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News
Momentous Day For Mondavi
Wine trade A-listers paid tribute to Robert Mondavi’s pioneering work for the Californian wine industry at the Institute of Masters of Wine/drinks business Lifetime Achievement Award presentation
The Inaugral Institute of Masters of Wine/drinks business magazine Lifetime Achievement Award for 2005, presented in association with Vinexpo, was announced on Tuesday, June 21 at an exclusive lunch attended by 200 of the wine industry’s most influential leaders. The star-studded gathering included senior figures from some of the wine industry’s biggest companies as well as international journalists and members of the Institute of Masters of Wine.
The award was hosted by the drinks business publisher, Charlotte Hey and Patrick McGrath MW, chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine, who praised a remarkable contribution to new world winemaking, innovation and leadership in bringing premium Californian wines to the global consumer.
Jean-Marie Chadronnier, president of Vinexpo spoke of how pleased and honoured Vinexpo was to be able to support such an important event, and paid tribute to the deserving recipient.
The winner was revealed by La Baronne Philippine de Rothschild who was delighted to present this inaugural award to her highly respected friend of many years, Robert Mondavi Hon MW. In fact, the award had been so eagerly awaited by the trade that in her presentation speech La Baronne even joked about the “Chinese whispers” way in which hints and guesses had found their way around.
Mr Mondavi, who had celebrated his 92nd birthday a few days previously, made the journey from California to Bordeaux especially to attend the lunch and receive his award in person. Speaking on behalf of his father, Tim Mondavi thanked the judges for honouring his father’s work and paid tribute to his many accomplishments, adding that the great man is also a great father.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is in fact the second major award Robert Mondavi has received this year. In April he was awarded the distinction of Chevalier dans l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur, France’s highest presidential award.