In terms of physical stature, my father was not a big man. In fact, he was so short that he could barely see over the steering wheel of his car — and other drivers could barely see him. The joke in the Napa Valley was that if you saw a car rolling down the road without a driver, it must belong to Cesare Mondavi.

To me, though, Dad was a giant. My mother taught us to appreciate good food and good wine and the family warmth and togetherness that are nurtured best at the family table. Dad was a more remote and demanding figure, but he was a wonderful father to my brother and sisters and me. He taught us great lessons about life and the best values to have and protect.