WTN Services- thoughts on a legend- Robert Mondavi…
At 9 am Friday a true pioneer and legend of Napa Valley, Robert Mondavi died. I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity get to know the Mondavi family through the years. Margit, Robert and I became acquainted through a group of mutual friends including Pierce Carson, Jerry and Bruce Butler and others. The first time I met Robert was at a Robert Mondavi summer concert hosted at his winery about 7 years ago. We sat front row center as guests of Pierce Carson. The concert was part of the Mondavi concert series to raise funds for the Napa Valley Symphony.I encountered the Mondavi’s many times over the years both in the wine industry as Mondavi has partnered with companies I’ve been associated with, but more often in the private sector supporting local non-profits. Though they Margit and Robert became famous and made their name in the wine industry, as wine industry icon’s, for me they are near and dear to my heart for their caring demeanor, none intimidating style and support for non-profits that were near and dear to our mutual hearts- The Lincoln Theater, the Napa Valley Opera House, AIDS & Cancer prevention support, Copia and more.
One of my fondest memories is, me sipping a glass of wine and giving a funny face, Robert coming up to me and asking what I disliked about the wine just tasted. I laughed and said, I was not very sophisticated when it came to wine tasting, being from Tennessee and that my opinion was probably pretty meaningless, in determining a good or bad wine. Robert laughed and scolded me telling me, “quite the contrary that the Tennessee taste palate was as important to him as any other, he needed to find the perfect wine combo to serve with grits.” He then laughed and told me that in his mind “couscous” was nothing more than sophisticated grits and not to be intimidated by the wines nor the foods in the valley. From then on, I always laughed about couscous and wines.
For those of you that attended out Napa Valley Academy Awards fundraiser at Sterling this year, to raise funds for the Care Network, you may recall seeing Robert there. Though he was in a wheelchair and with a nurse and Margrit at his side, they communicated he was attending because they promised 6 years ago he would be there for our 20th event. He kept his word.
This week marks a sad week for Napa, as a legend has past.
Take a moment to look at the vineyards in your travels no matter where you are in our country and pause for a moment in thought for Bob (Robert) and his family. His vision, passion for excellence and desire to celebrate life and culture ,paired with a desire to live life in full ,are traits we should all seek within ourself. Bob -I’ll miss you, now I am off to sip a 1997 Mondavi Stags Leap Cabernet, care to join me.
Chris Edwards Vice President & General Manager
WTN Services
2545 Napa Valley Corporate Drive
Napa California 94558
707.265.2934
www.wtnservices.com
www.ambrosiawines.com
www.1800Flowers.com