Napa Valley & Sonoma Wine Tasting Tours
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The son of an Italian immigrant winemaker, Robert Mondavi had been involved in the business of wine all his life—and in 1966 he made a decision that would change the world of wine forever.
Convinced that California wines could rival those of France, he left the family business, purchased land in Oakville, and built a beautiful Mission-style winery capable of producing the wines he envisioned.
Many people thought he’d lost his senses, but he knew what he was doing: in quick order Mondavi wines gained worldwide recognition for excellence.
By the late 1960s a new generation of winemakers, inspired by Mondavi, began moving to Napa Valley to craft fine wines.
The winery offers a selection of tours and tastings, from Wine Tasting Basics to the Exclusive Cellar Tasting.
It also offers something fairly unique: a small demo vineyard where major grape varietals are planted in clearly-labeled, side-by-side rows, allowing you to see and taste the difference between varietal grapes in late summer and early fall. Be sure to visit the multi-level, state-of-the-art To Kalon Fermenting Cellar, where Reserve, District, and vineyard-designated red wines are produced and barrel-aged.
Fascinating Fact:
The winery has a notable collection of sculpture by mid-20th century artist Benjamino Bufano, including the large bronze-and-mosaic St. Francis of Assisi at the entrance.
Amenities: Wine Club, Gift Shop, Picnic Sites,
Art Gallery, Special Events
Founded: 1966
Signature Wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Fumé Blanc
Wine Tasting: Reservations are recommended
Hours: Daily, 10:30–5
Robert Mondavi Wines
7801 St. Helena Highway
Oakville, CA 94562
888-766-6328
Suzie Rodriguez writes about travel, food, and wine from her home in the wine-country town of Sonoma, California. You can follow her travels and musings at The Culinary Gadabout.
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