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New Robert Mondavi Institute Opens at UC Davis

The $93.5 million Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science has opened its doors at the University of California at Davis.

The late-great Robert Mondavi, who passed away in May at the age of 94, would no doubt be pleased at the sight of the completed first phase of the 129,000-square-foot, three-building complex, which houses the departments of viticulture and enology, and food science and technology, as well as administrative offices.

Robert Mondavi’s wife, Margrit, attended the opening ceremonies on Oct. 10. A pioneer who helped turn the Napa Valley into a wine paradise, Robert Mondavi donated $25 million to help establsih the new institute. The state chipped in $36.2 million; the university provided $20.8 million; and $36.5 million came from private companies, foundations, and individuals.

One building will house a small-scale teaching winery; another will be home to the Anheuser-Busch Brewing and Food Science Laboratory, which will include a brewery and pilot food-processing plant. Dignitaries broke ground for construction of those new buildings, which are expected to be completed in July 2010.