Grgich Hills Estate celebrates release of Paris Tasting Commemorative Chardonnay with a "Day for Peace"

RUTHERFORD, Calif., April 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- May 24^th marks the date of the famed Paris Tasting, when the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay crafted by Miljenko "Mike" Grgich was the champion of the 1976 Paris Tasting, beating the best of France and revolutionizing the wine world. Thirty eight years to the day, the Vintners Hall of Fame legend will release his Paris Tasting Commemorative Chardonnay, with a portion of sales during this "Day for Peace" to benefit Roots of Peace.

Miljenko "Mike" Grgich first earned his world-wide recognition from the 1976 Paris Tasting. He then partnered with Austin Hills to open their family-owned-and-operated winery in 1977. To honor Grgich's legacy, the winery showcases its best Chardonnay vines to create this limited-production wine featuring a woodcut image of him on the label. The winery released the first vintage of the Paris Tasting Commemorative Chardonnay in 2013, which quickly sold out.

The public is invited to join Miljenko "Mike" Grgich and family at the winery to celebrate the release of the newest vintage of this exceptional wine with an afternoon devoted to savoring delicious wines paired with small bites. The afternoon will also feature live music by jazz legend Mike Morris.

Grgich has been a long-time supporter of Roots of Peace and its mission of replacing landmines with grape vines in war-torn regions worldwide.  In commemoration, the winery will donate 5% of all purchases during this day for peace. Grgich's homeland of Croatia suffered through the Balkan War, which left an estimated 1.3 million landmines and unexploded ordnance throughout the country. Grgich first joined Heidi Kuhn, Founder and CEO of Roots of Peace, in 1998, to support Kuhn's vision for planting the roots of peace by turning Mines To Vines on land formerly held hostage by the terror of landmines. Grgich's business partner, Austin Hills, has also supported Roots of Peace by hosting fundraising events at his San Francisco and Napa Valley homes. In 2008 Roots of Peace presented Grgich with the Global Citizen Award for his leadership and unique contributions in raising landmine awareness around the globe.

"Miljenko 'Mike' Grgich has left a lasting impression upon my entire family," said Kuhn. "All of us involved with the Roots of Peace mission feel honored that at 91 years old, he continues to support our goal of Mines to Vines."  On the same day as the release party, Kuhn will be in Bethlehem and Palestine, coinciding with the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis, working to continue the Roots of Peace mission in The Holy Land.

• Time: May 24, 2014 noon to 3pm
• Tickets: $65/pp Wine Club; $75/pp General Public Reserved; $85/pp Purchase at the door.
• Location: Grgich Hills Estate, 1829 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA 94573
• Make reservations at [email protected] or call 800-532-3057

About Roots of Peace
Roots of Peace is an international non-governmental organization working in post conflict regions to turn Mines To Vines® and to plant bountiful fields of agriculture – creating sustainable livelihoods for farmers, families and communities leaving on war-torn lands. Learn more at rootsofpeace.org.

About Grgich Hills Estate
Located at 1829 St. Helena Highway (Hwy 29) in Rutherford, Grgich Hills Estate was founded in 1977 by Vintner Hall of Fame legend Miljenko "Mike" Grgich and Austin Hills after the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that Grgich made outscored the best of France in the now-famous 1976 Paris Tasting that revolutionized the world of wine. Today this iconic winery farms 366 acres naturally, without artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides, and uses its passion and art to handcraft food-friendly, balanced and elegant wines.  Mike is assisted by his daughter, Violet Grgich, Vice-President of Operations, and his nephew, Ivo Jeramaz, Vice-President of Vineyards and Production.  For more information, visit www.grgich.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140401/NY95066 

Media contact: Ken Morris, [email protected] or 707-963-2784  

SOURCE Grgich Hills Estate