Thank You Mr. Mondavi

May 16, 2008

I just read that wine pioneer Robert Mondavi passed away today. I am not a wine snob, but any way you look at it, he pioneered the industry here in America.

His efforts placed Napa on the map as being a place synonymous with vino. And a tasting forever known as the Judgement of Paris placed American wines on par with French ones in terms of quality.

Mondavi was also a passionate philanthropist. He donated tens of millions of dollars to charity — that was part of what ultimately cost him control of his fortune.

So drink to the man who has enriched the lives of countless others. It is well deserved. We need more people in this world like Robert Mondavi.