The Pacific Northwest held an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime culinary event celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Judgment of Paris.

Led by Sharon Woschitz of the Bailliage of Napa-Sonoma, assisted by Jay Marshall from the Bailliage of San Francisco, this historic lunchtime gathering took place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Thomas Keller’s world-renowned, Michelin 3-star restaurant, The French Laundry in Napa Valley at Yountville, California.

Long celebrated as one of America’s most influential fine-dining destinations, The French Laundry has helped define Napa Valley’s culinary reputation through Chef Keller’s exacting approach to hospitality, French technique and seasonal California ingredients. Under Keller’s leadership, the Yountville landmark has sustained international acclaim, including three Michelin stars, making it a fitting stage for an anniversary honouring California wine’s ascent onto the world stage.

Chef Keller is widely regarded as one of America’s most accomplished chefs and restaurateurs. Born in California, he built his career on classical French technique, disciplined craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to ingredients, service, and mentorship. Keller is the chef and proprietor behind acclaimed restaurants including The French Laundry in Yountville and Per Se in New York, both of which have earned three Michelin stars. His honours include multiple James Beard Foundation awards, among them Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Restaurateur, and his influence extends beyond his restaurants through cookbooks, culinary leadership, and the generations of chefs trained in his kitchens.

In a rare takeover of the entire legendary venue with access to the kitchen and the wine cellar, members and guests honoured the 1976 Paris tasting that forever elevated the status of California wines on the global stage.

The afternoon began with a refined reception in the courtyard garden followed by a seven-course tasting menu expertly crafted by the culinary team at The French Laundry. Each course was paired with wines from the very Napa Valley wineries that triumphed over their French counterparts five decades ago, featuring iconic selections inspired by this pivotal moment.

MENU

Oysters and Pearls
‘Sabayon’ of pearl tapioca
Island Creek oysters and Regiis Ova caviar
Freemark Abbey Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2024

Hen egg custard with a ‘ragoût’ of Périgord truffles
Freemark Abbey Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2024

Sweet butter poached Nova Scotia lobster
wilted arrowleaf spinach, preserved Meyer lemon
creamy lobster broth
Chateau Montelena, Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2018

Sweet English pea ‘agnolotti’
aged Parmesan, sweet pea ‘béchamel’
shaved Australian black winter truffle
Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel, ‘Lytton Springs’
Dry Creek Valley 2016

Steak and Potatoes
Japanese Miyazaki Wagyu, Yukon golden potato ‘hashbrown’
caramelized Cipollini onion, Hobbs’ bacon jus
Spring Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2005

Andante Dairy Etude cheese ‘Gougère’
Australian black winter truffle ‘fondue’

K+M Peruvian Chocolate “Velouté”
Almond-cocoa ‘sablé’, Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream
Ridge Vineyards Proprietary Blend ‘Monte Bello’
Santa Cruz Mountains 2019

Mignardises

“This was more than a luncheon; it was a tribute to a pivotal moment in viticultural history,” said the organizers. “To celebrate this milestone at a venue as prestigious as The French Laundry, with the very wines that changed the world, is a truly historic opportunity for our members and guests.”

To sum it up, there was one iconic Chef, three Michelin Stars (since 2007), six wines, seven courses, eight hors d’oeuvres, 60 guests, 85 staff members, 420 glasses, 840 utensils, 960 dishes and 8,000 desserts!

A special thank you to those who made a difference: Jeroen Geresse, Heinz Woschitz, Mark Burger, Glenn Hammer and Robert Cugini.

Sharon Woschitz
Vice-Conseiller Culinaire
Bailliage of Napa-Sonoma

Photography by Thomas Rimpel

Ed. It is appreciated that the date of this event means the article falls outside of the usual scope of the Chaîne News Online website, however, it is felt to be worthy of a special exception being made.