Our very first stop on our 2003 Napa Valley Trip to revisit the wineries from the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting was the David Bruce Winery, located in Los Gatos, California. The winery is located several hours south of Napa Valley, almost a half mile high in the gorgeous Santa Cruz mountains.

The David Bruce winery was founded in the early 1960s by David Bruce, who did most of the initial clearing and planting of the winery himself. Although his family did not drink, a chance encounter with a local winemaker opened his eyes to the delicious wines that could be created in California. When he set up his own winery he had one goal in mind - to make the best Pinot Noir possible.

It is ironic, then, that it was one of David's white wines - his Chardonnay - which was chosen for the famous 1976 Paris Tasting! He was very proud to have his wines considered to be great enough to include in that company. Still, he focussed on his primary goal, to create a delicious Pinot Noir.

We were fortunate enough to be able to spend time talking with David Bruce while we were visiting the winery. Read on for more information about David Bruce and about the fantastic wines he creates!

An Interview with David Bruce, Winemaker

Tasting the David Bruce Wines

Photo Gallery from our David Bruce Visit

Paris Ranking: 10th, Chardonnay
GPS Location: N 37 10.068', W 122 02.722'
Website: DavidBruceWinery.com