Calistoga Celebrates Historic Wine Legacy, Local Pride With Festival

NAPA VALLEY, CA — Fifty years after California wines made headlines, Calistoga will commemorate the milestone with a new festival that pairs the story behind Napa Valley's breakthrough with tastings of award-winning local vintages and a fundraiser.

Calistoga is launching the first Calistoga Wine Festival on Aug. 15, combining a retrospective on the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Judgment of Paris with wine tastings featuring producers from the Calistoga American Viticultural Area.

The inaugural event, organized by the Calistoga Wine Society, is a benefit for UpValley Family Centers. Organizers have limited attendance to 100 ticket holders.

The festival centers on the 1976 Judgment of Paris, the blind tasting that elevated Napa Valley's international reputation after several California wines outscored many leading French vintages. The competition later inspired the 2008 film "Bottle Shock" and, this year, multiple events.

Professional wine judge and sommelier Christopher Sawyer will lead a discussion examining the historic tasting and Napa Valley's evolution alongside local wine industry guests. Len Tolstunov, founder of the Calistoga Wine Society and creator of the event, will deliver opening remarks.

Following the discussion, organizers will announce medals recognizing Calistoga wines before opening the Calistoga Grand Tasting from 3 to 5 p.m.

Festival attendees will have the opportunity to sample award-winning Calistoga AVA wines paired with food prepared by Calistoga restaurants. Organizers said a portion of ticket sales will support UpValley Family Centers, a nonprofit serving residents in northern Napa County.

The full schedule includes:

• 1 to 1:30 p.m.: Opening ceremony and welcome remarks.
• 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Discussion on the Judgment of Paris and Napa Valley's wine history.
• 2:30 to 3 p.m.: Wine award presentations.
• 3 to 5 p.m.: Grand tasting featuring Calistoga AVA wines and food pairings.

General admission is $85 and includes access to the educational program, discussion, awards ceremony, and grand tasting. The event will be held at the Brannan Center, 1407 Third St.