Margrit Mondavi Honored By State Legislature

Photo: Margrit Mondavi was honored Monday in the state Capitol by Assemblymember Bill Dodd and Senator Lois Wolk with daughters Annie Roberts and Phoebe Holbrook.

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News from Assemblymember Bill Dodd’s Office:

Margrit Biever Mondavi was honored at the state Capitol last week for her contributions to our region and the state of California. She was joined at the Capitol by friends and family, including her daughters Phoebe Holbrook and Annie Roberts. To mark the occasion Assemblymember Bill Dodd and Senator Lois Wolk presented her a resolution on the floor of the state Assembly.

“I’d like to thank Assemblymember Dodd for this great honor. While I’m a Swiss immigrant, I’m a Californian by choice, and the well-being of my state is always very close to me.” Margrit Mondavi said.

Margrit is a longtime champion of the arts and local charitable causes. Born and raised in Switzerland, her parents nurtured her passions for art, music, good food, and fine wine. Margrit began working at the Robert Mondavi Winery in 1967. After years of successful collaboration she married the love of her life, Robert Mondavi, in 1980.

“Margrit has had a singular impact on the history, culture and philanthropic spirit of our region. Her passion has created an indelible legacy, both in Napa Valley and beyond,” said Assemblymember Bill Dodd. “We are very fortunate to have caring, hard-working people like Margrit in our community and our state.”

Margrit, who celebrated her 90th birthday earlier this month, is credited with helping build Napa Valley into art and wine destination it is today. These efforts started modestly, as a simple Sunday art show over 40 years ago. In 1969 she founded the Summer Music Festival at the winery, which has become a major benefit for the Napa Valley Symphony. She also helped create the Festival of Winter Classical Concert Series with the proceeds benefiting local musical organizations like the Napa Valley Opera.

As a longtime supporter of arts education, Margrit’s impact can also be felt in Davis, where the Robert & Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts provides a venue for students and the community to learn and explore the arts. In 2011, Margrit was honored as by the Napa Valley Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year” in recognition of her ceaseless support of the arts, philanthropy and the Napa Valley community.

The 4th Assembly District is represented by Assemblymember Bill Dodd and includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Lake, Sonoma, Solano, and Colusa Counties. You can learn more about the district atwww.asm.ca.gov/dodd.