Robert Mondavi Winery Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

Robert Mondavi – Big celebration plans for July 16th for the 50th Anniversary

Back in 1996, when the Robert Mondavi Winery opened our adventures to the wine country, there were only a handful of wineries to visit and very few travelers to wine country. Looking back at my wine notes from 1969, they showed that I’d purchased six bottles of the 1966 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon. Get this, the price for each bottle, $3.50! I am guessing that, in those years before designated-vineyard wines were in vogue, the grapes came from the famous To Kalon vineyards. Since our first visit to Robert Mondavi, this winery has held a special place in our memory bank of the early years of the Napa Valley. It was Robert Mondavi’s influence that brought wine, food and fame to the Napa Valley.

The Robert Mondavi 50th Anniversary celebration activities are in full swing, so mark your calendars for a big celebration at the Robert Mondavi Winery on July 16th. The public is invited. The event begins at noon and will include live music, in-depth wine seminars and tastings, cooking demonstrations with top local chefs, a photo booth, horse-and-buggy rides through the historic To Kalon Vineyard and more. The July 16th celebration will commemorate this significant milestone at the winery where it all began 50 years ago.

In the reception room, guests will be greeted by a spectacular, multi-tiered 50th anniversary “wine cake,” featuring bottles from each vintage starting with 1966. Guests over 21 will receive a keepsake glass bearing the Robert Mondavi Winery logo, as well as three complimentary wine pours. Additional wines will be available for purchase. There will also be three complimentary wine demonstrations throughout the day, led by Masters of Wine (MW) Mark de Vere and Peter Marks, hosted in the winery’s To Kalon Cellar. The seminars are limited to 50 guests each (age 21 and over) and attendance is first-come, first-served. The event will also feature cooking demonstrations, highlighting the work of four renowned local chefs who will each create a dish inspired by one of Robert Mondavi’s wines. Guest chefs include Cindy Pawlcyn, Bob Hurley, Victor Scargle and Giovanni Guerrera. The free demonstrations will accommodate 50 people each and are first-come, first-served.

Food vendors will be on site, offering a variety of delicious selections for purchase. Ring of Fire, Villa Corona, Marks the Spot, Cousins Lobster, Ben & Jerry’s, The Vintage Sweet Shoppe and Annie the Baker are among those set to attend. Entertainment highlights include an art demonstration by local art teacher and Robert Mondavi wine educator Channing Rudd, as well as a number of live musical performances. Music will begin at noon with Ballet Folklorico el Valle St. Helena, followed by River School World Percussion, Shelby Lanterman and Full Chizel.

There is no entry fee for this open to-the-public event, and all ages are welcome. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis until the event reaches capacity. Carpooling is encouraged, as there is limited parking available at the winery.  Check the Robert Mondavi Website for complete details at www.robertmondaviwinery.com/50.

More information on Robert Mondavi

• Trading 1966 Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon 
• Lodging and Dining near Robert Mondavi