Milisav Mike Tadich

Milisav Mike Tadich passed away suddenly in Las Vegas, NV on July 19, 2022 at the age of 71.  Mike was born October 13, 1950 in Cabac, Serbia. He is predeceased by his parents Dusan and Milina (nee Maric) Tadic and brother Stevan Tadic. Mike is survived by his wife of 37-years Andrea (nee Mickles) Tadich, daughter Katarina Tadich, and sisters Stana Tasic and Vinka Glisic. He will be missed by nieces, nephews, godchildren, relatives, and friends from all over the world.

Mike earned a Master’s of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Zagreb. Before immigrating to the United States, Mike lived in Vienna, Austria where he worked as a Design Engineer from 1973-1976.

Four days upon arrival into the US (April 1976) he joined John Crane (world’s leading manufacturer of sealing devices) and while learning English became group leader in engineering design. In September of 1980 he became the first foreign-born field sales representative in the 75-year history of the company.

In 1985 Mike started Antex of Rochester, Inc and for the next 19 years provided fuel pressure regulator components to the world market with zero reject quality. Mike helped develop what is today’s “FlexFuel” for GM. He sold the company in 2004.

In 1998 he realized his life-long dream of becoming a restaurant owner after opening The Grill at Water Street (which later became The Grill at Strathallan). The restaurant received the prestigious Best of Award of Excellence from The Wine Spectator the very first year in operation, a status that is maintained to this day. The Grill was the first restaurant ever in Rochester, NY to receive the Four Diamond Award from the AAA. The restaurant hosted 10 winemaker dinners per year featuring world renowned industry personalities such as: Angelo Gaja, Paul Draper, Daryl Groom, Christina Mariani, Cesare Cecchi, Nick Goldschmidt, Violetta Grgich, Garen Staglin, Mario Schwen, Antonio Zaccheo, Mitch Cosantino, Francis Mahoney, Paul Hobbs, Dean Sylvester, Jedd Steele, John Sarich, KR Rombauer, Cathy Corison, Willy Frank, Rudy von Strasser and others. Mike’s passion for wine started with memories of his grappa-making grandfather in Serbia.

In 2005, after selling the restaurant, Mike moved to Las Vegas, NV to open the Wynn Resort where he worked as a Sommelier at Bartolotta, Ristorante di Mare. Mike also provided wine list maintenance, waitstaff education and selecting of wine for the list. He thrived on sharing his passion for wine with the guests and going above and beyond to create lasting relationships. During this time he continued his wine studies as an advanced candidate from the Court of Master Sommeliers. He also held a Level 3 Wine certification from WSET and was a Certified Specialist of Wine for the Society of Wine Educators. Mike was a life-long student of wine saying “The more I learn about wine, I find out how little I know about it."

For the last 15 years he was an Italian Portfolio Manager for Breakthru Beverage Nevada (formerly Wirtz Beverage Group) and later for Corked Distributers Las Vegas. Mike selected the Italian producers for Direct Import, provided training for the Sales Team and service industry tastings. He was directly responsible for bringing into the portfolio: Felsina, Venica and Venica, Indigenous Selections (La Spinetta, Ciacci Piccolomini and others), Emidio Pepe, Paolo Scavino, GD Vajra, Meroi, Schiopetto, Podere II Carnasciale, Abbazia di Novavella, Demenico Clerico, La Gerla, Caffo, and Elena Walch. For years he orchestrated much anticipated annual trips to Italy for coworkers, clients, and industry professionals and introduced them to the wine producers, attended Vinitaly, and toured multiple wineries.

Due to his extensive knowledge of wine, Mike was a wine judge for Finger Lakes International Wine Competition in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2016, and 2022. He was also a Wine Judge for San Francisco International Wine Competition in 2014 - 2019. Mike was included in the Chalk Hill Winery Sommelier Guide to restaurants in America.

Mike loved food and wine, travel, entertaining, photography, opera, tennis, and martial arts. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was a strong pillar of support for his loved ones. He was fond of attending his daughter’s running events and showing support locally and out of state. Mike was multilingual: Serbian (languages from former Yugoslavia), English, Italian, German, and beginner French.

VISITATION will be Monday, July 25, 2022 9:30am at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 5300 El Camino Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118 with FUNERAL SERVICE to follow at 10:00am with CELEBRATION to follow at Ferraro's, 4480 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89169

Family request Memorial Donations be made to American Heart Association, St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church or charity of your choice.

Mike will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him.