Obituary – Cause of Death : “Renowned Winemaker Mike Grgich Passes at 100; His Legendary Wine Triumphed Over the French”

Mike Grgich, the Croatian-born winemaker, passed away at the age of 100, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered in the world of wine. Known for his exceptional skills, Grgich managed to stun the French winemakers by producing wines that surpassed their own.

Born in 1923 in Desne, a small village in Croatia, Grgich developed a passion for winemaking from a young age. He grew up in a family that had a long-standing tradition of winemaking, and it was in these early years that he learned the art and science behind creating remarkable wines.

In 1954, Grgich decided to pursue his dreams and emigrated to the United States. He settled in California and began working at a winery in the Napa Valley. It was here that he honed his skills and became a master winemaker.

Grgich’s biggest achievement came in 1976 when his Chardonnay won the prestigious Paris Tasting, a blind wine competition where French judges compared French and American wines. To the astonishment of the French winemakers, Grgich’s Chardonnay beat out their best wines. This victory not only put California wines on the map but also solidified Grgich’s reputation as a winemaking genius.

Following his groundbreaking success, Grgich went on to establish his own winery, Grgich Hills Estate, in 1977. The winery quickly gained recognition for its exceptional wines, particularly Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Grgich’s commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices also set him apart from many other winemakers, earning him a reputation as an environmental steward.

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 and was honored with the James Beard Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. Grgich’s wines have been served at prestigious events, including the White House state dinners.

Despite his immense success, Grgich remained humble and down to earth. He was known for his warm personality and passion for sharing his knowledge with others. Grgich was often seen hosting tastings and events at his winery, where he would regale visitors with stories of his winemaking journey.

Unfortunately, the cause of Grgich’s death has not been disclosed. However, his passing has left a void in the wine community, as many mourn the loss of a true pioneer and visionary.

Mike Grgich’s legacy will continue to live on through his wines and the impact he had on the world of winemaking. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his unwavering dedication to his craft have forever changed the industry. As wine lovers raise a glass in his honor, they will toast to the man who dared to challenge the French and emerged victorious, leaving an indelible mark on the history of wine..

Mike Grgich Dies at 100; His Wine Stunned the French by Besting Theirs https://t.co/expR47UX1a | This article appeared in mid-December as a tribute to the Croatian-born winemaker Miljenko "Mike" Grgich. It's a lovely read, and too good not to share again #tbt pic.twitter.com/kvBlDj9PWR

— Visit Croatia (@Visit__Croatia) January 11, 2024

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@Visit__Croatia said Mike Grgich Dies at 100; His Wine Stunned the French by Besting Theirs buff.ly/3tkQzmr | This article appeared in mid-December as a tribute to the Croatian-born winemaker Miljenko "Mike" Grgich. It's a lovely read, and too good not to share again #tbt