MUSINGS: Somms on California: Winning over the Sceptics

When, in 1976, Steven Spurrier invited a panel of high-profile professionals to gather in Paris and blind taste a range of Californian wines alongside their French counterparts, he proved to the world that California played in the same league as the world’s finest wine regions…

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Steven Spurrier

1941 – 2021

Why can’t wine education be engaging and enjoyable?

We believe in keeping wine appreciation approachable and allow for sensory examination and evaluation, never complicated or overtly analytical.

Studying the complexity of wine tasting has been a fruitful learning curve that has opened my eyes to the delights of a huge variety of wines.

Michael Broadbent

Through our ongoing courses, events and best-selling books, the Academie du Vin encourages our guests to discover wine tasting and appreciation through a traditional approach using our wealth of knowledge to train how your senses should feel.

It’s a place and modern community focused on a passion for fine wine allowing us to share our interest with likeminded people who have an innate curiosity but without the intimidation factor.

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Our History

Originally established in Paris in 1973 by Steven Spurrier, the Academie du Vin was France’s first private wine school teaching wine appreciation to ex-patriate British and Americans living in the city. The location of the school was adjacent to Steven Spurrier’s famous wine store, the Caves de la Madeleine, and designed inside a former locksmith shop.

The Academie du Vin quickly rose to fame in wine enthusiast circles through its association with the 1976 Judgment of Paris – a blind tasting which brought recognition to California wines and changed the wine world forever.

With Steven’s extensive training and experience in the UK wine trade, he was instrumental in creating an educational wine phenomenon that transformed enthusiast’s approach to wine; by perfectly blending enjoyment and technical expertise.

In The Beginning

1973

The Academie du Vin was established in Paris in 1973 by Steven Spurrier as France’s first private bilingual wine school.

The Judgment of Paris

1976

A wine competition pitting some of the finest wines in France against unknown California bottles, the Paris Wine Tasting revolutionized the wine world. The outcome was considered a foregone conclusion, but the Californian wine rated best in both Chardonnay and red categories, which caused surprise as France was generally regarded as being the foremost producer of the world’s best wines

Branching Out

1987

The Academie du Vin travelled across multiple continents to spread the art of tasting. A Japanese branch in Tokyo was established as the first and biggest wine school in the region, now with four locations turning out more than 30,000 graduates.

Establishing Roots

1987

Within the same year, the Toronto location was opened to give those who were passionate about wine the tools necessary to enjoy, explore, and critique a wine without obtaining formal Sommelier Certification.

Present Day

2020

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Widely recognized as the preeminent wine school in Canada, The Academie du Vin has influenced many wine connoisseurs for over thirty years; by ushering a resurgence for wine appreciation through appealing to a new generation of enthusiasts. The Academie du Vin offers a welcoming and stimulating experience that imparts our unsurpassed knowledge and skills, making the tools of tasting wine accessible and enjoyable.

Our Founders

Steven Spurrier (1941 – 2021)

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