Robert Mondavi Family Winery

In 1966, emboldened by boundless enthusiasm, and a conviction that California could produce wines that would belong in the company of the world's finest, Robert Mondavi set out on his own to found the first major winery built in the valley since prohibition: Robert Mondavi Winery. Since then the open arch of the Robert Mondavi Winery has welcomed thousands of guests who have come to share in Robert's love of wine, food, and art.
With the release of the Robert Mondavi Winery's Cabernet Sauvignon in the late 60's the world's eyes were opened to the potential of the Napa Valley. The historic Paris tasting in 1976, where two former winemakers of the Robert Mondavi Winery won first prize, further supported this revelation.


Robert Mondavi's commitment to the industry and to promoting wine as part of a gracious lifestyle led to his "mission tour" in the late 1980s. He crossed the country, educating restaurateurs, media and most of all consumers on wine's integral role in culture and civilization.
After 41 years, Robert Mondavi Winery still embodies its founder's commitment to excellence, innovation and creative spirit while continuing to produce wines that stand in the company of the world's finest.

A History of Innovation


When Robert Mondavi founded the iconic Robert Mondavi Winery in 1966, his vision was to create fine Napa Valley wines that would stand in the company of the great wines of the world. With a firm conviction that the personality of great wines is a result of soil, climate, vineyard management, and winemaking philosophy, the winery continues to pursue Robert Mondavi's goal of excellence with the same passion and innovative spirit, moving forward with technology and programs that break barriers and open new frontiers. For more than four decades now, Robert Mondavi Winery has led California's wine industry--and much of the world--with innovations in winegrowing and winemaking, as well as educational and cultural outreach.

Graceful Living: The Triumvirate

Robert Mondavi believed that the path to a more gracious lifestyle was found in the appreciation of wine, food, and art. Early-on in the winery's history he chose a path of wine education as the toe-hold for consumers to experience what he meant by gracious living.Beginning in November of 1967, Robert established the winery's program for tours and tastings to enhance visitor's understanding the world of fine wine. The tours offered by the winery today go well beyond a walk through the cellar room and the story of grape to glass. Visitors can embark on a sensory tour of wine exploring the texture, flavor, and aromas in the glass, explore the nuances of food and wine pairing or walk through the winery's extensive art collection. Ever changing art exhibits and outdoor concerts (since 1969) have brought some of the world's most talented artists and performers to Napa Valley. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Ella Fitzgerald, Dave Brubeck, and Etta James are just a few of the stellar performers that have made our summer music festival a Napa Valley favorite. Proceeds from these concerts have benefited the Napa Valley Symphony and other local charities.

The rotating exhibits in the winery's Vineyard Room showcase celebrated, local and emerging artists in photography, sculpture, painting and other visual arts. These exhibits rotate every two months, so there is always a reason to return to the Vineyard Room to appreciate the fine art.