Robert Mondavi has died at 94

The man who turned Napa Valley California into a world center in the wine industry died peacefully at home in that valley today.

When Mondavi opened his winery, in 1966, California was still primarily known for cheap jug wines. But he set out to change that, championing use of cold fermentation, stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels, all commonplace in the industry today. He introduced blind tastings in Napa Valley, putting his wines up against French vintages, a bold move.

Ten years later, his confidence was rewarded when California wines beat some well-known French vintages in the famous tasting known as the Judgment of Paris. The enthusiastic ambassador for wine traveled the world into his 90s promoting the health, cultural and social benefits of its moderate consumption. He is survived by sons Michael and Tim, and daughter Marcia.