Grgich Hills Estate Winery

 “Grigich” as it is most commonly known is located right on highway 29 in Rutherford. CA; the heart of the Napa Valley. It was founded in 1977 when Miljenko (Mike) Grgich partnered with the Hills Brothers coffee family. Prior to that Mike had gained international acclaim when (as the wine maker at Chateau Montelena) his 1973 chardonnay was chosen over all the fabled white burgundies of France as the “finest white wine in the world” at the now famous Paris Tasting Competition of 1976. In 2008, Mike celebrated his 50th harvest in the Napa Valley and was inducted into the Vintners Hall of Fame.

In addition to a world class chardonnay, the winery also produces a crisp Fume Blanc, spicy Zinfandel, complex Cabernet Sauvignon, lush Merlot and a very limited production dessert wine called “Violetta”. It’s named for Mike’s daughter, Violet, who now along with his nephew, Ivo Jeramaz, oversee the wine making and run the “day to day” operations.  They now own all their own vineyards and label each wine as “Estate Grown” thus guaranteeing a steady supply of fruit and consistently high quality.

Their tasting room has been called one of the “most personable” ones in the Napa Valley and really consists of two separate facilities. At the larger of the two, for a nominal charge you can sample five of their current releases. Or, for a higher fee, you can enter their plush “wine library” and taste three of their special selection top end wines. The facility is open everyday except for major holidays from 9:30 to 4:30. Barrel tastings are held every Friday except during harvest; but then, visitors can “stomp” grapes (if they’d like). The Napa Valley Wine Train also makes a stop at Grgich and passengers are treated to a special tour and tasting.

Grgich Hills is definitely a “must see” in the Napa Valley!!!

Grgich Hills Estate Winery

1829 St. Helena Hywy

Rutherford, Ca.

707-963-8725

Grgich.com