Renowned winemaker Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, who played a vital role in establishing Napa Valley as a leading wine-making region, has passed away at the age of 100. Grgich, who died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Calistoga, California, was the founder of Grgich Hills Estate, a prominent winery in the region.

Born on April 1, 1923, in Desne, Croatia, Grgich came from a family of winemakers. His father's influence inspired him from a young age, as he fondly recalled stomping on grapes during harvest time. At the age of 10, Grgich left his village and moved in with his sister in pursuit of education. His father's parting words, "Every day do your best, learn something new, and make a new friend," became his guiding philosophy.

Grgich enrolled in the University of Zagreb, where he studied enology and viticulture. However, as communism took hold in Croatia, he sought opportunities abroad. Through a conversation with a professor, he learned about a place called “California” and made plans to go there through a German exchange program. In 1954, Grgich left Croatia with a few U.S. dollars hidden in his shoe and a suitcase filled with wine-making books. Today, that very suitcase, along with his trademark beret and a bottle of chardonnay, is housed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.

After agreeing to work as a lumberjack in British Columbia, Grgich found asylum in Canada. His journey eventually led him to Napa, California in 1958 when he received a job offer from Lee Stewart, the founder of Chateau Souverain. Grgich went on to work at several other wineries before joining Chateau Montelena in 1972. It was here that he achieved his breakthrough moment. In 1976, Grgich's 1973 vintage Chateau Montelena chardonnay caused a sensation in the wine world by winning first place in a blind tasting in Paris. Additionally, a cabernet sauvignon from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars in Napa took top honors for red wine at the same competition.

Napa Valley Vintners, a trade group, expressed their condolences on Grgich's passing, emphasizing his immense impact on both the region's history and the world of wine. Chateau Montelena, where Grgich first made his mark, also paid tribute to him, stating that he would always hold a special place in their hearts.

Following this success, Grgich seized the opportunity to establish his own winery, Grgich Hills Estate, in 1977. He also played a significant role in revitalizing Croatia's wine industry after the fall of communism. In 1996, Grgich opened Grgic Vina, a winery situated on the Adriatic Sea near Dubrovnik, Croatia. In addition, he established an endowment at the University of Zagreb to support students pursuing wine-making studies. The university bestowed upon Grgich a degree in 1989.

Beyond his contributions to the wine industry, Grgich was dedicated to humanitarian efforts. He worked closely with Roots of Peace, an organization focused on clearing minefields and restoring agricultural land. In recognition of his lifetime achievements, Roots of Peace presented Grgich with a lifetime achievement award in 2022.

Grgich remained actively involved in running Grgich Hills Estate until 2018 when he passed the leadership to his daughter, Violet Grgich, and his great-nephew, winemaker Ivo Jeramaz. This year, the winery achieved its regenerative organic certification, marking a significant milestone celebrated by Grgich.

Grgich attributed his long life to his cherished friendships and a daily glass of wine. He is survived by his daughter, great-nephew, and one grandchild. Grgich's ex-wife, Tatjana Grgich, preceded him in death. The passing of Miljenko “Mike” Grgich leaves an indelible legacy in the world of wine and the Napa Valley community.