Who was Robert Mondavi?

The story of Robert Mondavi begins with a journey. His parents, Rosa and Cesare Mondavi, emigrated from Le Marche – a small, storied region in central Italy – arriving in America at the turn of the 20th century with a spirit of determination and a deep-rooted appreciation for the land.

After establishing themselves as successful grape shippers in Minnesota, the Mondavi family made their way to California, eventually settling in the Napa Valley, where their passion for winemaking truly took root. In 1943, Cesare acquired the historic Charles Krug Winery, where Robert honed his craft and developed the philosophy that would come to define his life’s work: an unwavering commitment to quality above all else.

In 1966, Robert Mondavi founded his own winery – what he envisioned as a focused, boutique operation dedicated to producing wines of the highest caliber. That vision resonated around the world, and the Robert Mondavi Winery became one of the most celebrated names in wine.

It was this same pursuit of excellence, and a belief that wine belongs at the center of a beautiful life, that led Robert Mondavi to collaborate with Baron Philippe de Rothschild in founding Opus One in 1979 – a union of two families, and two great winemaking traditions, in the creation of something truly singular.

Robert Mondavi’s wife, Margrit, shared his passion and brought her own remarkable vision to the world of wine – pioneering the pairing of food, art, and wine in a winery setting, a tradition that remains central to the Opus One experience today.

Shared June 2026