Festival Napa Valley Commissions First Opera for 20th Anniversary, Premiering in 2026

Festival Napa Valley has announced the commissioning and upcoming world premiere of a new one-act opera, The Judgment of Paris, composed by Jake Heggie with a libretto by Gene Scheer. The opera is set to debut on July 18, 2026, at the Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena, California, as part of the festival’s 20th anniversary season. This marks the first time Festival Napa Valley has commissioned an opera, and the production will feature a full orchestra.

The Judgment of Paris draws inspiration from the historic 1976 blind wine tasting in Paris that brought international recognition to Napa Valley wines. The opera blends elements of Greek mythology with the real-life figures who played key roles in the event. Characters include gods from Olympus and pioneers of California winemaking, creating a narrative that explores themes of tradition, innovation, and transformation.

The cast includes soprano Danielle De Niese as Venus and baritone Quinn Kelsey as Bacchus. Tenor Nicholas Phan will portray Steven Spurrier, mezzo-soprano Simone McIntosh will play Patricia Gallagher, and soprano Brenda Rae will appear as Odette Kahn. Fellows from Festival Napa Valley’s Manetti Shrem Opera Program will take on roles representing Joanne DePuy, Mike Grgich, Warren Winiarski, and George Taber—figures central to the original Judgment of Paris event. A chorus will represent customers at the Académie du Vin and French judges involved in the tasting.

Jean-Romain Vesperini will direct the production, with Kent Nagano conducting. The creative team includes designers with experience from major international events such as the Paris Olympics.

The timing of the premiere coincides with three significant anniversaries: the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Judgment of Paris, the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, and Festival Napa Valley’s own 20th anniversary. Organizers say these milestones provide a fitting backdrop for an opera that celebrates innovation in both wine and art.

Charles Letourneau, Vice President and Director of Artistic Planning at Festival Napa Valley, described the project as capturing “the essence of Napa Valley—curiosity, courage, and the joy of discovery.” Composer Jake Heggie expressed enthusiasm for working on a piece that combines his love for music with a story about risk-taking and creativity. Librettist Gene Scheer noted that wine and opera share a deep connection through their ability to evoke passion and memorable experiences.

The opera’s plot centers on Bacchus defending French wine’s supremacy while Venus advocates for change. Their rivalry moves from Olympus to 1970s Paris and Napa Valley, where Steven Spurrier and Patricia Gallagher organize a blind tasting that challenges established norms. When Napa wines unexpectedly top the rankings, both gods and mortals are forced to reconsider their ideas about tradition and excellence.

In advance of the world premiere, Festival Napa Valley will host several preview events across the country. On February 18, 2026, Printemps New York City will hold an International Wine Day celebration featuring a wine tasting and conversation with Heggie, Scheer, and Letourneau. A workshop week at San Francisco Conservatory of Music is scheduled for April 5–9, 2026, including rehearsals and a reading performance paired with a Napa wine tasting. Los Angeles will host an event on May 26, 2026—National Wine Day—featuring additional musical excerpts.

Following its premiere at Charles Krug Winery on July 18, 2026, The Judgment of Paris is expected to be performed at other venues in the United States and internationally. Organizers hope that this new opera will highlight both Napa Valley’s role in reshaping global perceptions of wine and its ongoing commitment to artistic innovation.