Robert Mondavi is dead.

His passing was announced in Pierce Carson’s article posted this afternoon at the Napa Valley Register. The giant of the California wine business died Friday morning. Though Mondavi had been in fading health the past couple of years, he remained a vigorous spokesman for the wine industry through his late ‘80s.

Born to Italian immigrants in the state of Minnesota in 1913, Mondavi came to California as a child. After attending Lodi High School, he entered Stanford University, graduating in the class of 1936. Both Robert and his brother Peter worked in the family wine business. After their father Cesare purchased the historic Charles Krug Winery in the Napa Valley in 1943, the brothers shared management responsibilities at that operation until their rift in 1965. Following a leave from Charles Krug, Robert opted to create his own business,  and opened Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa’s Oakville area the following year.

A tireless promoter of his own winery, but also of the entire California industry, Mondavi became the primary source for national media whenever they covered a wine story. His winery quickly became more than just a production facility and tasting room, as he opened it to the Great Chefs programs and hosted musical events there each summer. Joint ventures with the Chadwick and Frescobaldi Families expanding his influence to Chile and Italy. His most famous affiliation was with Baron Philippe de Rothschild. With the French owner of Chateau Mouton, Napa’s favorite son created Opus One Winery, which showcased Bordeaux style and winemaking technique with Napa-grown fruit. Though Julia Child had involvement in Copia: The American Center for Food, Wine and the Arts, Mondavi was the personality who made it happen.

Fame and business success came in large measures. In 2004 the Mondavi winery was sold to Constellation Brands for $1.36 billion.

He is survived by his wife, Margrit, his daughter Marcia, sons Michael and Tim and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Editor’s Note: In tomorrow’s blog Dan Clarke will recall some memories of Robert Mondavi.