Advanced Wine Tasting with Alicia Barrett

The famous 1976 Judgement of Paris transformed how the world saw wines from California. This blind tasting in Paris organized by Steven Spurrier put the best wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy up against their California peers. To the surprise of all, the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay and the 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon won the tasting, and twenty years later were placed in the Smithsonian’s Museum of American History.

Join us for April’s Advanced Tasting as we host our very own ‘Judgement of Paris’ style tasting. You will be the judge as we blind taste some of the best that America and France have to offer while discussing the history of these iconic wineries and their contribution to the wine industry we know today.

About Alicia Barrett

Alicia Barrett’s passion for wine began after a transformative trip to Burgundy, inspiring her to pursue a deep dive into the world of wine education. She holds the prestigious WSET Diploma, a qualification earned by only a select group of wine professionals globally. Alicia serves as the wine educator for Binny’s Beverage Depot in Illinois, where she leads educational programs for both staff and customers across 45 locations. She is also an educator for the U.S. Champagne Bureau and conducts wine tastings for the Alliance Française. Previously, Alicia worked as a sommelier at the InterContinental Hotel-Chicago. When not immersed in the world of wine, Alicia enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, traveling, and living in the city.