Masterclass with Ggrich Hills

Miljenko "Mike" Grgich first gained international recognition through the legendary Paris Tasting of 1976. A panel of esteemed French judges blind-tasted renowned white Burgundies and Bordeaux wines against a selection of wines from Napa Valley. When the results were revealed, the French judges were stunned: they had chosen the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, crafted by Mike Grgich, as the best white wine in the world. The Paris Tasting put California’s wine industry on the global map and paved the way for the establishment of Grgich Hills Cellar.

Ivo was born into the world of wine in Croatia and spent his childhood helping out at his family’s winery. However, winemaking was not his original dream—he pursued a degree in engineering at the University of Zagreb. In 1986, with the help of his uncle, Miljenko "Mike" Grgich, he finally made his way to Napa Valley. He quickly fell in love with the region’s natural beauty and became fascinated by the art of winemaking. It didn’t take long before he decided to change careers.