Lee Paschich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lee Paschich
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | September 13, 1914 |
| Died | October 5, 1993 (aged 79) |
| Occupation | Winery owner |
| Years active | 1968-1993 |
| Known for | Part-Owner & General Manager at Chateau Montelena when their 1973 Chardonnay won the Judgment of Paris in 1976. |
| Spouse(s) | Helen Wunder |
Leland J. "Lee" Paschich (September 13, 1914 – October 5, 1993) was an American businessman. He played a big part in the history of Chateau Montelena, a famous winery. Lee Paschich was the general manager when their wine won a very important competition. This event, called the Judgment of Paris, changed how people saw American wines.
Lee Paschich and Chateau Montelena
Lee Paschich and his wife, Helen, bought the Chateau Montelena property in 1968. This was a beautiful place in California where grapes are grown. They wanted to make great wine there.
In 1972, Lee Paschich sold most of the winery to Jim Barrett and his partners. Lee kept a small part of the business. He also stayed on as the general manager. This meant he helped run the winery every day.
The Famous Wine Competition
In 1976, something amazing happened. Chateau Montelena's 1973 Chardonnay wine won a major competition. This event was held in Paris, France. It was called the "Judgment of Paris."
Experts from France tasted wines from California and France. They tasted them without knowing which was which. Chateau Montelena's Chardonnay was chosen as the best white wine. This was a huge surprise. It showed that California wines could be as good as, or even better than, French wines. Lee Paschich's work as general manager helped make this victory possible.
