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🍇 From Croatia to California: A Winemaking Legacy

In this heartfelt episode, Ivo Jeramaz of Grgich Hills shares the remarkable story of his uncle, Miljenko “Mike” Grgich—a Croatian immigrant whose 1973 Chardonnay triumphed at the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris, placing Napa Valley on the global wine map. Mike’s journey from a modest upbringing in Croatia to becoming a pivotal figure in the wine world is filled with resilience and vision. Ivo recounts how Mike’s early exposure to winemaking, combined with inspiration from a professor’s tales of Napa as "paradise," ultimately led him to California, where he spent his life building a world-class winery and legacy.

🌿 Regenerative Roots and Hard-Earned Wisdom

Ivo’s personal story echoes his uncle’s grit. Arriving in the U.S. in 1986 with a mechanical engineering degree and no prior experience in winemaking, he started at the bottom—washing barrels. Guided by a strong work ethic rooted in his upbringing on a Croatian farm, Ivo rose through the ranks. Over time, he became deeply committed to regenerative farming, realizing that exceptional wine starts with healthy soil. He transitioned Grgich’s vineyards to organic practices by 2003 and biodynamic principles soon after, despite early skepticism from traditionalists. His philosophy embraces nature’s wisdom, rejecting chemical farming in favor of biodiversity, soil health, and microbiological vitality.

🐝 Biodiversity, Biostimulants, and the Future of Wine

Now a passionate advocate for regenerative organic farming, Ivo details how Grgich Hills integrates ancient wisdom and modern science. From introducing cover crops and livestock to nurturing soil microbes, the vineyard operates as a thriving ecosystem. Ivo emphasizes that real change begins with respecting nature—and people. The winery’s new ROC (Regenerative Organic Certification) not only supports environmental sustainability but also ensures fair treatment and health safety for farm workers. His insights reveal that the future of wine lies not just in flavor, but in integrity—from grape to glass.

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