Description

Join us for an extraordinary evening of wine, cuisine, and history at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar during the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival. This exclusive wine-paired dinner celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the legendary Judgment of Paris—one of the most pivotal moments in modern wine history. The evening will showcase the iconic wines of Chateau Montelena, the Napa Valley winery that stunned the world when its Chardonnay triumphed over France’s finest at the 1976 Paris tasting.

The night will be hosted by Ernie Hahn and the Hahn family, who share a piece of this legacy by helping the Barrett family revitalize the winery and transform it into one of America’s premier wine-producing gems. Each course will be thoughtfully paired with selections from Chateau Montelena’s distinguished portfolio, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience the craftsmanship and legacy that helped reshape the global wine landscape. Guiding the culinary experience are former James Beard Best of the West award winner and acclaimed Aspen-based Chef Mawa McQueen and Fairmont Grand Del Mar Executive Chef Bryn McArthur. Chef Mawa’s globally inspired cuisine and refined technique, blended with Chef Bryn’s farm-to-table philosophy and global culinary experience, will complement and elevate each wine pairing.

Throughout the evening, guests will explore the heritage of Chateau Montelena and the enduring impact of the Judgment of Paris while enjoying exceptional hospitality in the stunning setting of Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Celebrate five decades of winemaking history with an unforgettable night of legendary wines, inspired cuisine, and the spirit of discovery that forever changed the world of wine.

WELCOME WINE

Blanc de Blanc Sparkling 2023

RECEPTION

Featured Chef: Mawa McQueen
Tray Passed Bite: Mini Crêpe au Caviar | Buckwheat Crêpe | House-Cured Salmon | Crème Fraîche | Chive | Dill | Osetra Caviar
Featured Chef: Bryn McArthur
Tray Passed Bite: Tempura Morel | Brie de Meaux | Truffle | Quince
Welcome Wine Pairing: Chateau Montelena | Riesling, Potter Valley 2024

DINNER | Wine Partner: Chateau Montelena

Course #1
Featured Chef: Mawa McQueen
Wine Pairing: Chateau Montelena | Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, 2024
Dish: Carpaccio de Saint-Jacques | Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio | Persimmon Rougail | Citrus | Espelette Pepper | Extra-Virgin Olive Oil | Delicate Herbs 

Course #2
Featured Chef: Mawa McQueen
Wine Pairing: Chateau Montelena | Chardonnay, Napa Valley, 2023
Dish: Rouget Barbet en Écailles de Pommes de Terre |Mediterranean Red Mullet | Crisp Potato Scales | Leek Fondue | Champagne Beurre Blanc | Trout Roe | Chive Oil

Course #3
Featured Chef: Bryn McArthur
Wine Pairing: Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Single Vineyard, 2021
Dish:  Dry Aged Striploin | Foraged Mushroom | Weiser Farms Alaska Fingerling  | Sauce Perigourdine

Course #4
Featured Chef: Bryn McArthur/Mawa McQueen
Wine Pairing: Montelena Estate Zinfandel, Calistoga, 2023
Dish: Comté 24 Mois | Nutty, Crystalline and Deeply Savory Brillat-Savarin | Triple-Cream, Delicate and Luxurious Mâche and Frisée Salad | Dijon Vinaigrette | Toasted Walnut | Grapes

Course #5
Featured Chef: Bryn McArthur
Wine Pairing: Chateau Montelena | 20 Year Ruby
Dish: Chocolate Hazelnut Gateaux | Caraibe Cremeaux | Milk Chocolate Mousse | Citrus | Fig