Robert Mondavi Winery Celebrates 60 Years of Legacy with Reopening of its Historic Oakville Estate Following a Multi-Year Transformation

Jun 1
5 min read

Timed to its 60th anniversary, Robert Mondavi Winery officially reopened its doors to visitors on April 20th, introducing new guest experiences now open for reservations alongside a limited-edition commemorative release.

Following a three-year transformation, Robert Mondavi Winery—the historic heart and visionary leader of Napa Valley fine wine— has announced the grand reopening of its iconic Oakville estate. Timed to its 60th anniversary, the reimagined winery introduces a fully modernized destination, including a new hospitality wing, expanded indoor-outdoor tasting experiences now available for reservation, enhanced culinary and visitor spaces, and state-of-the-art winemaking facilities. Marking the most significant transformation of the property since its founding in 1966, the reopening is also commemorated with the debut of a limited-edition 60th anniversary Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Guided by the pioneering spirit upon which Robert Mondavi established the winery, this transformation balances preservation and progress. Cliff May’s emblematic arch and tower have been carefully restored, while new architectural and landscape interventions—led by Aidlin Darling Design (architecture) and Surfacedesign (landscape architecture)—deepen the connection between guests, the vineyard, and the surrounding Napa Valley landscape.

“This transformation reflects a renewal of Robert Mondavi’s original vision,” said Peggy Hemphill, Brand Marketing Director for Robert Mondavi Winery. “As we reopen, we’re proud to carry that legacy forward—welcoming guests to experience Napa Valley in a more thoughtful, elevated way while setting the stage for the winery’s next era.”

The “Godfather” of Napa Valley

Widely regarded as the driving force behind Napa Valley’s rise to global prominence, Robert Mondavi fundamentally reshaped American fine wine through a series of bold, defining innovations. Following the founding of Robert Mondavi Winery in 1966—the first major new winery established in Napa since Prohibition—he championed a quality-first philosophy rooted in both tradition and modernity. Mondavi introduced advanced viticultural and winemaking techniques, including temperature-controlled fermentation and the use of French oak, while pioneering the now-iconic Fumé Blanc, elevating Sauvignon Blanc into a premium category.

Robert Mondavi was also instrumental in showcasing the potential of Napa’s terroir, particularly through the cultivation and global recognition of the To Kalon Vineyard. Beyond the cellar, Mondavi forged groundbreaking international partnerships, including Opus one with Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Tenuta Luce with Frescobaldi and Seña with Eduardo Chadwick. Through tireless advocacy, education, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, he not only built a winery, but laid the foundation for an entire region—earning his enduring title as the “godfather of Napa Valley.”

The Legendary To Kalon Vineyard

At the core of this next chapter is an evolved approach to winemaking, anchored by the estate’s vineyards, including the renowned To Kalon Vineyard. Now certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), To Kalon produces fruit of exceptional purity and balance, forming the foundation of the winery’s most celebrated wines.

The legendary To Kalon Vineyard stands among the world’s best celebrated vineyards, having been featured five times in the prestigious World’s Best Vineyards rankings. Located in Oakville, it was championed by Robert Mondavi who recognized its extraordinary potential and elevated it to global icon status. Its name, meaning “the highest beauty”, reflects both heritage and ambition. Nestled at the foot of the Mayacamas mountain range, boasting an exceptional terroir of deep well-drained alluvial soils, optimal sun exposure, and cooling San Pablo Bay influences, To Kalon consistently produces Cabernet Sauvignon or profound depth, structure and age-worthy elegance – benchmark wines that define the pinnacle of California winemaking.

"Cabernet Sauvignon from To Kalon is marked by black and dark red fruits, with dried herbs layered in. The fruit has great natural acidity and is framed by a beautiful, fine-grained tannin structure," says Kurtis Ogasawara, Director of Winemaking, Robert Mondavi Winery.

60th Anniversary Commemorative Edition Cabernet Sauvignon

To mark its 60th anniversary, the winery will release a 2023 Commemorative Edition Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Sourced from exceptional blocks within To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville and Wappo Hill Vineyard in Stags Leap District, this limited-edition Cabernet Sauvignon brings together heritage clones to create a singular expression of Napa Valley. The exceptional 2023 vintage, marked by one of the longest growing seasons in recent years, allowed for slow, even ripening of fruit, resulting in a wine of remarkable purity, concentration and freshness.

The 2023 60th Anniversary Commemorative Edition has already earned international recognition: VinePair, one of the world’s leading drinks media platforms, having awarded it 95 points and naming it among “The 30 Best Cabernet Sauvignons for 2026” – highlighting it as a top selection in the $100+ category. The publication noted the wine’s seamless palate, where tannin and fruit merge in harmony, underpinned by natural acidity and a nose of ripe berry fruit with hints of worn leather and cedar.

This milestone anniversary offers a fitting moment to celebrate both the winery's storied legacy and its long-standing presence of more than two decades building relationships with leading restaurants, hotels, and wine communities in the Thai market.

Available in limited quantity, this commemorative edition, which comes in a unique giftbox , can be discovered from June onwards at leading premium hotels and restaurants in Bangkok, including:

Wolfgang's Steakhouse Bangkok
Davin Cafe
Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok
Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit
Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok

60th Anniversary Commemorative Edition Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — By the Glass

Alongside the commemorative release, Robert Mondavi Winery is also introducing a dedicated by-the-glass programme for its Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, launching from June 2026 onwards. The campaign invites guests across Bangkok's restaurant and hotel scene to experience the winery's flagship red in a more accessible format — making one of Napa Valley's most iconic Cabernet Sauvignons available for discovery one glass at a time.

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ABOUT ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY

Robert Mondavi established his namesake winery in 1966 with the vision of creating wines from California’s Napa Valley that could compete with the world’s finest. Through tireless innovation, an uncompromising commitment to quality, and boundless enthusiasm, he made believers of wine lovers around the world. Under the leadership of Director of Winemaking Kurtis Ogasawara, the team continues to build on this legacy, pursuing ever greater precision with each vintage. Located along Highway 29 in the heart of Napa Valley, Robert Mondavi Winery offers an immersive experience rooted in exceptional winemaking, refined hospitality, and a longstanding commitment to the arts. At the heart of the winery is To Kalon Vineyard, a 440-acre site of exceptional provenance that anchors the winery’s Napa Valley, Estate, and Reserve wine programs. Widely regarded as one of the premier vineyards in North America, To Kalon is renowned for producing some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc in the world.The winery’s recent transformation reinforces its position as a defining luxury leader in Napa Valley, spanning every touchpoint—from sustainable viticulture and farm-to-bottle craftsmanship to the multi-year renovation of its winemaking facility and visitor center.

To learn more, visit robertmondaviwinery.com or follow @robertmondavi on Facebook and Instagram.