Stories

The best winemakers in Napa Valley are defined by more than technical skill — they possess an intimate understanding of the land and the artistry to translate the nuances of place into each wine. Atelier Melka, a world-class winemaking team led by Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky, embodies this standard — specializing in small-production, handcrafted wines and working collaboratively with winery owners dedicated to producing superior results.

The Judgment of Paris was a landmark wine tasting held on May 24, 1976, organized by British wine merchant Steven Spurrier. The event pitted the finest French wines — then considered the unquestioned pinnacle of winemaking — against California wines in a blind tasting judged by an elite panel of French wine experts. The results shocked the wine world: California wines won in both the red and white categories.