Croatia's Grgić Vina, Trstenik was an absolute must for me when my wine travels took me to the Peljesac Peninsula. Grgić Vina (winery) was founded in 1996 by Croatian-born Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, his daughter, Violet Grgić and his nephew, Ivo Jeramaz. Long before founding Grgić Vina, Grgich, a renowned winemaker had already established a global reputation. Grgich, was the genius behind California's Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, which triumphed over its esteemed French competitors at the Judgement of Paris in 1976. He then founded Napa Valley's Grgich Hills Estate, and would continue to make significant contributions to the American wine industry. 
Mike Grgich (April 1, 1923 – December 13, 2023) Croatian-American winemaker was recognized for his contributions to the American wine industry, by being inducted into the Culinary Institute of America's Vintner's Hall of Fame on March 7, 2008. This tribute was made when Grgich celebrated his 50th vintage of winemaking in the Napa Valley. Knowing of Grgich's lifetime contributions to the wine world, and his Croatian roots I was excited to visit Grgić Vina.
Peljesac Peninsula's Grgić Vina is a part of Croatia's wine history. Once the Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995) ended Mike returned to Croatia and established a winery. Toether with his daughter, Violet Grgić and his nephew Ivo Jeramaz, Grgić Vina was founded in 1996. In conjunction with this effort he also introduced modern winemaking techniques to the challenging slopes of Pelješac.
Welcome to Grgić Vina, Trstenik
Knowing the above story, I just had to visit Grgić Vina. We were most fortunate to have a wonderful hostess who took us on a brief winery tour, then walked us through the wine tasting. We also learnt about some of the winery's history, and her family's involvement in the winemaking process at Grgić Vina.
Given Mike's dedication to the art of winemaking, when he started a winery in Croatia he decided to produce the finest wines from the best known native Dalmatian grapes, Plavac Mali (red wine), and Pošip (white wine). We were fortunate to taste both of the wines at the winery.
1. Grgić Vina, Pošip Croatia 2023
For sure the sea view through the window was beautiful.
Our hostess next introduced the winery's most celebrated wine, their esteemed Plavac Mali.
Earlier she explained that Plavac Mali undergoes a meticulous two-year process to achieve perfectly harmonized flavors.This process includes a remarkable 15 months of aging in French oak barrels.
2. Grgić Vina, Plavac Mali Croatia 2021
At Grgić Winery, visitors can enjoy wine tastings and tour the winery to explore their winemaking process. For sure it was important to learn about the history and philosophy behind this winery.
Entrance Grgić Vina © Spaswinefood
The picturesque surroundings of Trstenik, with its vineyards and coastal beauty, made our visit even more enjoyable.
Viewing the Landscape, Grgić Vina © Spaswinefood
The Californian-Croatian Connection
Indeed, Mike Grgich was the winemaker of the iconic Chateau Montelena Chardonnay. Yes, the Chardonnay that upset French wine critics in the 1976 Paris Judgement. Grgich later founded his own Napa Valley winery, Grgich Hills Estate. Throughout his long career he would continue to make significance contributions.
Although Grgich, received countless gold medals and many accolades for his California-made-wines, some claim the most meaningful awards to him, were the ones he received for his Croatian Pošip and Plavac Mali wines. All wines made in at Grgić Vina have been judged to be top premium wines.
Grgić Vina is a special place in the world of wine. Now, is the perfect time to plan a Croatian wine country visit. Special thanks to Mirena Bager at Croatian Premium Wine Imports for helping me plan our Croatian wine adventure. Also, special thanks to Grgić Vina for the visit. I invite you to join me in my Croatian wine travels and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my vine-filled explorations in Croatia.
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