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SAN FRANCISCO - VINTERS in California's renowned Napa Valley on Monday launched an Internet tribute to pioneering US wine-maker Robert Mondavi, who died three days earlier in his home in the region.
The Napa Valley Vintners Association created an online 'toast' to Mondavi on its website at http://www.napavintners.com, inviting people to share their memories of the icon in words and pictures.
'In all of the years I have been privileged to talk about Napa Valley wines I always mentioned two prominent members as the 'god fathers' of the Napa Valley wine industry,' wrote Mr Peter Huwiler, who headed winery there for more than a decade.
'Robert Mondavi was one of them. ... His stewardship for the valley will be the benchmark for generations to come.'
The son of Italian immigrants, Mr Mondavi founded a winery bearing his name in Napa Valley in 1966 and went on to become one of the most prominent figures of the US wine industry, making famed Cabernets and Chardonnays.
He would have been 95 years old in June.
The website memorial comes as the vintners association readies for the Friday start of an online 'E-Auction' of prestigious wines as part of an annual event to raise money for Napa Valley charities.
'One of the many important lessons Mr Mondavi taught us was to always be there to help a neighbor, a friend, our community or beyond,' the association said in an introductory message at the Internet tribute.
'He was one of the most kind and generous people we've ever known.'
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