WASHINGTON, DC (MPG) - On December 13, 2023, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement on the passing of legendary winemaker Mike Grgich.

“Saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Grgich. Mike was a trailblazing winemaker and developed many of the techniques that have helped make Napa Valley wine the best in the world. Mike and I go back decades — my mother was his first bookkeeper at his winery, Grgich Hills.

“As the winemaker for Chateau Montelena, Mike led Napa Valley to fame as his 1973 Chardonnay won the 1976 Judgement of Paris. That victory put Napa Valley on the map as a world-class winemaking region. Mike’s legacy will be remembered for generations to come and his efforts have helped pave the way for future innovations in winemaking. He made immeasurable contributions to the winemaking community and to our Valley, and he will be sorely missed.

“Jan and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Grgich family during this sad time.”

Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California’s 4th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo Counties. He is a senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means. Rep. Thompson is Chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. He is also Co-Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus and a member of the fiscally-responsible Blue Dog Coalition.