Crêpe Stuffed with Duxelle of Wild Mushrooms, Tomato Concassé, Truffle Sauce


Fourth Tasting Flight

France Red vs California Red

A House Delicacy: Braised Wagyu Beef Cheeks, Wild Mushrooms, Sherry Wine Sauce


Dessert

Chef Pascal’s Strawberry Gateau

Julius Meinl Coffee, Selection of Harney and Sons Fine Teas


Event Price: $155 (Per Person; Excludes Tax & Gratuity) for a total of $198.40 Per Person. 

Tickets non-refundable. Patrons will be able to purchase this evening’s wines at a very special price. We are happy to accommodate guests’ dietary concerns. Please email chezlauberge@aol.com or call 703-759-3800 with special requests. If sold out, please ask to join our wait list.

All the wine from the tasting will be available for purchase this evening.

Tags

  • event
  • wine tasting
  • small plates
  • Things to do in Great Falls, Virginia
  • Virginia Wine & Food Events
  • Great Falls Wine & Food Events

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L'Auberge Chez François

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