The Commonwealth Club of California held its first September soiree recently at the Fleishhackers’ historic Green Gables estate in Woodside. The event celebrated the 40th anniversary of the “Judgment of Paris,” when California wines gained international recognition in their competition with their counterparts from France.
Napa Valley wineries are some of the major players in the global wine industry — but this wasn’t always the case.
The benefit tasting gave people a chance to sample wines from the winning “Judgment of Paris” wineries while supporting the Commonwealth Club.
Go to tinyurl.com/Paris995 for more information on the 1976 Judgment of Paris event.
California wineries that participated in, and won, the Judgment of Paris, included Stag’s Leap, Chateau Montelena, Chalone, Veedercrest, Spring Mountain, Freemark Abbey and Ridge. Those wineries, along with several others, were represented at the Green Gables event.
Several winemakers, winery owners and vineyard specialists who helped put California wines on the map 40 years ago spoke about their experiences during the Green Gables event. Attendees also enjoyed a beautiful view of the Santa Cruz Mountains from the estate, which is recognized as a National Historic place.
The Fleishhackers were investors in silver mining and in the Zellerbach paper company in early California. Family members have resided at Green Gables continuously since it was built in 1914.
Event benefits Peninsula Bridge
An evening to benefit Peninsula Bridge will be held Thursday, Nov. 3, at Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club. The cocktail reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m.
Peninsula Bridge is a program to prepare motivated students from underserved areas for high school college preparatory classes and four-year colleges.
Tickets for the event are $300 per person. For more information, contact Maureen Garrett at maureen@peninsulabridge.org or (650) 473-9461.
SamTrans board
The San Mateo County Transit District board of directors is seeking applicants to fill two public member seats on its board. They must be residents of San Mateo County and not have held public office for one year. They will be appointed for a four-year term.
The board meets the first Wednesday of each month a 2 p.m. Deadline for applications is Friday, Nov. 4. Applications are available by calling (650) 508-6242.
