American wines to celebrate this Fourth of July, 50 years after the Judgement of Paris
By
Anna Lee Iijima
Summary
This article explores the landscape of American wines worth celebrating for the Fourth of July, contextualized by the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Judgement of Paris — the historic blind tasting where California wines beat French counterparts. The piece highlights independent growers who are redefining American wine, moving beyond mass production toward terroir-driven, artisanal approaches. It profiles specific winemakers and regions that exemplify this shift, offering recommendations for holiday celebrations while examining the broader evolution of American wine identity over the past five decades.
Source
bskyAmerican wines to celebrate this Fourth of July, 50 years after the Judgement of Parischicagotribune.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledWhen a panel of French experts awarded top honors to the Americans, it sent shockwaves through the wine world and permanently altered global perceptions.
The future of American wine belongs to the independent growers redefining it.
The Fourth of July is, for many of us, a welcome excuse for barbecues, beach outings and fireworks — a holiday defined by gathering, but also some pretty ambitious eating and drinking too.
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