Grgich Vina Winery: A Croatian Gem on the Adriatic Coast

By Lee Porteous

My good friend Mike McColgan of Blackhawk, California, writes a widely enjoyed weekly review highlighting exceptional wineries in Napa and Sonoma—home to some of the world’s premier wine producers.

This week’s article takes us beyond California wine country to the stunning Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, where my wife Mary and I recently experienced one of the most memorable vacations of our lives: a yacht and bike tour along the breathtaking Adriatic Sea.

One of the highlights of our journey was visiting Grgich Vina Winery, a remarkable winery perched on a hillside above the small town of Trstenik on the Pelješac Peninsula, about 45 minutes south of Dubrovnik. From this spectacular setting, the winery overlooks the azure waters of the Adriatic—famous for their crystal-clear, calm, and inviting beauty.

Grgich Vina produces approximately 60,000 bottles annually, focusing on two signature varietals. Their white wine, Grgich Vina Pošip, is crafted from grapes sourced from the nearby island of Korčula. Their red wine, Grgich Vina Plavic Mali, comes from 6,600 vines planted on the steep hillsides above the winery.

We were fortunate to enjoy a personalized tour of the winery, followed by a tasting of both wines paired with delicious local cheeses and prosciutto. The setting was unforgettable—the serene blue waters below and the lush green hills above created a truly magical atmosphere.

For wine lovers familiar with Mike Grgich and Grgich Hills Estate in Rutherford, California, this visit carried even deeper significance.

Miljenko “Mike” Grgich was born in Croatia in 1923 and grew up in a family of eleven children on a farm not far from the present-day location of Grgich Vina Winery. From an early age, he developed a deep connection to the land, working hard tending sheep, caring for vines, and participating in the annual grape harvest. He later pursued formal education at the prestigious University of Zagreb.

The turmoil of World War II and the political and economic instability that followed led Mike to seek a new life abroad. His journey eventually took him through Italy, Germany, and Canada before he finally arrived in Napa Valley, California.

Mike’s early winemaking career included positions at Beaulieu Vineyard and Christian Brothers Winery. His legendary reputation was cemented when he crafted the Chardonnay for Château Montelena, which won the famed 1976 Judgment of Paris—a landmark event that forever changed the global perception of California wines.

Later, Mike partnered with Austin Hills of Hills Bros. Coffee to establish Grgich Hills Estate in Rutherford. The winery quickly became one of Napa Valley’s most respected names, and as they say, the rest is history.

Mike Grgich passed away on December 13, 2023, at the age of 100. He is survived by his daughter, Violet Grgich, president of Grgich Hills Estate, who continues his extraordinary legacy.

We feel incredibly fortunate to have visited Grgich Vina Winery in Croatia and to have experienced first hand the roots of Mike Grgich’s remarkable story. It was a journey filled with beauty, history, and exceptional wine.

For anyone seeking a magical and unforgettable travel experience, I highly recommend visiting the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia—and making time for a stop at Grgich Vina Winery.

It is a place where wine, history, and breathtaking scenery come together in unforgettable fashion.

Continuum Estate: A Mondavi Legacy Reimagined on Pritchard Hill

Perched high above Napa Valley on the storied slopes of Pritchard Hill, Continuum Estate stands as a testament to the Mondavi family’s enduring pursuit of excellence. The hill itself carries a rich history—named for Charles Pritchard, a New York native who settled the rugged terrain in the 1860s and became one of the region’s earliest non‑native pioneers. 

Today, this elevated landscape is home to one of Napa’s most revered winegrowing sites. Founded in 2005 by Tim and Marcia Mondavi, Continuum represents the next chapter of a winemaking lineage that spans more than a century and four generations. Their vision is clear: to craft wines that honor their heritage while expressing the singular character of this extraordinary vineyard.

From the moment you arrive, the estate feels almost celestial. Sweeping vistas stretch across Napa Valley, with the distant shimmer of the San Francisco Bay completing the panorama. The vineyard’s steep slopes, volcanic soils, and meticulous farming practices form the foundation of Continuum’s distinctive style. Hand‑harvested fruit and gravity‑flow winemaking further preserve the purity and elegance of each varietal—primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.

Our host, Lyndsey, welcomed us with warmth and deep expertise. After a thoughtful tour of the property, we settled into the newly constructed Estate House, a serene, light‑filled space overlooking immaculate vineyard rows. It was the perfect setting to experience the wines that define Continuum’s identity.

The tasting began with the 2023 Sentium, a vibrant blend of 99% Sauvignon Blanc and 1% Semillon. Crisp, refreshing, and beautifully textured, it set an elegant tone for what followed. Next came the 2023 Novicium, a youthful yet refined expression composed of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec. Its balance and depth hinted at the promise of future greatness.

The pinnacle of the experience was the 2023 Continuum, crafted in celebration of Tim Mondavi’s 50th vintage. This masterful blend—46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot—captured the essence of Pritchard Hill with remarkable grace and complexity. Each wine was paired with thoughtful accompaniments: Toma cheddar, Midnight Moon goat’s milk cheese, Marcona almonds, Castelvetrano olives, and a fresh French baguette from Model Bakery.

Among the lineup, the 2023 50th Anniversary Continuum and the 2023 Sentium stood out as personal favorites. We brought a bottle of each back to Danville, eager to share them with fellow wine enthusiasts.

Continuum Estate is more than a winery—it is the embodiment of a family’s legacy, passion, and unwavering commitment to world‑class winemaking. For anyone exploring Napa Valley, it is unquestionably a must‑visit destination and a profound reminder of what can be achieved when heritage and terroir converge.

To learn more or schedule a visit, explore:

https://www.continuumestate.com/contact/