Celebrating 40th anniversary and looking ahead to the next 40 years

 by Grgich Hills Estate
May 25, 2017

Grgich Hills Estate, the iconic Napa Valley winery since 1977, is announcing a change to their route-to-market in Florida and New York, effective July 1st. Formerly with the fine wine divisions of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Grgich Hills’ wines will now be distributed in New York by Wilson Daniels Wholesale and in Florida by both Johnson Brothers and Opici Family Distributing.

Violet Grgich, proprietor and Vice President of Operations, commented, “As we celebrate our 40th anniversary this year and look toward the future, we will continue to actively pursue the best interests of our family owned-and-operated winery. Our current U.S. distributor network shares our vision and takes great pride in representing our family legacy, which will continue to thrive for generations to come.”

“Wilson Daniels Wholesale is honored to represent the legendary Grgich Hills Estate,” says Benjamin Kirschner, Vice-President of Sales. “The Grgich family’s commitment to balanced wines and organic viticulture has solidified it as an American icon. Their unique history complements our dedication to represent the greatest multi-generational domaines in the world.” Opici’s Vice President, Bill Outwater also commented, “Two iconic families, the Grgich and Opici families, both with long traditions of quality, service and integrity, are joining together in the state of Florida to further the growth of Grgich’s award winning Napa wines, managed by the experienced 100-year-old East Coast based Opici Family Distributorship.” Johnson Brothers of Florida President Frank Galante added, “We are truly honored and excited to represent the iconic Grgich Hills Estate wines in Florida and look forward to a long, successful partnership.”

Grgich Hills Estate was founded after Vintners Hall of Fame inductee Miljenko “Mike” Grgich first earned world-wide recognition when the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that he crafted won the 1976 Paris Tasting, beating the best of France and drawing international attention to the Napa Valley. Mike then partnered with Austin Hills and his sister, Mary Lee Strebl, who had just sold their interests in the Hills Bros. Coffee Company. They joined together in the pursuit of creating the best wines in the world and chose Independence Day, July 4, 1977, to launch their family-owned-and-operated winery.

Forty years later, Grgich Hills Estate remains deeply rooted in family and focused on crafting world-class wines. Today, Mike is assisted by his daughter, Violet Grgich, Vice President of Operations, and his nephew, Ivo Jeramaz, Vice President of Vineyards and Production.
Committed to natural winegrowing and sustainability, Grgich Hills Estate’s five estate vineyards in the Napa Valley are certified organic and all of its wines are estate grown. Relying on wild yeast fermentation and minimal intervention, the winemaking team draws on Mike’s passion and art to handcraft food-friendly, balanced and elegant wines.