Robert Mondavi Winery

Robert Mondavi is still regarded by many as both a pioneer and an icon of American viticulture. The family had lived in California since the 1920s and acquired a vineyard there. In a dispute, Mondavi left the company to found the Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville in 1966 at the age of 53 - and to reinvent California as the home of excellent wines.

At the time, the winery was considered one of the first "new" wineries in Napa Valley after Prohibition and pursued the goal of producing the highest quality and distributing it worldwide from the very beginning. The use of new cellar methods and the willingness to experiment with barrel ageing were also inspired by visits to Europe.

The To Kalon Vineyard in the heart of the Napa Valley has played a key role in Mondavi's rise. Some of the first Cabernet Sauvignons of worldwide renown were grown here, as well as Sauvignon Blanc grapes for the famous "Fume Blanc".

Further vineyards are located in Wappo Hill. Here, gravel and clay soils and low morning and evening temperatures produce wines with balanced acidity, velvety texture and ripe fruit flavours.

Los Caneros in the very south of the region is considered an even cooler region due to the ocean winds and offers excellent conditions for the classic cold climate varieties Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The Robert Mondavi Winery has developed into a veritable empire - with many holdings and co-operations throughout the wine world. in 1993, Robert's sons took over the family business and transformed it into a public limited company. Today, the company belongs to the Constellation Brands group.

© Photos: Robert Mondavi Winery