The wine industry lost a great ambassador

One of the most influential people in the California wine industry and in the International wine community passed away last week. Robert Mondavi died last Friday at his home in Napa Valley. Mondavi was 94 years old. He is considered the father of American Fine Wine Industry. Mondavi was a great ambassador for California wines and the benefits of wine in general. He traveled the world into his 90s, promoting the cultural and social benefits of wine. He started in the wine industry in the 1930’s when he took a job at Charles Krug Winery, which at the time was owned by his parents. He and his younger brother, Peter, often clashed when it came to the family winery and its direction. Eventually in 1966, Robert broke off on his own and started his own winery, Robert Mondavi Winery. He was one of the pioneers of using cold fermentation, stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels. He was also the first winery to have a public tasting room. Mondavi was always very confident in his wines and the wines from California. He felt like they could compete with the best European wines. He actually engaged in the first French-American wine venture when he formed a limited partnership with French vintner Baron Philippe de Rothschild to grow and make the ultra-premium Opus One. Their first vintage was in 1979.

Robert was inducted into the California Hall of Fame in 2007 for his extraordinary contributions to California commerce, arts and culture and was huge supporter of Copia, The American Center for Wine, Food and Arts in Napa. The wine world will miss Robert Mondavi but his legacy will live on in every bottle and glass of California wine. So the next time you enjoy a glass of California wine, pour a little on the ground (like the gangstas do) in respect to Mr. Mondavi. On second thought, don’t actually spill the wine just think of him after your first sip!