California Wine Pioneer Robert Mondavi Dies at 94
by Jarrett Martineau | May 16, 2008 at 08:06 pm | 845 views | 18 comments
Acclaimed wine pioneer Robert Mondavi has died at the age of 94.
Robert Mondavi, a legendary Napa Valley vintner who helped bring California wine worldwide acclaim, died Friday at his northern California home in Yountville at the age of 94.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger called him "a true California legend."
The son of Italian immigrants, Mondavi founded a winery bearing his name in Napa Valley in 1966 and went on to become one of the most prominent figures of the US wine industry, making famed Cabernets and Chardonnays.
The industry publication Wine Spectator called him "a visionary winemaker and brilliant marketer" who became "one of the most influential and admired winemakers in California history."
"It is hard to imagine anyone having more of a lasting impact on California's 20 billion-dollar-a-year wine industry than Robert Mondavi," Schwarzenegger said in a statement.
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Comments (18)
at 07:02 on May 17th, 2008
Jarrett Martineau, how sad. I really like his wine.
at 10:58 on May 17th, 2008
I visited Robert Mondavi Winery in April, 2008. And I learned an important thing: it is never late to begin a great project when it is done with passion. He was 52 years old when created his winery.
Carlos Domingues has contributed a photo to this story.
at 14:22 on May 17th, 2008
A beautiful winery, sad to hear about Mr. Mondavi's passing.
Duncan_Ramsay has contributed a photo to this story.
at 19:38 on May 17th, 2008
Wine barrels at the Robert Mondavi winery, Napa Valley, California.
soundman2006 has contributed a photo to this story.
at 20:27 on May 17th, 2008
My husband and I and a couple of friends visited the Mondavi winery on vacation in September of 2007. It is a beautiful place. I'm so sad to hear of his passing.
MrsChantlah has contributed a photo to this story.
at 20:49 on May 17th, 2008
Thanks for highlighting this news, Jarrett.
Let's raise a toast in memory of Robert Mondavi by drinking a glass of his finest ;)
at 20:54 on May 17th, 2008
My wife and I have been to the Napa area many times. The day we took this drive was sort of 'spur of the moment'. We'd never been to Mondavi's winery before, and found this excellent outdoor sculpture exhibit while walking the grounds. Cheers to the man that made it all possible.
warpcat has contributed a photo to this story.
at 22:52 on May 17th, 2008
A beautiful winery with good quality wine!
Weezul_GG has contributed a photo to this story.
at 01:42 on May 18th, 2008
The Robert Mondavi Winery was really fantastic... we went at a time where the grapes were not on the vines, but it was fascinating to see the fields this way. It's truly stunning and I recommend everyone that visits Napa Valley to visit this beautiful winery...
Lollygagging has contributed a photo to this story.
at 03:54 on May 18th, 2008
Robert Mondavi's Moscat wines are delicious. There isn't a better dessert wine out there.
jmartinovici has contributed a photo to this story.
at 11:11 on May 18th, 2008
I visited the Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa, California last summer. It was a great experience. Rest in peace Mr. Mondavi. You have created a great legacy that everyone can enjoy.
ashughes has contributed a photo to this story.
at 20:35 on May 18th, 2008
Good Wines..Great Tour !
rxmflickr has contributed a photo to this story.
at 01:24 on May 19th, 2008
These barrels hold a Robert Mondavi Harvest of 2006. They are stained with the grape skins that are left over from the pressing.
reptipunx has contributed a photo to this story.