This informal beige building with the American flag out in front is the home of one of Napa Valley’s “old hands” who helped transform California’s wine industry. Miljenko “Mike” Grgich emigrated from Croatia and was an early pioneer, along with former boss Robert Mondavi, in developing the region’s modern wine industry. Credited with making the winning Chardonnay at the now-famous 1976 Paris Tasting, Grgich went on to work with many of the respected names in the Valley.

The philosophy at Grgich Hills is “to treat grapes and wines as if they were living, breathing things.” They operate five vineyards in the region and use biodynamic agricultural practices, which incorporate all of the elements of organic farming, using no artificial pesticides, fertilizers, or fungicides. These methods treat the Earth as a living organism, using nature’s basic life forces to bring about balance between the grapevines, the Earth and -- ultimately -- the wine.

The newly renovated tasting room has a bright, pleasing ambiance, with a richly detailed dark wood tasting bar, back-bar mirrors and cabinets with elegant glass doors. The tasting room staff invites you to enjoy one of the most personable wineries of the Napa Valley for a friendly wine-tasting experience, including lighthearted educational tours offered at 11am and 2pm (call for reservations).

The winery produces classic Napa Valley Chardonnay fermented in French oak barrels, avoiding malolactic fermentation to retain the natural acids, aromas, and flavors and to increase its longevity. Fume Blanc, Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon round out their offerings. Large- and small-format bottles are also available.