A reception for the author of Judgment of Paris was held at the Congressional Wine Caucus. Click on the link below for the full text.
Reception for Judgment of Paris Author at Congressional Wine Caucus
Celebration and festivities surrounding the publishing of George Taber's book Judgment of Paris, California vs. France, the historical 1976 wine tasting which revolutionized the world of wines, continued yesterday, culminating with a reception on Capitol Hill for the author of the book and two winemakers from Napa Valley – Miljenko “Mike” Grgich and Warren Winiarski.
The Congressional Wine Caucus organized the event, which pooled a number of congressmen who wished to acquaint themselves with the two legendary winemakers from Napa Valley who 30 years ago, almost overnight, stunned the world of wines and brought California in the spotlight.
For Rep. George Radanovich, who himself is a winemaker – the first in Congress since the days of Thomas Jefferson and who, with Rep. Mike Thompson from the Napa Valley, is the co-founder and Co-Chair of the Wine Caucus – the fact that one of the two legendary winemakers is of Croatian origin is a pleasure, a true delight.
“Mike Grgich gives great credibility to the United States and to the wine industry here… His efforts to give back to his country, Croatia, through his own talents and skills, are praiseworthy. To have him here in Washington as a guest of honor, so he gets to know members of Congress, but also so we can get to know him, is truly a special opportunity. Mike was one of two individuals who walked away with an award [in a 1976 wine tasting competition] in Paris, representing the United States. Next year, on the 30th anniversary of the Paris competition, we plan to hold a row of interesting events, especially at the Smithsonian, because Mike is one of those individuals who played a role in the creation of United States history. When the Smithsonian displays an interest, as is the case in this instance, then you know that what we are dealing with is an exceptional contribution to the United States,” said Rep. Radanovich.
Congressman Thompson also gladly agreed to fulfill our request to make a few comments for the program. “However, I must say,” he immediately let it be known, “I must admit very openly, publicly and without hesitation, that I am very biased, because not only do I have the honor to represent the beautiful Napa Valley District in Congress, but that the two winemakers, two incredible people, Mike and Warren, are my friends. My friendship with Mike dates back to long ago; my mother happened to be his first bookkeeper.”
“As far as the Paris tasting goes,” said Rep. Thompson, “I don't believe there is a wine connoisseur out there who does not see the importance of the event. The impact of the tasting resonated throughout the world, it placed America on the world map of wine production and Napa Valley at the very top. We owe this to Warren Winiarski and Mike Grgich.”
Also present at last night's Wine Caucus reception, just as he was the night before at the Smithsonian reception, was Deputy Chief of Mission of the Croatian Embassy, Mr. Marijan Gubic. “We are very proud of Mike, his success story is also a fantastic story about Croatia and the United States. It is important because Croatia itself boasts world-class wines, though we are unfortunately not well known as a wine producing country even though we rank third in the world in the area of wine consumption. We are very happy that great support exists in Congress for the Wine Caucus and for honoring Miljenko Grgich. We are very satisfied with the Croatian Caucus and with representatives and co-chairs Radanovich and Visclosky, who supported Croatia and its efforts, especially in the past six months.”
“Miljenko's story,” said Mr. Gubic, “is an exceptional business and wine success story. Miljenko has been and still is an inspiration to many. He has proven successful in Croatia, too, by establishing a winery on [the peninsula of] Pelješac and by producing [wines] Pošip and Plavac Mali.”
At the end of our conversation, Mr. Gubic expressed hope that more Croatian wines will appear on the North American market in the coming years.
At the Capitol Hill reception held in honor of the two winemakers from Napa Valley – Warren Winiarski and Miljenko “Mike” Grgich – we offered a toast to their wines, Cabernet Sauvignon of Stag's Leap Winery and Chardonnay and Zinfandel of the Grgich Hills Winery.
(Voice of America)
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