Archive for October, 2008

When Robert Mondavi built the first major Napa Valley winery since Prohibition in 1966, he was determined to show the world that California Wines, especially those from his Napa Vineyards, could compete with wines from around the world. At that time, California was still primarily known for its bulk packaged, price slashed jug wines, but he was this country’s true pioneer of the wine industry and he adopted revolutionary winemaking techniques and introduced the industry to a bold approach to marketing.

He was the industry’s most enthusiastic ambassador for California wine, and he devoted his life and still traveled after the age of 90 to endorse wine’s health, cultural and social benefits. True to his Italian immigrant roots, his company became the focal point in a portrait of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Robert Mondavi always believed that his wines belonged on every table even if the seasoned olive oil and sliced tomatoes shared space on the table with foie gras. Until his Death on May 16, 2008 Robert Mondavi promoted the moderate consumption of wine and its accompaniment to dining.