“Mike” celebrates 90 Miljenko “Mike” Grgich celebrated his 90th birthday with just over 135 family and friends at a special dinner at Grgich Hills Estate. Emcee was Cheryl Jennings from Channel 7 News, with presentations and special honors by family and friends in the wine business including video messages from Margrit Mondavi, George M. Taber, Steven Spurrier and Congressman Mike Thompson. Attendees were served Grigch’s 2010 Paris Tasting Chardonnay along with other select varietals. Grigch came to the Napa Valley in 1958 from Croatia expanding his winemaking knowledge with Lee Stewart, Brother Timothy of Christian Brothers Winery, André Techelistcheff at Beaulieu Vineyards and Robert Mondavi. His 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay outscored all the French wines in the acclaimed 1976 Paris Tasting. The following year he opened his own winery with business partner Austin Hills and his sister, Mary Lee Strebl. After the singing of “Happy Birthday,” Mike announced he is looking forward to another celebration on his 100th birthday. Cheryl Jennings with husband Rick Pettibone First photo of the Hills Family and Grgich Family Miljenko “Mike” Grgich Leah and Justin Hills Grgich with grandson Noel Grgich Shipman Ken Morris and Randy Martinsen show off Grgich’s proclamations Daughter Violet, Grgich and nephew Ivo Jeramaz 2 4 www.nAPAVA L L E Y L I F Emagaz ine. c om Grandson Noel and Tatjana Grgich Grgich Hills Winery owners Mary Lee Strebl, “Mike” Grgich and Austin Hills Daughter Violet and her husband Colin Shipman play music from Croatia Cheryl introducing Grgich Grgich and long-time friend Maria Luisa Reyes Niece Tanja Jeramaz sang "Memories" Grgich and Joanne Depay
NVLife_MayJune_2013
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