Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, who co-founded Grgich Hills Estate with Austin Hills, started in the wine business at the bottom. Born into a winemaking family on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, one of his first memories is stomping grapes in a half-barrel when he was just 2.5-years-old.
Mike’s journey, from his peasant upbringing in communist Yugoslavia to Vintners Hall of Fame inductee in the Napa Valley, sounds like a Hollywood movie. He arrived in the Napa Valley in 1958 and worked for some of the region’s iconic wineries—Souverain, Christian Brothers, Beaulieu Vineyard, and Robert Mondavi Winery—before becoming winemaker at Chateau Montelena Winery. There he crafted the Chardonnay that beat the best white wines in France in the now-famous 1976 Paris Tasting, thereby shattering the myth that only French soil could produce the world’s greatest wines, and drawing international attention to the wines of the Napa Valley.
On Independence Day 1977, Mike and Austin Hills broke ground in Rutherford, California to build Grgich Hills Cellar. Since that day, Mike has continued receiving international awards for his estate-grown wines. He has been recognized as a leader in natural winegrowing and sustainability. The winery farms without artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides; relies on wild yeast fermentation; and uses Mike’s passion and art to handcraft food-friendly, balanced, and elegant wines.
Throughout 2013 the winery is celebrating Mike’s 90th birthday and lifelong accomplishments with several events, including a gala birthday celebration, cake decorating contest, and much more. Wine enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the Grgich Hills website for more information.
Mike believes the best way he can give back to others is by sharing some of the lessons that he has learned. “I have been so lucky, and so many wonderful people have believed in me and helped me along the way,” he smiles. “Looking back over my life, I see a consistent theme: work hard and learn something new every day.”
WHAT TO BUY
’10 Chardonnay Napa Valley – $42
Tropical fruit, white peaches, hint of mineral
’09 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley – $60
Black cherry, black licorice, hint of roasted coffee
’08 Merlot Napa Valley – $42
Strawberries, cherries, licorice, coffee
CONTACT
800-532-3057
info@grgich.com
grgich.com
TASTING
Tasting Room Open Daily 9:30–4:30
1829 St. Helena Hwy
PO Box 450
Rutherford, CA 94573
SPECIAL NOTES
Private tastings and tours by appointment, barrel tastings, pet friendly, organic farming practices, corporate meetings and events.
Touring & Tasting is a media company that produces a wine and travel magazine and is also partner in the Hitched Wine Club.
Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
