[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 128 (Friday, July 28, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1085]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING MILJENKO ``MIKE'' GRGICH, RECIPIENT OF THE AMERICAN DREAM 
                                 AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 28, 2017

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
Miljenko ``Mike'' Grgich, whom I have selected to receive the American 
Dream Award for California's 5th Congressional District. This award 
recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made 
remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and 
Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or 
Community Service. Mr. Grgich is very deserving of this award and 
recognition.
  Mike Grgich was born in Desne, Croatia and studied winemaking and 
viticulture at the University of Zagreb before leaving to escape 
communism. He came to Napa Valley in 1958 where he has become a 
successful vintner and an innovator in the wine community.
  After arriving in Napa, Mike learned from some of the best vintners 
in the region. He became a winemaker for Chateau Montelena and made the 
Chardonnay that won the 1976 Paris Tasting, forever changing the way 
the world views American Wine. George Taber documented this 
consequential decision in a TIME magazine article, ``Modern Living: 
Judgment of Paris.'' The resulting coverage of the Judgment of Paris 
created an immediate positive impact on the world of wine, and inspired 
among experts, consumers, and the trade a new appreciation for 
California wines.
  In 1995, Mike returned to the University of Zagreb at the age of 72 
and finally received the degree in enology and viticulture that he 
earned as a young man. In 2002, he helped prove that the Zinfandel vine 
originated in Croatia. His work led to his induction into the Vintners 
Hall of Fame and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the California State 
Fair. His 366-acre property, Grgich Hills, is completely organic, solar 
powered and strongly supports community organizations. Mike is an 
active member of Roots of Peace, an organization that works to replace 
land mines with grape vines all over the world. In 2007, Roots of Peace 
presented Mike with their Global Citizen Award for his leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, we recognize Mr. Miljenko ``Mike'' Grgich for his 
achievements and for enriching our community. It is fitting and proper 
that we honor him here today with the American Dream Award.

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