Robert G. Mondavi: Celebrating the Good Life
Exhibit Overview
The Robert G. Mondavi Papers were donated to the University of California, Davis in 2011 by The Robert G. Mondavi Trust. Cataloging and preservation work on the Robert Mondavi Papers was funded by generous donations from the Robert Mondavi Trust, Margrit Mondavi, and supporting friends.
Anyone familiar with California wines has heard the name Robert Mondavi. But do you know how he became one of the most influential figures in the American wine world of the late 20th century? Special Collections doesn’t have any secret hints for making wine (those remain with the winery), but this exhibit will show you how Mr. Mondavi rose to prominence and how he saw his role in promoting wine, fine food, and the arts.
The Robert G. Mondavi Papers cover his 80-year career from 1925-2008, documenting his work as a spokesman for wine and winemaking in the late 20th century. Mondavi was highly influential in redefining the place of wine in American food culture and promoting California wines throughout the world.
The collection includes extensive correspondence from winemakers, family members, employees of the Robert Mondavi Winery, and contacts worldwide. The papers also include biographical material, speeches and travel files, and information on COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food, and the Arts.
Continue to the next page to explore Mondavi’s life and work.