California patriarch Robert Mondavi was given a Lifetime Achievement Award last week in Bordeaux.
Mondavi, recognised worldwide as the ‘Father of Napa’, was presented the award by the Institute of Masters of Wine and trade magazine The Drinks Business.
The winner of the award, which is in its inaugural year, was announced at trade fair Vinexpo by Baroness Philippine de Rothschild of Château Mouton-Rothschild.
Mondavi and Mouton-Rothschild have been involved in joint venture Opus One since the late 1970s.
‘Two men have changed my vision of wine: my father Baron Philippe, and Robert Mondavi,’ said Baroness Rothschild before handing over the award. ‘Robert has made people see and drink wine in a different way.’
Mondavi, aged 92, had flown over especially for the award–giving ceremony with his wife Margrit.
In reply he said, ‘The future is bright, thank you all, god bless you’, but was unable to make a longer speech. His son Tim Mondavi thanked the Institute of Masters of Wine and The Drinks Business on his behalf.
Written by Amy Wislocki
