Mondavi
Summary
Robert Mondavi Winery, established in 1966 and now owned by Constellation Brands, operates 450 acres of vineyards across Napa Valley, including the historic To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, producing a tiered portfolio centered on Cabernet Sauvignon and Fumé Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc). Their winemaking philosophy blends European traditions with California innovation through small-lot fermentation and extensive barrel aging programs, continuing the legacy of founder Robert Mondavi, whose vision helped elevate Napa Valley wines to global prominence.
Heritage & Leadership
Robert Mondavi Winery was established in 1966 when Robert Mondavi, at 53 years old, founded his eponymous winery in Oakville, Napa Valley. This marked the first major new winery built in Napa Valley following Prohibition. The Mondavi family's wine history began earlier, however, when Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased the historic Charles Krug Winery in 1943, where Robert worked before founding his own venture.
Following a family disagreement, Robert left Charles Krug to pursue his vision of creating wines that could compete with the finest from Europe. The winery remained family-operated until 2004, when Constellation Brands acquired Robert Mondavi Winery for approximately $1.36 billion. During his lifetime, Robert Mondavi (1913-2008) served as a tireless ambassador for California wine, establishing educational partnerships with institutions like UC Davis, where the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science continues his educational legacy.
Under Constellation Brands' ownership, the winery maintains dedicated vineyard and winemaking teams focused on preserving the quality standards established by its founder. The Mondavi family itself has branched into several wine ventures, with Michael Mondavi founding Michael Mondavi Family Estate, Tim Mondavi creating Continuum Estate, and other family members maintaining involvement in various wine enterprises throughout Napa Valley.
Vineyards & Wines
The crown jewel of Robert Mondavi Winery's vineyard holdings is the historic To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, portions of which were first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb. The winery owns approximately 450 acres of this vineyard, which is situated on the western bench of the Oakville AVA at elevations ranging from 150 to 400 feet. To Kalon's well-drained alluvial and volcanic soils, combined with its position on the valley floor with western exposure, create optimal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties.
Beyond To Kalon, Mondavi maintains vineyards throughout Napa Valley, including sites in Stags Leap District and Carneros. The cooler Carneros region, with its clay soils and maritime influence, provides ideal conditions for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir production.
The winery produces several distinct tiers of wines, with the Reserve and To Kalon Vineyard designate wines representing the pinnacle of their portfolio. Their Cabernet Sauvignon program includes wines from multiple appellations, while their Fumé Blanc (Mondavi's term for Sauvignon Blanc) remains one of California's benchmark expressions of the variety. The Napa Valley tier offers appellation-specific wines, while the Private Selection line provides accessible options at lower price points.
Philosophy & Practice
Robert Mondavi established a winemaking philosophy centered on the harmony between traditional European techniques and innovative California approaches. This philosophy continues to guide production today, with a focus on expressing vineyard character through minimal intervention.
For red wine production, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery employs gentle handling techniques including hand-sorting, small-lot fermentation in wooden and stainless steel tanks, and extended maceration to develop complexity and structure. White wines undergo careful whole-cluster pressing and fermentation in a combination of stainless steel and French oak barrels, depending on the intended style.
The aging program varies by wine tier, with Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon typically spending 18-24 months in French oak barrels (approximately 75% new), while the Napa Valley tier sees 12-18 months in a lower percentage of new oak. The winery maintains an extensive barrel program, working with multiple cooperages to match oak profiles to specific vineyard blocks.
In the vineyards, sustainable farming practices include cover cropping, integrated pest management, and water conservation measures. The winery has implemented a comprehensive composting program and reduced its carbon footprint through energy-efficient equipment upgrades. These efforts reflect Mondavi's long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and the preservation of Napa Valley's agricultural heritage.