Inside the Collection
The Robert G. Mondavi Papers document the life and work of California winemaker and innovator Robert Mondavi. Robert Mondavi’s influence in redefining the place of wine in American food culture and promoting California wines throughout the world is reflected well in the collection. The papers also document Robert Mondavi’s work with Baron Philippe de Rothschild to launch the Opus One joint venture, which was a major step in closing the cultural gap between winemaking traditions of the old world and the new.
Papers related to winery businesses remain with their respective companies.
Biographical Materials
Biographical materials in the Robert G. Mondavi Papers include biographies, oral history transcripts, family photographs, Lodi High School report cards, and high school reunion plans.
Correspondence and Subject Files
The correspondence and subject files are the heart of the Robert G. Mondavi papers. Among the correspondence are letters to and from winemakers, family members, employees of the Robert Mondavi Winery, and contacts worldwide.
The subject files include notes, clipping files, press kits, personal calendars, wine labels, tasting notes, and photographs. Notable correspondents include: chefs Alice Waters and Julia Child; Presidents Bush and Clinton; California governors Gray Davis and Jerry Brown; and winemaker Baron Philippe de Rothschild.
Left: Letter from Julia Child, 1997
American Center for Wine, Food, and the Arts (ACWFA)
The ACWFA files include correspondence, clippings, and reports related to the founding of COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food, and the Arts (ACWFA). Three major organizations came together to create the Center: UC Davis; the American Institute for Wine and Food; and Cornell University’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration. COPIA was active from 2001-2008.
Speeches
The Robert G. Mondavi Papers include a detailed group of typed and handwritten speeches and speaking notes from Robert Mondavi’s many public appearances. The speeches are often accompanied by supporting material, such as photocopied newspaper or magazine articles, correspondence, drafts, and handouts from events. Among the speech files are: talks on the Mission Program, which was a campaign in support of wine as food; toasts and commemorative speeches; and addresses on the Mondavi winemaking philosophy.
Notes for a speech given at the Wine Institute Winter Meeting, 1981
Travel
Robert Mondavi’s worldwide travel records document his personal and business travel. The travel files include itineraries, expense sheets, notes, correspondence, business cards, and a few pieces of memorabilia. Robert Mondavi’s travels reflect his international influence and connections. Notable examples include: trips to Bordeaux in support of the Mondavi-de Rothschild Opus One joint venture; trips to U.S. regional wine conferences; and family trips to Italy.
