Grgić Vina

Miljenko 'Mike' Grgich was born on April 1, 1923, in Desne, Dalmatia, and went on to become one of the most consequential figures in wine history. As the winemaker behind the 1973 Château Montelena Chardonnay, he crafted the wine that took first place in the white wine category at the 1976 Judgment of Paris, a blind tasting that shook the foundations of the French wine establishment and legitimized California as a world-class wine region. Grgich returned to his homeland after Croatian independence to found Grgić Vina in 1996 alongside his daughter Violet and nephew Ivo Jeramaz. He died on December 13, 2023, at the age of 100.

• Born April 1, 1923, in Desne, Dalmatia; died December 13, 2023, at age 100
• His 1973 Château Montelena Chardonnay won the white wine category at the 1976 Judgment of Paris
• Co-founded Grgić Vina in 1996 following Croatian independence
• In 2001, helped trace California Zinfandel's genetic roots to Croatian Crljenak Kaštelanski alongside UC Davis Professor Carole Meredith

Grgić Vina is situated in Trstenik on the Pelješac Peninsula, looking out over the Adriatic Sea. The Mediterranean climate, moderated by Adriatic Sea influence, provides the warm, dry conditions that suit the winery's two native Dalmatian varieties. Soils are predominantly limestone and dolomite with terra rossa, the iron-rich red clay found throughout Dalmatia that delivers structure and minerality to the wines. Plavac Mali is sourced from estate vineyards and parcels within the prestigious Dingač PDO zone, while Pošip grapes come from the nearby island of Korčula.

• Located in Trstenik, Pelješac Peninsula, overlooking the Adriatic Sea
• Limestone and dolomite soils with terra rossa provide structure and minerality
• Mediterranean climate with Adriatic Sea influence
• Plavac Mali sourced from estate and Dingač PDO parcels; Pošip from Korčula island

Grgić Vina maintains an exceptionally focused portfolio, producing only two wines. The Pošip is a white wine made from the native Dalmatian variety of the same name, sourced from Korčula island, offering the lively acidity and elegance characteristic of the house style. The Plavac Mali is a premium red from estate and Dingač parcels, twice recognized as the best red Croatian wine on the market. Winemaking relies on natural yeast fermentation with temperature control, and the wines are aged in French oak. The 1996 Plavac Mali from the inaugural vintage received immediate recognition. Both wines hold VRHUNSKA VINA classification, Croatia's top premium designation, and both grape varieties carry PDO protection.

• Two wines only: Pošip (white) and Plavac Mali (red)
• Natural yeast fermentation, temperature control, and French oak aging
• 1996 Plavac Mali twice named best red Croatian wine on the market
• Both wines classified VRHUNSKA VINA; both grapes hold PDO status

Grgić Vina operates on organic and sustainable principles throughout the vineyard and winery. The facility is powered by solar energy, and farming is carried out without artificial pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides. The winery suffered a significant setback in 2015 when a wildfire destroyed approximately 25,000 bottles and caused severe damage. Following Mike Grgich's death in December 2023, the winery continues under the leadership of his daughter Violet Grgich as president and nephew Ivo Jeramaz as winemaker.

• Solar-powered facility with no artificial pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides
• 2015 wildfire destroyed approximately 25,000 bottles
• Currently led by Violet Grgich (president) and Ivo Jeramaz (winemaker)
• Organic and sustainable farming principles guide all operations