Rutherford · Napa Valley
Visit Grgich Hills Estate with a Private Chauffeur
Founded by the winemaker behind the Judgment of Paris Chardonnay, farmed organically, and a suggested six-hour day of tasting around it.
Book a Six-Hour Wine Tour
About the Winery
Miljenko "Mike" Grgich made the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the 1976 Judgment of Paris. The next year he and Austin Hills founded Grgich Hills, breaking ground in Rutherford on July 4, 1977.
Mike Grgich, recognized by his beret, died in 2023 at the age of 100. His daughter Violet Grgich now leads the winery as president, and his nephew Ivo Jeramaz leads the vineyards and winemaking. The estate vineyards have been certified organic since 2006 and Regenerative Organic Certified since 2022.
The wines to taste are the Chardonnay that made the family's name, alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. With walk-ins welcome for wine by the glass, it is an easy, friendly stop on Highway 29.
Tasting Fees
$60 for Miljenko's Tasting and $125 for the AVA Exploration, each about 90 minutes. $250 for the Private Library Tasting. Wine by the glass is available without a reservation.
Tasting fees as of September 2026. Wineries set and collect their own fees, and they change from time to time.
At a Glance
Location
1829 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford
AVA
Rutherford
Visiting
Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Seated tastings by reservation; walk-ins are welcome for wine by the glass.
Known For
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and organic farming
Founded
1977
Good to Know
Children are welcome, though only guests 21 and over may taste. Dogs are allowed. Standard tastings take up to 8 guests; larger groups book ahead.
A Suggested Six-Hour Day
Pickup at 10:00 a.m. from a nearby hotel such as Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford or Bardessono in Yountville.
10:00 · Pickup at Auberge du Soleil or Bardessono
Stay close and the tasting starts right away. Auberge du Soleil, on the hillside above Rutherford, is about 10 minutes from Grgich Hills, and Bardessono, a LEED Platinum hotel in Yountville, is about 12 minutes away. The day below fits a six-hour tour, and extra time can be added by the hour.
10:15 · Grgich Hills Estate
Miljenko's Tasting, about 90 minutes ($60), or the AVA Exploration ($125).
11:55 · Beaulieu Vineyard
About 3 minutes away. Founded in 1900, home of the Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet, with a new visitor center in its restored stone buildings. The 1885 Tasting is about an hour ($50). By reservation, 21 and over.
1:05 · Lunch at Rutherford Grill
About a minute away. Lunch at Rutherford Grill on Highway 29 in Rutherford, open daily for lunch. Prefer a picnic? We can arrange a catered picnic at a winery that allows one; the cost is quoted when you book.
2:15 · St. Supéry Estate
About 3 minutes away. A Rutherford estate whose wines are all estate-grown and Napa Green certified, with an art gallery on site. Flights from $46 to $98, about an hour. Open daily; walk-ins Monday to Thursday when there is space, reservations recommended Friday to Sunday.
3:30 · Back to your hotel
Back by 4:00 p.m., six hours after pickup.
Optional: Mumm Napa
Adds about an hour. Sparkling wine made in the traditional method, on the Silverado Trail. Walk-ins are welcome, though reservations are recommended; open until 6 p.m., last seating at 5, with tastings from $48. 21 and over.
About $155 to $270 per person in tasting fees for the three wineries, paid directly to each winery.
Three wineries is the right pace for a day of serious tasting. The fourth stop is there if the day allows.
Every tour is custom. This day is a starting point: your chauffeur will shape it around what matters to you, and we plan multi-day tours for guests who want to see more of wine country.
Your Vehicle & Six-Hour Tour Rates
Up to 6 guests
Elite Luxury SUV
Lincoln Navigator or Cadillac Escalade
From $750
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $125 each.
Up to 9 guests
Jet Sprinter or Executive Luxury Van
Captain's chairs and room to spread out
From $1,350
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $225 each.
Larger groups travel in more than one vehicle, and we plan the winery appointments around your group, since many wineries limit groups to 6 to 8 guests. Tasting fees are separate and paid directly to each winery. Every tour starts with six hours; add time by the hour when you book.
Questions
Can you walk in to Grgich Hills?
Yes, for wine by the glass. Seated tastings are by reservation. When you book a tour with us, your chauffeur makes the reservation for you.
How much is a tasting at Grgich Hills?
$60 per person for Miljenko's Tasting and $125 for the AVA Exploration, as of September 2026.
What is Grgich Hills known for?
Chardonnay. Founder Mike Grgich made the Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the 1976 Judgment of Paris.
Is Grgich Hills organic?
Yes. Its vineyards have been certified organic since 2006 and Regenerative Organic Certified since 2022.
Can children visit Grgich Hills?
Yes. Children are welcome, though only guests 21 and over may taste.
How does booking a tour with Bien Chauffeured work?
Reserve a six-hour tour online, even if your plans are still taking shape. Your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Extra hours can be added.
Reserve Your Tour Now, Plan the Details Later
Your plans don't need to be final to book. Reserve your six-hour tour online, and your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Prefer to talk? Call our concierge at 888-291-2328.
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