History
1930
Cherokee Vineyard Association established near the town of Woodbridge.
1966
The Winery’s first harvest is celebrated with the first Blessing of the Grapes.
1967
Robert Mondavi Winery’s Fume Blanc is introduced with the 1966 vintage. When Robert introduced his dry fermented, and oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc he knew he would have to call it something different.
Believing that wine education leads to wine appreciation, Robert Mondavi started the winery’s education program in 1967.
In early 1967, the first bottle of wine was sold by the winery. The wine was a Chenin Blanc and was sold for $2.00 a bottle.
1968
The first vintage (1966) of Robert Mondavi Winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon is released. A shot heard throughout the Valley, it would inspire the waves of pioneers to follow.
1969
The Winery’s Summer Music Festival debuts as a Napa Valley Symphony fundraiser. For almost 40 years the summer concert has continued to bring world-famous artists to the courtyard of Robert Mondavi Winery.
The Vineyard Room is completed as the winery’s center for bringing together wine, food, and the arts.
1970
Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi meet for the first time in Hawaii. The Baron suggests the idea of a joint venture, which later becomes Opus One.
1971
The Winery’s Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon, the finest wine of each vintage, is first labeled with the reserve designation.
Robert Mondavi Winery’s first featured artist exhibit opens in the Vineyard Room. Each year the Vineyard room hosts 6 artists from various parts of the country.
Beniamino Bufano is one of the featured artists at the Winery. Shown here is his Hand of Peace, 1951, marble and mosaic.
1972
The Los Angeles Times Vintners Tasting selects Robert Mondavi Winery’s 1969 Cabernet Sauvignon as the top wine.
The first bottles of wine were shipped abroad to Japan in 1972. Today we are one of the most internationally known American wineries and we continue to export to over 80 countries.
1973
Marcia Mondavi initiates Harvest and Component Seminars as part of the Winery’s commitment to consumer and trade education.
The winery began hosting Winter Classical concert series in 1973. Check our events calendar for the date of our next Winter Concert.
1974
Timothy Mondavi, Robert’s youngest son, joins the Robert Mondavi Winery winemaking team. 1974 is still regarded as one of the winery’s finest vintages.
In 1974, Robert introduced two table wines, Bob’s Red and Bob’s White. Eventually the success of these more affordable wines, would lead to the establishment of the Woodbridge Winery in Lodi, CA.
1976
Tim Mondavi assumes full responsibility for Robert Mondavi Winery Vineyards and Wines.
In 1976 the winery began hosting chefs from France in the Vineyard Room in order to showcase its world-class wines with some of the most recognized chefs in the culinary world.
1979
Robert Mondavi Winery obtains Woodbridge Winery and moves production of Red, White, and Rose table wines to Woodbridge California.
Acquired by Robert Mondavi family and renamed Woodbridge Winery; Robert Mondavi Red and White table wines in 1.5L bottles introduced.
1980
In 1978, the Baron Philippe de Rothschild invited Robert Mondavi to Bordeaux and within an hour they had outlined the framework for a joint venture.
1981
Robert Mondavi’s vision of the Napa Valley Wine Auction is launched by Napa Valley Vintners.
The American Institute for Wine and Food was established by Robert Mondavi, Julia Child, Richard Graff and others passionate about sharing the joys of food and wine, from farm to table, as part of daily life.
First Harvest at Woodbridge Winery
1982
In 1982, Robert Mondavi calls on his fellow vintners for the creation of a consumer education program to promote the role of wine with meals and demonstrate wine’s history in the context of human civilization.
Robert Mondavi is named winemaker of the year by the American Wine Society.
1983
7 Years after founding the Great Chefs of France program, Robert expands the program to include the great chefs of America as a separate series.
Robert Mondavi is inducted as a Commandeur de Bordeaux by the Grand Conseil du Vin de Bordeaux.
“Small lot” program begun, with grower lots fermented and tasted individually.
1984
Cyril Ray publishes his biography of Robert Mondavi. Robert is pictured here in the lower right corner.
1985
Robert Mondavi Winery begins planting vineyards in a closely spaced manner to maximize fruit concentration and character.
1986
In 1986, the Great Chefs of France and the Great Chefs of America merged to become the Great Chefs program that has featured so many talented chefs at Robert Mondavi Winery.
Robert Mondavi is named Man of the Year by Wines and Vines magazine.
Lodi region becomes one of the first California American Viticultural Areas; varietal labeling of Woodbridge wines introduced.
1987
In recognition of Robert Mondavi’s 50th harvest, a new Reserve label is introduced. Featuring a diagonal horizon the label is a breakthrough on the increasingly crowded shelves of American wine.
1988
Robert Mondavi launches the Mission Program to educate the public about wine and its role throughout civilization.
Decanter Magazine in the United Kingdom names Robert Mondavi "Man of the Year." In the same year, Robert is inducted in the "Hall of Fame" for the California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.
1989
Robert Mondavi’s vision of a national center for Wine, Food and the Arts is launched.
Robert Mondavi establishes the Wine and Food Center in Costa Mesa, California.
1990
Robert Mondavi is granted the "Merit Award" from the American Society of Enology and Viticulture and in the same year received the "Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year" from the James Beard Foundation.
1991
Robert is recognized by the Culinary Institute of America as an "Ambassador" and is granted a "Master of Aesthetics of Gastronomy" award.
Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) established with 10 growers
1992
Natural farming, introduced in the 1970’s, is formally implemented throughout all the Robert Mondavi Winery vineyards.
1993
Robert Mondavi Winery’s District wines are released with the introduction of an environmentally sensitive package and innovative flange-top bottle.
The Robert Mondavi family is invited to join the Primi Familiae Vini (First Families of Wine) as the group’s only American member.
Robert Mondavi is awarded an Honorary Master of Wine by the Institute of Masters of Wine.
1994
Introduction of Robert Mondavi Private Selection, a line of fine wines that reflect the distinctive vineyards of California’s Central and North Coast appellations.
1995
Robert Mondavi is inducted into the Bay Area Business Hall of Fame and is also awarded an Honorary Degree "Associate Member of Cornell Society of Hotelmen" from Cornell University.
Completion of 110,000 square-foot, custom designed, thermal mass barrel cellar
1996
As the Olympic torch made its way around the country in preparation for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Mr. Mondavi was asked to serve as a Torch Bearer.
In 1996, Robert and Margrit Mondavi along with Carolyn Dille, published their cookbook, Seasons in the Vineyard. It was published by Simon and Schuster.
1997
Genevieve Janssens returns to Robert Mondavi Winery, as Director of Winemaking as Director of Winemaking, a role she continues to hold today.
Robert Mondavi receives the Wine Spectator Magazine’s "Reader’s Choice" award in 1997.
1998
Robert Mondavi’s autobiography, Harvests of Joy: My passion for Excellence, is published.
Woodbridge Winery celebrates 20th Anniversary; Visitors Center opens with tours, tasting room and retail operations.
1999
The first major renovation in the history of the Robert Mondavi Winery commences, creating a new state-of-the-art red winemaking and visitor program facility that would later come to be called the To Kalon Cellar.
2000
The 2000 vintage was the first to benefit from the nearly completed To Kalon Reserve Fermentation Cellar.
2001
Robert Mondavi’s vision of COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts opens in the city of Napa.
Robert Mondavi Winery’s new state-of-the-art red winemaking and visitor programs facility is completed in March as part of the Winery’s To Kalon Project. Visitor tours of the new facility begin.
2002
Robert Mondavi is recognized by the California State Assembly for his lifetime contributions to the California Wine industry.
The Republice of Italy honors Robert Mondavi with the "Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy." Robert Mondavi is a first generation American, his parents having emigrated to the United States in 1906 from their hometown of Sassoferrato in the Le Marche region of Italy.
2003
Robert Mondavi Winery introduces a new Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve package with the release of the 2000 vintage.
Robert Mondavi celebrates his 90th birthday on June 18th. The winery hosted a huge celebration for family, friends, and business partners of Mr. Mondavi.
Robert Mondavi receives the "Distringuished Honorary Member of the Agricultural Leadership Alumni" from the United States House of Representatives.
2005
The Republic of France bestows the Legion d’Honneur upon Robert Mondavi, France’s highest presidential honor.
Robert Mondavi receives the Ellis Island Family Heritage Award in recognition of his contributions to the American experience.
2006
On July 16th 2006, Robert Mondavi Winery celebrated its 40th anniversary.
The Robert Mondavi Winery celebrates its 40 year history on July 16th, with a three day symposium on wine, food and the arts called Taste3.
Celebration of 30th anniversary of the Great chefs program.