Vérité Barrel Chai
A pivotal moment in their philanthropic journey came in the late 1960s when they introduced programs at the winery that blended wine with cultural experiences, such as the Summer Music Festival, which started in 1969. Margrit Mondavi, in particular, played a vital role in these efforts, as she was passionate about the arts and education. Their philanthropic work expanded over the years, with notable contributions such as the creation of the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts in 2001 and the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science at UC Davis in the early 2000s. Their ongoing engagement with the arts, education, and community initiatives set them apart as pioneers in using their success to create
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THE ART OF APPRECIATION
lasting, positive change in the community, inspiring others to contribute to philanthropic causes.
Winery host Lee Hudson, a Texas native with a background in horticulture
The French Laundry, Oysters and Pearls
and viticulture, founded Hudson Ranch & Vineyards in Napa Valley ' s Carneros region in 1981. After earning a master ' s degree in viticulture and enology from UC Davis, he acquired a 2,000-acre property in Carneros. His wife, Cristina Salas-Porras Hudson, has had a diverse and impactful career across the culinary, hospitality, and design industries. She spent a decade working with Alice Waters at Chez Panisse and later co-founded O Olive Oil Company. Cristina has also consulted for renowned organizations like Hermès, Slow Food International, and Steve Jobs. With a background in East Asian Studies from Middlebury College and a graduate degree in Japanese from Keio University, she has blended cultural understanding with her entrepreneurial and philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and community enrichment.