Skip to main content
Record #: R2015-259   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 4/15/2015 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 4/15/2015
Title: Congratulations extended to Great Chicago Chardonnay Showdown Day on 35th anniversary and best wishes to winemaker Mike Grgich on 92nd birthday
Sponsors: Emanuel, Rahm
Attachments: 1. R2015-259.pdf
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RAHM EMANUEL MAYOR
April 15,2015










TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO

Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith a congratulatory resolution concerning Mike Grgich. Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.

Mayor
Very truly yours,
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Born Miljenko Grgic on April 1,1923 to Ikva and Nikola Grgic in Desne, Croatia, "Mike" Grgich can point to his success as a celebrated, award-winning vintner as springing from his family's deep roots and experience in the family-owned small winery and vineyard on Croatia's Dalmatian coast; and

WHEREAS, In pursuit of his passion, Mr. Grgich attended business college before completing his education at the University of Zagreb, where he studied viticulture and enology, all in preparation for becoming a winemaker; and

WHEREAS, Inspired by stories of self-made Americans like Henry Ford, Mr. Grgich immigrated to the United States in 1958, and after working at a number of wineries in Napa Valley, including Souverain Winery and Christian Brothers Cellars, he moved to the Beaulieu Vineyard, where he worked with the legendary Russian winemaker, Andre Tchelistcheff. In 1972, Mr. Grgich joined Chateau Montelena as a winemaker and limited partner; and
WHEREAS, In 1976, Mr. Grgich stunned the international wine community when his 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay won the illustrious Paris Wine Tasting, beating the best wines from France and catapulting Napa Valley into the front ranks of leading wine-producing regions ofthe world; and

WHEREAS, After his spectacular success at the Paris Wine Tasting, Mr. Grgich was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of owning his own winery and, in 1977, he created Grgich Hills Cellar, which today comprises 366 acres spreading across five vineyards throughout Napa Valley and producing award-winning estate-grown wines; and

WHEREAS, During his long and distinguished career, Mr. Grgich, renowned for his pas...

Click here for full text