Famed Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi dead at age 94

[gldstwmn]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...NSUN.DTL&tsp=1
(05-16) 13:18 PDT YOUNTVILLE -- Robert Mondavi, the charismatic Napa Valley vintner whose work helped establish California wines as among the world's best, died this morning. He was 94.

A Mondavi family spokesman was unable to confirm the news or provide details, but a St. Helena funeral home said arrangements were pending.

A popular and tireless figure in the wine world, Mr. Mondavi was relentless in his drive to make wines that could compete with the finest in the world. His winery, established in 1966, became an iconic presence along Napa Valley's Highway 29 and a symbol not only of California's emergence as a wine powerhouse but of the lifestyle that Mondavi embodied - one that placed wine in context with good food and a culture of hospitality.

Although the Mondavi family sold its winery to Constellation Brands in 2004, Mr. Mondavi remained tied to his namesake property, making public appearances at Napa Valley events as recently last last year.

He is survived by his wife Margrit Biever Mondavi; his sons, Tim and Michael; and his daughter Marcia Mondavi Borger.