Tribute to Robert Mondavi

Heidi Kuhn, CEO & Founder

May 16, 2008

The passing of Robert Mondavi on May 16, 2008, leaves behind the legend of a great vintner, but also a great peacemaker.  Through his vision, passion, and fearless ability to take risks, he greatly inspired me to “turn ideas into reality” by embodying the dream of transforming MINES TO VINES—replacing the scourge of landmines with the nectar of fresh grapes worldwide.  The fruit of the vine and the work of human hands imply generational wisdom, and Mr. Mondavi nurtured this concept—along with his beloved wife, Margrit—as we often gazed over his fruitful vineyards with a dream of restoring war-torn lands with grapevines.  Whether the juicy nectar of grapes, raisins or a fine bottle of wine, the grapevine is an icon for peace, and we often spoke of taking this simple—yet time-honored concept—to the world, as we respect the deep rootstock that we have in common, rather than those which separate us.

In September 1997, I lifted my glass in a simple toast following the death of the late Princess Diana that the “world may go from MINES TO VINES.” Images of bloodshed transformed into bountiful vineyards cascaded through my mind like a watercolor depicting the tones of a harvest of hope. It was an epiphany of sorts, as I held a small nursing child in my arms after surviving cancer, with three other pre-teen children by my side. The living room of our family home went silent as these words rolled off my tongue in the company of several Consul Generals and dignitaries. The guests implored me to take these words out of the living room of our family home, and into a world where the “gift of compassion” is void.

Weeks later, the guests in our home won the Nobel Peace Prize for landmines—a great surprise to all who were present in the room. Again, I felt inspired to reach out to the radius of California vintners who surrounded my community and seek their guidance and wisdom in turning this heartfelt toast from a mother into action.  The first person to answer my telephone call was Robert Mondavi, who actively supported this vision by supporting us on a journey to Canada in the icy cold month of December 1997 to witness the signing of the Ottawa Treaty to Ban Landmines. Then, two other vintners agreed to join us—Eric Wente, CEO, Wente Winery, and Tor Kenward, VP, Beringer Vineyards.  Together, we traveled north as “farmers” respecting the plight of other farmers worldwide where there are an estimated 70 million landmines in 70 countries.

Upon our return, Robert and Margrit Mondavi graciously offered to host the initial fundraiser to transform MINES TO VINES at their private dining room at the Robert Mondavi Winery in May 1999.  Ambassadors, corporate leaders, landmine victims, Hollywood actors, and fellow vintners gathered to raise over $30,000 in one evening as Lisa Vroman sang “Phantom of the Opera” while bountiful foods were paired with fine wines. Throughout the evening, Mr. Mondavi shared his life story of starting “the impossible” and always rising above the risk to turn dreams into reality. He was a force of nature, and further inspired me not to look back…only to take strides forward to bring forth fruit in war-torn countries.

Several months later, I found the courage to “greet” the new millennium on the fields of Croatia in January 2000, where the U.S. Department of State matched the funds raised on that enchanted evening earlier when a true “social entrepreneur” infused me with the energy to step forth. The concept of Roots of Peace was not necessarily understood by all, but as Mr. Mondavi told me, you have to pretend to be partially deaf to deflect all of the “no’s” which are tossed your way—just like in his earlier football days. 

These were the days prior to September 11th, and the word “peace” evoked images of the 1960’s and the Vietnam War.  After all, why did Americans need to think of “peace” when we were privileged to have all that we ever needed.  War was something that happened oversees.  The words “NO” emerged, as Mr. Mondavi had predicted, as “why” should a housewife from Marin County with four children dare to think that she could make a difference half way around the world.  “NO!”, there was no reason to start or invest in an initiative called Roots of Peace.

Quietly, I kept walking the talk, and eventually, other vintners began to join the initiative like Judy Jordan, Miljenko Grgich, Dolores Cakebread and Erika Hills, Austin Hills, and Diane Disney Miller.   The Roots of Peace were firmly established, and we began our journey to turn MINES TO VINES by replacing the scourge of landmines with bountiful agricultural crops.  Rice in Cambodia, grapes in Afghanistan, wines in Croatia, wheat in Iraq, flowers in Bosnia, and strawberries in Angola.  In the words of Robert Mondavi, “A Harvest of Joy” was celebrated worldwide in war-torn countries!

Throughout the years, our family was honored to be invited to groundbreaking ceremonies at COPIA, The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts—a personal passion of the Mondavi's and their love of integrating all that is good from the earth.  We also attended U.C. Davis events where the legendary vines were planted in support of our MINES TO VINES initiative where professors were joining us in the fields of Afghanistan to train farmers to grow alternative agricultural crops to poppies.   And, finally,  his festive birthday parties every June 18th which included admiring guests featured the Smother’s Brothers who would perform Duncan Yo-yo tricks on stage at the Robert Mondavi Winery.  Smiles beamed among all faces of all ages, as Mr. Mondavi wisely brought out the “child” in all of his guests—knowing exactly what he was doing, as he acquired the wisdom over the years at 90 years young!

 

Life often goes full circle, and Roots of Peace was proud to be the beneficiary of the last fundraiser which he graciously hosted with his wife, Margrit. The event occurred at COPIA—the site where shovels and hard hats—turned his vision into reality on December 2, 2007.   Proudly dressed in a tuxedo bearing his French Legion of Honor medal around his neck, he eloquently arrived at the event—swished across the stage by Margrit to a standing ovation of guests.   In another context, his final gesture empowered shovels to be placed in the hands of Afghan farmers instead of guns, as he embodied the vision of turning “swords into plowshares” during the final chapter of his life.  “YES”, Mr. Mondavi, you have truly made a difference…worldwide. May his optimistic spirit continue to “toil in the vineyards of The Lord…”