OAKVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--When Robert Mondavi opened the doors to his eponymous winery in July, 1966, he was inspired by his belief that he could make world-class wines in the Napa Valley. Those dreams realized, Robert Mondavi Winery is today recognized around the world as one of the most iconic institutions in American wine and food. This year, Robert Mondavi Winery celebrates another major achievement with its 50th Anniversary. To mark the milestone, an array of new visitor programs, special events and commemorative bottlings are being introduced throughout the year.
Recalling Mr. Mondavi’s spirit of innovation and his one-time stint conducting the Napa Valley Symphony in the just-opened To Kalon Cellar, Director of Winemaking Genevieve Janssens and the winemaking team have crafted a celebratory 50th Anniversary red wine blend, “Maestro,” worthy of the man himself. Like a well-tuned symphony, the seamless cuvee of Napa Valley Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec creates a delicious and harmonious whole. The limited-release bottling is scheduled for release in April, 2016. The winery will also introduce three winery-only bottlings in April, all named after Mr. Mondavi’s memoir published in 1999, “Harvests of Joy.” They include a red blend, a Fumé Blanc and a Rosé, which features Margrit Mondavi’s artwork on the label.
In addition to the new wines, a commemorative 50th Anniversary label will also adorn new releases of some of the most enduring bottlings from Robert Mondavi Winery: the 2015 Fumé Blanc, Napa Valley; 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley; and the winery’s hallmark 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, To Kalon Vineyard.
Throughout the year, the Oakville winery is offering a variety of 50th Anniversary-themed tastings for visitors. Two standout programs include the Library Wine Tasting and the Five Decades Dinner. Offered on a daily basis, the Library Wine Tasting features a customized flight that includes four wines selected from five decades of Robert Mondavi winemaking. Guests may sit in the luxurious To Kalon Reserve Room, or on the adjacent patio, as they savor these special vintages. While reservations are suggested, they are not required.
The more exclusive Five Decades Dinner is available by reservation only and promises an unmatched evening at Robert Mondavi Winery. Visitors opting for this program will taste wines from each of the last five decades, followed by a four-course wine pairing dinner meticulously prepared by winery chef Jeff Mosher in the Vineyard Room.
On June 3, Robert Mondavi Winery will be the host location for the Napa Valley Barrel Auction portion of the world-renowned Auction Napa Valley. Robert Mondavi was a founding member of this event 35 years ago and an ardent supporter of giving back to the local community. The proceeds from the auction weekend support community heath and children’s education with over 150 million dollars donated since 1981.
The weekend of July 16 marks the official anniversary of the winery’s groundbreaking with a 50th Anniversary Celebration Day. The date will be commemorated with much fanfare, including cooking demonstrations by some of the famed chefs who have collaborated with Robert Mondavi Winery over the decades. A wine demonstration stage will provide a variety of wine education and tasting components, led by members of the winery’s winemaking and educational teams. Art exhibits and live music performances will round out the celebration of wine, food and the arts for the #RobertMondavi50 event.
Additional special events in California and elsewhere will continue to highlight the 50th Anniversary throughout the year. Please check the Robert Mondavi website www.robertmondaviwinery.com for event information and updates. Robert Mondavi Winery is located at 7801 St. Helena Highway in Oakville, Napa Valley.
About Robert Mondavi Winery
Founded in 1966 by winemaking pioneer and icon Robert Mondavi, the winery that bears his name is an enduring presence and shining symbol of California’s Napa Valley. The first major winery built in Napa Valley in the three decades following the repeal of Prohibition, Robert Mondavi Winery created the foundation for the modern-day California wine industry. An ardent believer that wines should reflect their origins, Mr. Mondavi charted a winemaking course that is now legendary. Today, Robert Mondavi Winery continues to pursue the fullest expression of the terroir of Napa Valley in wines that are also varietally authentic. At the heart and soul of the Robert Mondavi Winery is the To Kalon Vineyard, a 440-acre parcel of exceptional provenance that contributes to the winery’s Napa Valley, Oakville District, To Kalon vineyard-designated and Reserve wine programs. The site famously includes the five-acre I Block. Planted in 1945, it is believed to be the oldest Sauvignon Blanc vineyard in the New World. For additional information about Robert Mondavi Winery and the celebration of the Winery’s 50th Anniversary, visit: www.robertmondaviwinery.com
