Grgich Hills

Grgich Hills Estate is a historic Napa Valley winery founded on July 4, 1977 by Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, a Croatian-born winemaker, and Austin Hills of the Hills Bros. Coffee family. The winery was born shortly after Mike Grgich gained international fame for crafting the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, which won the 1976 Paris Tasting, beating top French white wines and putting California on the global wine map.

Mike Grgich emigrated from Croatia after studying viticulture and oenology at the University of Zagreb. He worked at several prestigious Napa wineries, including Beaulieu Vineyard under André Tchelistcheff, Robert Mondavi, and Chateau Montelena, before founding Grgich Hills 

The winery’s name reflects the partnership between Grgich and Hills, not a geographical feature.

Grgich Hills Estate is known for its commitment to organic and biodynamic farming, with over 360 acres of estate-owned vineyards across Napa Valley. These include sites in Rutherford, Yountville, Carneros, American Canyon, and Calistoga. The winery converted to solar energy in 2006 and now practices regenerative farming, focusing on soil health and long-term vine sustainability. Mike’s daughter, Violet Grgich, now leads the winery as President, continuing the legacy of producing estate-grown wines with a focus on quality and environmental stewardship