Tradition started when winery began in 1977
Rutherford, CA. Everyone is invited to join the Grgich and Hills families to toast the beginning of the 2016 harvest at Grgich Hills’ 39th annual Blessing of the Grapes on Friday, August 19, starting at 10am on the crush pad at the winery, 1829 St. Helena Highway in Rutherford.
Attendees to this complimentary event can enjoy a glass of Grgich Hills’ Chardonnay paired with cheese during this age-old celebration of the start of the harvest. Following the blessing, the Grgich Hills team will host a reception on the patio and the winery’s daily Grape Stomp will officially begin. Grape stomping is complimentary until noon for anyone who attends the Blessing of the Grapes.
The tradition of blessing the first fruits of the harvest can be traced back to Old Testament times and it’s a three decades-long tradition at Grgich Hills Estate. The winery has held a blessing of the grapes every year since the winery was founded in 1977 by Mike Grgich and Austin Hills.
Reservations are not required but welcomed: email info@grgich.com or reserve online at http://bit.ly/blessinggrapes2016. For more information, please call 707-963-2784.
This year the winery is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris when the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay crafted by Miljenko “Mike” Grgich outscored the best of France and shocked the wine world! The following year Grgich joined with partner Austin Hills to launch their winery.
Today, all five vineyards of this iconic winery are certified organic. Grgich Hills farms naturally, without artificial 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.
