Obituary – Cause of Death : “Renowned Winemaker Miljenko Grgich, Pioneer in Napa Valley Wine, Passes Away”

Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, a renowned winemaker who played a pivotal role in establishing Napa Valley as one of the world’s premier wine-making regions, has passed away. The news of his demise has left the wine industry and wine enthusiasts mourning the loss of a true legend. Although the cause of his death remains unknown at this time, Grgich’s contributions to the wine world will forever be remembered.

Born in Desne, Croatia in 1923, Grgich’s journey to becoming a winemaking icon was far from ordinary. He grew up in a small village and learned about winemaking from his father and grandfather, who were also winemakers. Grgich’s passion for wine led him to study enology at the University of Zagreb, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the craft.

In 1954, Grgich decided to leave his homeland and pursue his winemaking dreams in the United States. He arrived in California and began working at a winery in the Napa Valley. Grgich’s talent and expertise soon caught the attention of industry leaders, and in 1958, he joined the prestigious Robert Mondavi Winery as their first winemaker.

During his tenure at Robert Mondavi Winery, Grgich played a pivotal role in putting Napa Valley on the global wine map. He was instrumental in the creation of the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, which famously won the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976, also known as the “Judgment of Paris.” This blind tasting competition showcased the quality of California wines and shattered the belief that only French wines could produce exceptional results. Grgich’s win emphasized the potential and significance of the Napa Valley region.

In 1977, Grgich decided to establish his own winery, Grgich Hills Estate, with the goal of crafting wines that reflected his commitment to quality and sustainability. The winery quickly gained recognition for its exceptional Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel varietals. Grgich’s wines were praised for their balance, elegance, and expression of terroir, cementing his status as a visionary winemaker.

Throughout his career, Grgich received numerous accolades and awards for his contributions to the wine industry. He was inducted into the Vintners Hall of Fame in 2008, recognizing his significant impact on the world of winemaking. Grgich’s legacy lives on through his wines, which continue to be celebrated by wine connoisseurs around the world.

While the cause of Miljenko “Mike” Grgich’s death remains unknown, his passing marks the end of an era in the wine world. His dedication, expertise, and passion for winemaking have left an indelible mark on Napa Valley and the global wine industry as a whole. Grgich’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of winemakers to push boundaries, pursue excellence, and create wines that capture the essence of their terroir. The wine community mourns the loss of a true visionary, but his influence will be felt for generations to come..

Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, a celebrated winemaker who helped establish Napa Valley as one of the world’s premier wine-making regions, has died. https://t.co/bu9aUQ9xGD

— CBS News Bay Area (@KPIXtv) December 15, 2023

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@KPIXtv said Miljenko "Mike" Grgich, a celebrated winemaker who helped establish Napa Valley as one of the world's premier wine-making regions, has died. cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/n…