Winery Story
Grgich Hills
Grgich Hills Estate holds an important place in Napa Valley’s history. Co-founder Mike Grgich’s winemaking is inextricably linked to the 1976 “Judgment of Paris.” Yet his enduring legacy lies not in a single blind tasting, but in what followed: the construction of a fully estate-driven winery rooted in farming, restraint, and longevity. From its establishment in 1977 in Rutherford to its current status as one of Napa Valley’s largest certified organic and regenerative estates, Grgich Hills represents a rare continuity of philosophy across nearly five decades.
Paradise Found
The tale of Miljenko “Mike” Grgich’s wine journey often begins with the Judgment of Paris tasting, but the full story starts much earlier and farther east. “My father grew up in a poor village in Croatia, herding sheep and making wine,” recalls his daughter, Violet Grgich, now President and CEO of Grgich Hills Estate. “While...
Winery Information
Region: USA, California, Napa Valley
Address: 1829 St Helena Hwy, Rutherford, CA 94573
Open for Tastings: Yes
Major Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel
Vineyard Size: 366 acres
Own Winery: Yes
DTC Mailing List: Yes
Vineyard Sustainability: Organic, Regenerative Certified Organic
Year Established: 1977
Owner: The Grgich and Hills Families
Winemaker: Ivo Jeramaz
Website: https://grgich.com/
Most Recent Reviews for this Winery
Published: December 2025