Recently, my wife Linda and I had the pleasure of attending a by invitation only event labeled ‘A Glass Full Of Miracles’ celebrating the 100th birthday and joyous life of Mike Grgich of Grgich Hills Estate at the Culinary Institute of America in beautiful St. Helena.
Close friends, dignitaries, and various members of the press tasted fantastic wines and shared memories of Mike’s fantastic life. Mike’s daughter Violet, President of Grgich Hills winery, organized this special event.
Some of the dignitaries included:
Andrea Robinson, Master Sommelier
Joel Aiken, Winemaker Beaulieu Vineyard
Tim Mondavi, Winemaker
Mike Mondavi, Winemaker
Bo Barrett, Winemaker Chateau Montelena and husband of Winemaker Heidi Barrett
Tor Kenward, Winemaker and Executive Berringer Vineyard
Some of the ‘Miracles In A Glass’ included:
1966 Beaulieu Vineyard Georges De Latour
1967 Beaulieu Vineyard Georges De Latour
1969 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon
1969 Robert Mondavi Chardonnay
1972 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay
1973 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon
1980 Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
And many others from the Grgich Hills Estate library.
In conclusion, we have enjoyed the pleasure and honor to know Mike, Violet and the Grgich family for over 30 years. We have also been to the beautiful country of Croatia twice where Mike was born and also has a winery.
This tribute to Mike was very special for us. We should all be so ‘lucky’ to be drinking great wine when we turn 100 years old.
“Happy Birthday Mike!”
By Mike L. McColgan, Resident since 1990