Long term relationships

Family is at the heart and soul of everything we do. So naturally, we value long-term relationships, and we consider those who share our vision and contribute to our success part of our extended family. Nowhere does that hold truer than with our grape suppliers, or, as we prefer to think of them, our family of growers. While we still maintain 1,850 acres of our own vineyards, we depend on these select few growers to supplement what we harvest ourselves. They are as integral to our success as any other members of our family. The gravelly soil, the warm, dry days, the light breezes from the Delta, and the cool nights all contribute to harvests of exceptional quality.

Long term relationships

Family is at the heart and soul of everything we do. So naturally, we value long-term relationships, and we consider those who share our vision and contribute to our success part of our extended family. Nowhere does that hold truer than with our grape suppliers, or, as we prefer to think of them, our family of growers. While we still maintain 1,850 acres of our own vineyards, we depend on these select few growers to supplement what we harvest ourselves. They are as integral to our success as any other members of our family. The gravelly soil, the warm, dry days, the light breezes from the Delta, and the cool nights all contribute to harvests of exceptional quality.


“Harvest is my favorite part of winemaking. It is a season of anticipation; each vintage delivers new and exciting results.”   - Randy Herron, Winemaker



"We're here to be completely approachable... our wine is something for you to enjoy, relax with and have a good time."  - Charlie Gilmore


Map featuring the proximity of Yolo County to Napa, Sacramento and San Francisco

We still grow where
Cesare settled.

This is not a coincidence. Cesare Mondavi was drawn to Yolo County in California’s northern Central Valley in part because the gently rolling hills and temperate climate reminded him of his boyhood home in Italy — a climate uniquely suited for growing wine grapes. Though not as famous (yet!), Yolo borders the northeastern side of Napa. CK Mondavi and Family owns close to 2,000 acres of vineyards in Dunnigan Hills, a designated American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the northwest part of the county.

Map featuring the proximity of Yolo County to Napa, Sacramento and San Francisco

We still grow where
Cesare settled.

This is not a coincidence. Cesare Mondavi was drawn to Yolo County in California’s northern Central Valley in part because the gently rolling hills and temperate climate reminded him of his boyhood home in Italy — a climate uniquely suited for growing wine grapes. Though not as famous (yet!), Yolo borders the northeastern side of Napa. CK Mondavi and Family owns close to 2,000 acres of vineyards in Dunnigan Hills, a designated American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the northwest part of the county.

Map featuring the proximity of Yolo County to Napa, Sacramento and San Francisco

We still grow where Cesare settled.

This is not a coincidence. Cesare Mondavi was drawn to Yolo County in California’s northern Central Valley in part because the gently rolling hills and temperate climate reminded him of his boyhood home in Italy — a climate uniquely suited for growing wine grapes. Though not as famous (yet!), Yolo borders the northeastern side of Napa. CK Mondavi and Family owns close to 2,000 acres of vineyards in Dunnigan Hills, a designated American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the northwest county.

horizontal rule

Our family growers.


Joe And Sherry Cotta,
Joe A. Cotta Vineyards, Inc. – Galt, CA

Grows: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon

In many ways, the Cotta’s family history parallels that of the Mondavis and so many other immigrant families. Joe’s grandfather emigrated to the U.S. from the Azores at the tender age of 18. He spent years in the cattle business, finally saving enough money to purchase the land that now makes up Joe A. Cotta Vineyards. Joe and Sherry have been married for 40 years and raised their five children on the ranch. Along with their youngest daughter, they oversee 550 acres of certified sustainable vineyards. Their values — from the importance of family, to a commitment to stewardship of the land — mesh perfectly with CK Mondavi’s vision for high-quality, affordable wines made from 100% American-grown grapes.


Jim Molles, Molles Vineyard – Lodi, CA

Grows: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Jim Molles is a third-generation grape grower. His grandfather purchased the original ranch in the early 1920s, and his father, Frank Molles, trained Jim to run the ranch. Today, Molles Vineyard is a fourth-generation, family-run business stewarded by Jim, his mother Mary, his wife Shelley, and their two grown children. Their 400 acres of vineyards include some of the original vines that were planted by Jim’s grandfather in 1936. Jim works closely with the Mondavis. In the eyes of both parties, the Molles are not merely suppliers but true partners, or, to say it another way, like family.


Wendy Moore, Moore Vineyards – Lodi, CA

Grows: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel

The Moore family has been growing grapes for CK Mondavi for more than 60 years. Wendy Moore’s great grandfather purchased the land in the late 1800s and her family began growing grapes on the property in the early 1900s. Wendy’s father worked closely with Peter Mondavi Sr. The two men would walk the vineyards, discussing grape prices, sharing lunch under a shady tree, and then shaking hands to seal the deal. It wasn’t until the 1990s that the two actually had a written contract! Today, Wendy and her mother run the 200-acre ranch. They consider themselves custodians of this precious land that’s been in their family for more than 125 years.