Mike Grgich and Roots of Peace join together to celebrate raising more than quarter of a million dollars
replacing Mines to Vines™ in Croatia

Celebrates mine removal on the 33rd anniversary of the Paris Tasting

May 22, 2009—Rutherford, California—Croatian-born Miljenko “Mike” Grgich joined with Heidi Kuhn, Founder and CEO, Roots of Peace, to toss coins into the Roots of Peace Fountain on the 33rd anniversary of the Paris Tasting to mark the more than $250,000 raised for replacing the scourge of landmines with bountiful grape vines in Croatia.

Working together, Grgich and Roots of Peace recently raised more than $150,000 to remove landmines in Bastica (translated as "Little Garden"), Croatia. In spring 2009, more than 11,000 grape vines were planted with the help of the Rotary Clubs in San Francisco and Zadar, Croatia. In recognition of Grgich’s contributions, the University of Zadar has established the "Miljenko Grgich Field of Peace." Grgich is very proud of this legacy for future generations so they may live without the fear of landmines beneath their plows.

"Through the leadership of legendary vintner Miljenko 'Mike' Grgich, countless limbs of children and farmers have been saved from the perils of landmines, and bountiful vineyards now thrive on former war-torn lands," says Heidi Kühn. "Mike Grgich truly represents the heart of his beloved homeland of Croatia!"

Mike arrived in the Napa Valley in 1958 from Croatia and worked for some of Napa’s best wineries, Souverain, Christian Brothers, Beaulieu Vineyards and Robert Mondavi Winery, before becoming winemaker at Chateau Montelena. He then crafted the Chardonnay that beat the best white wines in France in the now-famous 1976 Paris Tasting, helping to shatter the myth that only French soil could produce the world’s greatest wines. Grgich then formed a partnership with Austin Hills and on Independence Day 1977 they broke ground in Rutherford to build Grgich Hills Cellar. Since starting Grgich Hills, Mike has continued receiving international awards for his estate-grown wines and he has been recognized for being a leader in sustainable vineyard practices.

Roots of Peace is a San Rafael, CA based nonprofit organization whose mission is to rid the world of landmines and other remnants of war by transforming toxic minefields into thriving farmland and communities. In September 1997, Heidi Kühn founded Roots of Peace with vision for turning Mines to Vines™ as she was inspired by the footsteps of the late Princess Diana who catapulted the issue of landmines to the forefront of the international agenda.

For further information, please visit www.rootsofpeace.org and www.grgich.com.

Mike Grgich, Heidi Kuhn and Maria Reyes toss coins into the "Peace" fountain at the Grgich Hills Estate in Napa– May 22, 2009.

Mike Grgich & Heidi Kuhn at the Grgich winery in Croatia– June 11, 2008.

1299 Fourth Street, Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94901 • Tel: 415.455.8008 • www.rootsofpeace.org