Mike Grgich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mike Grgich
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Grgich, c. 1984
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Miljenko Grgich
April 1, 1923 Desne, Yugoslavia (now Croatia)
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| Died | December 13, 2023 (aged 100) Calistoga, California, U.S.
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| Nationality |
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| Alma mater | University of Zagreb |
| Occupation | Winemaker |
| Spouse(s) | Tatjana Grgich |
| Children | 1 |
Miljenko "Mike" Grgich (April 1, 1923 – December 13, 2023) was a very famous winemaker. He was born in Croatia and later became an American citizen. Mike Grgich is best known for making a special Chardonnay wine in 1973. This wine won a big competition in Paris, France, in 1976. This event is now called the Judgment of Paris. Because of his important work, Mike Grgich was added to the Vintner's Hall of Fame in 2008. This was a special honor for his many years of making wine in Napa Valley, California.
Contents
Mike Grgich: A Winemaking Legend
Early Life and Big Dreams
Miljenko Grgich grew up in a family that made wine in Desne, a town in Croatia. He went to the University of Zagreb to study how to grow grapes and make wine. Mike learned a lot about California and dreamed of moving there to make wine.
In 1954, he left his home country and went to West Germany. He then moved to Canada. Finally, he came to the United States after getting a job offer from a winery in California.
Making Wine in California
Mike Grgich worked at several wineries in the Napa Valley. These included Souverain Winery and Christian Brothers Cellars. He also worked at Beaulieu Vineyard with another famous winemaker, André Tchelistcheff. Later, he joined Robert Mondavi's winery.
After gaining much experience, Grgich became the winemaker at Chateau Montelena. He also became a partner in the business.
The Famous Wine Tasting
In 1976, Mike Grgich's 1973 Chardonnay wine was chosen for a big competition. This event was called the Paris Wine Tasting. His wine was judged against many famous French white wines. Surprisingly, Mike Grgich's Chardonnay was ranked the number one white wine!
This amazing win helped Mike Grgich start his own winery. A movie called Bottle Shock was made about this famous wine tasting.
Starting His Own Winery
After his big success, Mike Grgich opened his own winery. He partnered with Austin Hills, who was from the Hills Brothers Coffee family. They named the winery Grgich Hills Cellar. It is located in Rutherford, California.
In 2006, the winery changed its name to Grgich Hills Estate. The winery owns about 366 acres (148 ha) of vineyards. They make about 70,000 cases of wine every year. Their very first wine won another big competition called the Great Chardonnay Showdown. It beat 221 other wines from all over the world.
Mike Grgich lived to be 100 years old. He passed away in Calistoga, California, on December 13, 2023. His special dark blue beret, which showed his European background, is now in the National Museum of American History.
See also
- List of wine personalities
