Mike Grgich
Mike Grgich | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Desne, Croatia |
| Died | December 13, 2023 (aged 100) Calistoga, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Winemaker |
| Known for | Producing the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the 1976 Judgment of Paris; co-founder of Grgich Hills Estate |
Miljenko "Mike" Grgich (April 1, 1923 – December 13, 2023) was a Croatian-American winemaker based in California. He is renowned for producing the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that triumphed at the 1976 Judgment of Paris, outperforming numerous white Burgundy wine varieties. Grgich’s significant contributions to American winemaking were honored in 2008 when he was inducted into the Culinary Institute of America's Vintner's Hall of Fame, marking his 50th vintage in Napa Valley.
Life
Originating from a family of winemakers in Desne, Croatia, Grgich pursued education in viticulture and enology at the University of Zagreb. In search of greater prospects beyond communist Yugoslavia, he relocated first to West Germany in 1954, then to Canada, and ultimately settled in California after securing employment at a winery.
His career included positions at Napa Valley estates such as Souverain, Christian Brothers Cellars, Beaulieu Vineyard—where he collaborated with André Tchelistcheff—and Robert Mondavi. Eventually, he became the winemaker and a minority partner at Chateau Montelena. The Chardonnay he crafted in 1973 earned top accolades during the 1976 Paris tasting event. This achievement facilitated the establishment of Grgich Hills Cellar in Rutherford, California, alongside partner Austin Hills from Hills Bros. Coffee. The winery was rebranded as Grgich Hills Estate in 2006; it manages extensive vineyards and produces approximately 70,000 cases annually. Its debut vintage received international recognition by winning the Great Chardonnay Showdown.
Grgich celebrated his centennial birthday in April 2023 and died later that year in Calistoga, California. His distinctive dark blue beret, representing his European roots, is exhibited at the National Museum of American History.
See also
External links
- Grape Radio interview with Mike Grgich - Part 1 and Part 2
- California Winery Advisor Grgich Hills Estate
- Grgich Hills Estate