Overview: Joanne Dickenson DePuy, a foundational figure in the Napa County wine industry, passed away on June 29, 2026, at the age of 98. Her professional papers are now preserved within the UC Davis Library Archives and Special Collections, documenting her pivotal role in global wine networks.
The Full Story
DePuy established Wine Tours International in 1973, utilizing her background in international relations to build a business that bridged Napa Valley with international regions. Her leadership was instrumental during the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976, also known as the Judgment of Paris. She arranged for the Academie du Vin to host a tasting for participants on the Wine International Tour in May 1976, weeks before the historic event.
In October 1974, DePuy became the first woman to address the Napa Valley Vintners Association, presenting her concept for Wine Tours International. Her visits with Steven Spurrier and Patricia Gastaud-Gallagher in 1975-76 determined the wine selection for the Paris Tasting. When Spurrier requested assistance transporting three cases of wine, DePuy coordinated logistics through contacts at the Wine Institute and Trans World Airlines while managing a tour in France with André Tchelistcheff.
Brand & Industry History
The archives illuminate how her tenaciousness opened doors in an industry that made little room for women’s leadership at the time. Her work catalyzed the world’s demand for California wines, forging global networks that leveraged her palate and industry knowledge to elevate the region’s profile.
What This Means
This release offers access to the historical records of a trailblazing business that helped define the modern wine market. The collection serves as a testament to the bridge she built between Napa Valley and other international wine regions, preserving the story behind the iconic Judgment of Paris tasting.
Consumer Takeaway
This release offers access to the historical records of a trailblazing business that helped define the modern wine market. The collection serves as a testament to the bridge she built between Napa Valley and other international wine regions, preserving the story behind the iconic Judgment of Paris tasting.
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