As most of you know by now one of my passions in this life is wine. The fruit of the vine 
inspires me, hearkens me back to certain periods of time in life and takes me on an adventure every time I pull the cork on a bottle.
I was 24 when I first started trying out wine and it wasn't long before my passion for wine began to bloom. One of the first really good wines I tasted was a Robert Mondavi wine and in large part this led me on the journey to discover all that is wonderful about the world of wine. I dare say that most people, from casual wine drinker to the most passionate of oenophiles, know who Robert Mondavi is and likely has enjoyed one of is wines at some point in time.
Sadly, Robert Mondavi died this morning at the age of 94 at his home in Yountville, California. He was a brilliant businessman, visionary marketer and an extremely outspoken and dynamic wine leader who pretty much single handedly put the wines of California on the map.
My love of wine was first inspired by Mondavi and his wines and I am truly saddened at his passing. I didn't know him, never met him and have no idea what kind of man he was personally. The closest I have come to knowing him is the fact that we share the same birthday, June 18th. However, I feel inextricably linked to him through his wine and the wines I eventually discovered as a result. I also linked to him because it was his wine that first sparked my interest. I think that is part of the wonder and magic of this elixir. It connects people, places and events in such a unique and intriguing way as to be almost unexplainable. It may seem strange that a perishable item can have that sort of effect but for those of you who love wine or have enjoyed a good wine with friends on a special occasion you will know exactly what I mean.
Somehow wine made me feel as though I knew Robert Mondavi.
Strange, I know. But so true.
Farewell Mr. Mondavi.
Thank you for opening the door that led me to many vineyards and so many wines!
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