Chateau Montelena Judgement of Paris 50th Anniversary Celebration
Join us for an extraordinary evening of wine, cuisine, and history at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar during the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival. This exclusive wine-paired dinner celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the legendary Judgment of Paris—one of the most pivotal moments in modern wine history. The evening will showcase the iconic wines of Chateau Montelena, the Napa Valley winery that stunned the world when its Chardonnay triumphed over France’s finest at the 1976 Paris tasting.
The night will be hosted by Ernie Hahn and the Hahn family, who share a piece of this legacy by helping the Barrett family revitalize the winery and transform it into one of America’s premier wine-producing gems. Each course will be thoughtfully paired with selections from Chateau Montelena’s distinguished portfolio, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience the craftsmanship and legacy that helped reshape the global wine landscape. Guiding the culinary experience are former James Beard Best of the West award winner and acclaimed Aspen-based Chef Mawa McQueen and Fairmont Grand Del Mar Executive Chef Bryn McArthur. Chef Mawa’s globally inspired cuisine and refined technique, blended with Chef Bryn’s farm-to-table philosophy and global culinary experience, will complement and elevate each wine pairing.
Throughout the evening, guests will explore the heritage of Chateau Montelena and the enduring impact of the Judgment of Paris while enjoying exceptional hospitality in the stunning setting of Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Celebrate five decades of winemaking history with an unforgettable night of legendary wines, inspired cuisine, and the spirit of discovery that forever changed the world of wine.
Thursday, October 1, 2026 Fairmont Grand Del Mar
6:00 pm
Mawa McQueen is the passionate owner and James Beard nominated executive chef of several esteemed restaurants across Colorado, including MICHELIN Guide recommended Mawa’s Kitchen, Mawita, and Crepe Therapy Café. Her diverse life experiences, which began on the Ivory Coast and continued in France, have laid the groundwork for her deep-seated passion for providing food and comfort to individuals from all backgrounds.
Driven by a desire to inspire through her food and personal narrative, Mawa released her cookbook, Mawa’s Way, which features a collection of fan-favorite recipes from Mawa’s Kitchen, along with her story of perseverance in pursuit of one’s dreams. In 2024, she authored Unstoppable Ambition, a motivational book published in both French and English, which further explores her remarkable journey and the transformative power of ambition and resilience. This was followed in 2025 by the Unstoppable Workbook: Mapping Out Your Mindset for Success, a practical guide designed to assist readers in their personal development.
In addition to her restaurants and a highly successful catering business, Mawa is also the founder of a granola company. Mawa’s GrainFreeNola, is a delicious gluten-free, vegan granola crafted from the highest quality organic nuts and seeds, sweetened with Medjool dates.
Beyond her roles as an executive chef, entrepreneur, and business strategist, Chef Mawa is committed to making a positive impact on her communities. In April 2025, she was honored with the Award for Excellence from the national nonprofit Spoons Across America for her efforts in empowering others through food education, mentorship, and her initiatives to uplift underprivileged communities while celebrating diverse cuisines. In addition to advocating for Africa and its people through her work and service with nonprofits Brake the Cycle and Action in Africa, she currently serves on the Isaacson School Executive Advisory Board, Ment’or Culinary Council, and Sylvia Center Culinary Council.
