Miljenko (Mike) Grgich, the visionary winemaker who played a pivotal role in establishing Napa Valley’s reputation as a global wine destination, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 100 in his Calistoga home on Wednesday morning. Grgich’s contributions to the world of winemaking were monumental, with his wines challenging and surpassing France’s best, marking a significant turning point in the industry.
Grgich’s legacy extends beyond his accomplishments in Napa Valley. Born in the Croatian village of Desne in the former Yugoslavia, Grgich’s winemaking journey began early, influenced by his family’s tradition. After leaving Croatia in 1957 due to political reasons, he pursued winemaking studies and eventually found his way to Napa Valley in 1958.
A trailblazer in the truest sense, Grgich worked at Chateau Souverain and Beaulieu Vineyard before joining Robert Mondavi Winery. His inaugural vintage, the 1969 Cabernet Sauvignon, earned acclaim as “possibly the best Cab ever made in California.” However, it was the 1973 Chardonnay he crafted at Chateau Montelena that made history during the Paris Wine Tasting in 1976, famously known as the “Judgment of Paris.”
The victory of Grgich’s Chardonnay over its French counterparts solidified California’s position on the world wine stage. In 1977, Grgich co-founded Grgich Hills Estate with Austin E. Hills, contributing significantly to the Napa Valley grape growing industry. His commitment to allowing wines to express their natural character earned him the moniker “winesitter” rather than a winemaker.
In the wake of the crumbling communist regimes in Eastern Europe, Grgich turned his attention to reviving winemaking in Croatia. In 1991, he opened Grgić Vina, a winery promoting local vines and offering scholarships to young Croats to study winemaking in the U.S. Grgich’s dedication extended to humanitarian efforts, supporting Roots for Peace, an organization focused on landmine removal and farmland reclamation in war-torn nations.
Grgich’s indomitable spirit and passion for winemaking were evident even in his later years when he passed control of Grgich Hills Estate to his daughter Violet Grgich and grand-nephew Ivo Jeramaz in 2018. His memoir, “A Glass Full of Miracles,” published in 2016, encapsulated the miraculous moments he experienced throughout his extraordinary life.
A private funeral service will be held, with a public celebration of Mike Grgich’s life planned for a later date. His influence on the world of wine and dedication to his craft will be remembered for generations to come.