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Robert Mondavi Dies at Age 94
- Published 05/16/2008
Robert Mondavi is dead.
His passing was announced in Pierce Carson’s article posted this afternoon at the Napa Valley Register. The giant of the California wine business died Friday morning. Though Mondavi had been in fading health the past couple of years, he remained a vigorous spokesman for the wine industry through his late ‘80s.
Born to Italian immigrants in the state of Minnesota in 1913, Mondavi came to California as a child. After attending Lodi High School, he entered Stanford University, graduating in the class of 1936. Both Robert and his brother Peter worked in the family wine business. After their father Cesare purchased the historic Charles Krug Winery in the Napa Valley in 1943, the brothers shared management responsibilities at that operation until their rift in 1965. Following a leave from Charles Krug, Robert opted to create his own business, and opened Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa’s Oakville area the following year.
A tireless promoter of his own winery, but also of the entire California industry, Mondavi became the primary source for national media whenever they covered a wine story. His winery quickly became more than just a production facility and tasting room, as he opened it to the Great Chefs programs and hosted musical events there each summer. Joint ventures with the Chadwick and Frescobaldi Families expanding his influence to Chile and Italy. His most famous affiliation was with Baron Philippe de Rothschild. With the French owner of Chateau Mouton, Napa’s favorite son created Opus One Winery, which showcased Bordeaux style and winemaking technique with Napa-grown fruit. Though Julia Child had involvement in Copia: The American Center for Food, Wine and the Arts, Mondavi was the personality who made it happen.
Fame and business success came in large measures. In 2004 the Mondavi winery was sold to Constellation Brands for $1.36 billion.
He is survived by his wife, Margrit, his daughter Marcia, sons Michael and Tim and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Editor’s Note: In tomorrow’s blog Dan Clarke will recall some memories of Robert Mondavi.
California Wine Sales Up 2 Percent in U.S.
- Published 04/1/2008
SAN FRANCISCO – Fueled by strong gains in premium California wine volume, California wines sales to the U.S. continued to increase in 2007 to a record high 457 million gallons (192.1 million nine-liter cases), up 2% over the previous year. The retail value of these shipments increased 6% to $18.9 billion, according to the year-end summary in the Gomberg-Fredrikson Report.
U.S. Wine Exports Reach $951 Million in 2007
- Published 03/14/2008
SAN FRANCISCO — U.S. wine exports, 95 percent from California, reached a record high $951 million in 2007, an 8.6 percent jump from the previous year. Volume shipments in 2007 increased 12 percent to 453 million liters, compared to 2006.
"California First" Theme Promoted in 2008
- Published 02/3/2008
Sacramento – The Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) have announced that the organizations will collaborate on "California First" 2008. The campaign is designed to celebrate the contributions and achievements of the California wine industry and educate policy leaders, the media and consumers about the state’s diverse winegrowing regions, wide array of wines and the industry’s leadership in sustainable agriculture.
This year’s promotion builds on programs both trade associations have undertaken to showcase California’s wines, vintners and growers, including Wine Institute’s "California First" and California Wine Month programs launched in 2005 and CAWG’s 2007 campaign to highlight California’s sustainable viticultural practices and innovative winegrape growers. Wine Institute and the California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC), announced plans last August to promote culinary travel and the state’s wine and cuisine offerings with a five-year, multi-million dollar campaign.
"When it comes sharing with the public the attributes of the California wine industry, including being a positive cultural and economic force, our members have similar and complementary messages regarding the importance of agriculture, family businesses, sustainable winegrowing, and wine and food-based tourism. This is a natural partnership in our effort to educate public policy decision makers and unites us in our work in promoting California wine," said Robert P. (Bobby) Koch, President and CEO of Wine Institute.
"As the U.S. approaches the milestone of being the #1 wine-consuming nation in the world, the California wine industry finds itself at a critical juncture," said Karen Ross, President of CAWG. "It makes sense for our organizations to pool resources and work together on programs that showcase the many attributes of California’s winegrowing community, as well as the unparalleled expertise of our growers and vintners."
Working with wineries, growers, regional associations and the trade, the "California First" campaign will involve activities and events designed to raise awareness of California’s leadership in sustainable winegrowing and winemaking practices. Ongoing media relations will educate consumers and publicize the
www.californiawineevents.com web site.