Freemark Abbey & the Judgment of Paris: Kristy Melton on the Winery That Changed American Wine

Check out all the great events Laurie has on the calendar in 2026 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her comedic wine tasting Something to Wine About at The Room at Cedar Grove in Lewes, DE on July 10th at 6PM.As America celebrates its 250th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the legendary Judgment of Paris approaches, we're raising a glass to one of the wineries that helped put California wine on the world stage.In this episode of The Sipping Point, Laurie Forster sits down with Kristy Melton, acclaimed winemaker at Freemark Abbey, one of Napa Valley's most historic wineries. Together they explore the winery's remarkable legacy—from its founding in 1886 by trailblazing entrepreneur Josephine Tychson to its starring role in the 1976 Judgment of Paris, where Freemark Abbey was the only California winery represented with both a Chardonnay and a Cabernet Sauvignon.Kristy also shares her fascinating journey from NIH research scientist to Napa Valley winemaker, how science and intuition work together in the cellar, and how she's guiding Freemark Abbey into its next chapter while honoring nearly 140 years of history.Wines TastedFreemark Abbey Chardonnay $45Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon $75Freemark Abbey Cabernet Bosche $225In this episode:The remarkable story of Josephine Tychson and the founding of Freemark AbbeyWhy the Judgment of Paris changed American wine foreverKristy's journey from scientist to award-winning winemakerWhat makes Freemark Abbey's Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon distinctiveThe history and significance of the iconic Bosché VineyardSustainability, innovation, and the future of Napa Valley winemakingFood pairings for Chardonnay, Napa Cabernet, and Bosché Vineyard CabernetCommon wine myths—including the truth about sulfitesSupport the showFollow The Sipping Point on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio or wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode!Subscribe to our YouTube channel @thewinecoach to get video footage of the podcasts an more.Let's Stay Connected:Instagram @thewinecoachFacebook @winecoachTikTok @LaurieForster