book review

The House of Mondavi
If one has lived in California for awhile, or if one is a drinker of fine red wines, the name Mondavi will ring a bell. Just a few years ago, a writer published a history of this storied family whose Italian roots played a large role in the dynamic that contributed greatly to the trials and tribulations of 3 generations of winemakers. The humble beginnings are familiar to many Americans whose parents/grandparents immigrated from abroad to the States in a quest to improve their lot in life. Hard work was the formula used over and over again. The founder(s), Cesare and Rosa, were the models who followed the formula that paid dividends for their offspring in the mid-20th century.
The book is a NYTimes bestseller and the author, Julia Siler, writes for the Wall St. Journal. It is immediately apparent the author had amazing access to family discussions, decision making, and dirty laundry. The generational rise and fall of a Napa Valley wine making dynasty is both fascinating and sad. When the sons of the founder take over, trouble begins. Their mother, Rosa, still maintains some control, but does not understand what the future could be nor does she have a clue as to what is happening in the industry.
It reads like a novel, with a cast of characters that includes Joseph L. Alioto, the famous San Francisco lawyer famous for his anti-trust work. He has his own problems, and it appears that associating with the Mondavis taints any and all relations.
In the end, the family survives, after much litigation, division, and breakup. Anyone who drinks wine, especially California wine, will enjoy this read. In the capable hands of this particular author, the story never becomes morose or tiresome. It is divided into appropriate timeline sections, relating to the development of the business. The scope of operations, reaching to the famous wine growing regions of France, is truly a story in itself.
I recommend this book as a terrific addition to California history in general and wine making in particular.
Salute!