Grgich Hills Estate

Grgich Hills Estate was established on July 4, 1977, by winemaker Mike Grgich and Austin Hills of Hills Brothers Coffee, is a renowned winery located in Rutherford, California, at the heart of Napa Valley. The winery is celebrated for its commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices, producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.

Mike Grgich’s Judgment of Paris victory proved that Napa wines could compete with the best in the world. Today, Grgich Hills Estate continues that tradition, crafting classically styled, well-structured wines that reflect both innovation and deep respect for tradition. By combining time-honored techniques with cutting-edge sustainability, Grgich Hills Estate remains one of Napa Valley’s most respected and distinctive wineries.

A Legacy of Excellence

Mike Grgich gained international acclaim when the 1973 Chardonnay he crafted at Chateau Montelena won first prize among white wines at the historic Paris Wine Tasting of 1976. This victory not only placed Napa Valley on the global wine map but also solidified Grgich’s reputation as a master winemaker. Building on this success, Grgich partnered with Austin Hills to establish Grgich Hills Cellar, which later became Grgich Hills Estate in 2006, reflecting its dedication to exclusively producing estate-grown wines.

100% Estate-Grown & Certified Organic

Unlike many wineries, Grgich Hills only uses grapes from its own five estate vineyards in Napa Valley, giving them complete control over quality. The vineyards have been certified organic since 2006, meaning no synthetic pesticides or herbicides are used, promoting healthier vines and more vibrant wines.

Biodynamic, Regenerative Farming & Sustainability

Grgich Hills follows biodynamic principles, viewing the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem. They use cover crops, composting, and lunar cycles to enhance soil health and vine resilience, resulting in wines with deeper complexity and terroir-driven character. In 2006, the winery transitioned to solar energy, further reducing its environmental footprint.

The Next Generation

Ivo Jeramaz, the visionary winemaker at Grgich Hills Estate, was born into a family of Croatian grape growers, where viticulture was more than a tradition—it was a way of life. From an early age, he developed a deep appreciation for the land and the art of winemaking. In 1986, driven by a passion for wine and a desire to learn from the best, Ivo immigrated to the United States, joining his legendary uncle, Mike Grgich, in Napa Valley.

His journey began humbly, washing barrels and learning the craft from the ground up. But his relentless curiosity and dedication quickly propelled him into a leadership role. Over the past three decades, Ivo has played a pivotal role in shaping Grgich Hills Estate, overseeing both vineyard management and winemaking with a steadfast commitment to sustainability and terroir-driven expression.

A champion of regenerative farming, Ivo has transformed the estate’s 366 acres by eliminating artificial fertilizers and pesticides, fostering healthier vines, and allowing the land to thrive naturally. His meticulous approach ensures that every bottle reflects the purity and vibrancy of Napa Valley’s unique terroir.

Under Ivo’s guidance, Grgich Hills Estate continues to honor its legacy of excellence, crafting wines that are not only world-class but also deeply rooted in tradition, sustainability, and an uncompromising respect for nature.

Minimal Intervention Winemaking

Their philosophy is all about letting the fruit shine. Fermentations rely on indigenous yeasts, and wines are aged in carefully selected French oak to enhance flavors without overpowering the fruit. This hands-off approach preserves the purity and balance in every wine.

Cooler Climate & Balanced Wines

With estate vineyards spanning Carneros, Rutherford, Yountville, American Canyon, and Calistoga, they benefit from a range of microclimates. This diversity allows for a natural balance of acidity, ripeness, and complexity, resulting in age-worthy wines that are elegant rather than overpowering.

Estate Vineyards

Grgich Hills Estate encompasses five distinct vineyards across Napa Valley, each contributing to the winery’s diverse portfolio:

🔹 Calistoga: Home to 34 acres, including Zinfandel vines planted over a century ago, producing the esteemed Miljenko’s Old Vine Zinfandel.

🔹 American Canyon: The largest vineyard, spanning 121.5 acres, benefits from cooler temperatures and strong winds, ideal for cultivating Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer.

🔹 Rutherford: This 17.6-acre vineyard, located in the Rutherford appellation, is dedicated to growing full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.

🔹 Carneros: Covering 86.6 acres, this vineyard’s cool climate is perfect for Chardonnay, with select blocks reserved for special selections.

Visiting Grgich Hills Estate

We invite our clients to experience the rich history and exceptional wines of Grgich Hills Estate. Visitors can explore a variety of tasting experiences, each offering insights into the winery’s legacy, sustainable practices, and diverse wine portfolio. For more information or to plan a visit, please contact Apex.

---

Wines from the Estate