We don’t speak much of wine from the ‘other’ coast here on LENNDEVOURS, but today we have to look to California, saddened by the news that Robert Mondavi has died at the age of 94.

Whether you like the wines he was responsible for or his methods of promoting them doesn’t matter. Without him, the American wine industry wouldn’t be what it is today… and I mean that in a good way. He was a great popularizer of wine and a champion for California and the United States.

Those in the wine industry who try to appeal to the masses but still make high-end wines too can and probably should look to Mr. Mondavi for inspiration and as a model.

Cheers, Mr. Mondavi. Rest in peace. You will be missed.