Saturday, May 9, 2026

Bordeaux Master Class, Judgement of Paris Tasting & Grand Tasting Reception

Saturday begins with a virtual tour of Bordeaux including a unique Master Class led by Neal Martin.

Then to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Judgement of Paris, we invite you to join us for a blind tasting where you will revisit a line-up of California and Bordeaux greats, featuring many of the original producers from that historic event.

The adventure continues at the Grand Tasting Reception with food prepared by some of our favorite chefs, making Heart’s Delight the place to discover the latest in epicurean trends and new talent. Guests will also enjoy wine from the world’s best vineyards as well as the opportunity to bid on exclusive travel packages, dining experiences and rare and exceptional wines during the spirited silent and live auctions.

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC

Dress code: Join us for a blooming good time at our Heart’s Delight Garden Party! Wear your favorite sundress, fancy hat, favorite florals, or anything that makes you feel fresh and fabulous. Let’s sip and celebrate together in style! But also business casual, cocktail, whatever you would like!

Rooms

Special room rates are available at the Waldorf Astoria ($420 & $488) until April 3rd. Please call +1 202-567-7040 and reference American Heart Association/Heart’s Delight or book using our link. 

Bordeaux Master Class

3:30– 4:30 p.m.

A formal seated tasting plus a vintage of the winemaker’s choosing. Château owners and directors are on hand to discuss their wines. We invite participants to ask questions.

2026 Participating Châteaux

Judgement of Paris 50^th Anniversary Celebration Tasting

organized by Berry Bros & Rudd

5:00– 6:30 p.m.

On May 24th, 1976, Steven Spurrier, an Englishman running a wine shop and wine school in Paris, organized a tasting of six top California cabernets and chardonnays to celebrate the American Bicentennial. He added four Bordeaux wines and four white Burgundies to act as markers against which to evaluate the Californians. The judges were among the best tasters in France, and, to everyone’s surprise, chose a California wine over the French for both the red and white flights. The tasting became known as the Judgment of Paris, and ended an era in which it was thought that fine wine came only from Europe.

Join us for a blind tasting where you will revisit a line-up of California and Bordeaux greats, featuring many of the original producers from that historic event.  As we reveal the wines throughout the tasting, we’ll explore how these producers have evolved and defined their place in the modern era. You won’t just taste. You’ll score. You’ll sit alongside esteemed wine professionals from Berry Bros. & Rudd to replicate the original blind judging that shook the world—and see what history has to say this time around.

Grand Tasting & Auction

6:30pm– 10:30 p.m.

A tasting reception with food prepared by the nation’s top chefs and opportunities to bid on excusive travel packages, dining experiences and exceptional wines during the silent & live auctions.

2026 Participating Wineries, Spirits & Breweries