This week an American legend in American wine making , Robert Mondavi, passed away at his home in Yountville, California at the age of 94. The son of Italian immigrants, Bob Mondavi (which is the name he preferred to be called) is credited with introducing European wine making techniques to the United States. He also was one of the first Americans to make the point that wine is an integral part of fine living.

For his vision and persistent marketing efforts, anyone that lifts a glass of great California red wine should give a moment of thanks to Bob Mondavi.