Press Release
Posted:
Washington – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement on the passing of legendary winemaker Mike Grgich.
“Saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Grgich. Mike was a trailblazing winemaker and developed many of the techniques that have helped make Napa Valley wine the best in the world. Mike and I go back decades — my mother was his first bookkeeper at his winery, Grgich Hills.
“As the winemaker for Chateau Montelena, Mike led Napa Valley to fame as his 1973 Chardonnay won the 1976 Judgement of Paris. That victory put Napa Valley on the map as a world-class winemaking region. Mike’s legacy will be remembered for generations to come and his efforts have helped pave the way for future innovations in winemaking. He made immeasurable contributions to the winemaking community and to our Valley, and he will be sorely missed.
“Jan and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Grgich family during this sad time.”