In accordance with California health and safety guidelines, Robert Mondavi Winery will replace the 51st annual not-for-profit concert series with virtual experiences hosted by Liam Mayclem
OAKVILLE, Calif. (June 24, 2020) – Due to ongoing efforts to halt the spread of COVID-19 and protect its visitors and employees, Robert Mondavi Winery will not host the annual Margrit Mondavi Summer Concert Series in 2020. Instead, the winery and celebrated Bay Area TV and radio host Liam Mayclem will host Summer Sundays, a bi-weekly virtual event on the winery’s social media channels featuring well-known friends of the winery from the wine, food, music and performing arts communities.
To continue the winery’s commitment to connecting people through wine, food and the arts, Robert Mondavi Winery will host a different virtual experience on its YouTube channel on alternating Sundays at 4:00pm PDT. Summer Sundays will commence on July 5 with a virtual jazz concert from composer and bassist Marcus Shelby. In addition to musical acts like Matt Nathanson, who will headline the July 19 virtual event, the winery will broadcast cooking demonstrations, dance performances, conversations with the winery’s own Master of Wine, Mark de Vere, and more.
“We’re excited for the virtual Summer Sundays program we’ve put together in place of the concerts this year, and are proud to announce that, in keeping with 50 years of tradition, Robert Mondavi Winery will donate $10,000 to Napa Valley Unified School District’s music programs,” says Kathy Magner, Hospitality Manager for Robert Mondavi Winery. Furthermore, each virtual event will raise additional funds for a related charity selected by participating performers. Marcus Shelby’s charity of choice is The LoveLife Foundation, an Oakland-based community building organization committed to providing resources and empowering youth to reach their full potential, to which the winery will donate $5,000. The winery invites fans to purchase the featured wines in advance and sip along with Liam while enjoying the performances, demonstrations and conversations via the winery’s YouTube, Instagram (@robertmondavi) and Facebook (Robert Mondavi Winery) accounts and the hashtag #RMWSummerSundays.
This marks the first year since the concert series began over five decades ago that Robert Mondavi Winery won’t host the multi-weekend concert series, which has become a summer staple for local residents and visitors who return to Napa Valley for the concerts each year. World-renowned artists have performed onstage under the property’s iconic archway, among them Etta James, Tony Bennett, Blondie, Ben Harper, Brandi Carlile and Ingrid Michaelson.
For additional information on Summer Sundays, visit www.robertmondaviwinery.com/summer-sundays.
About Robert Mondavi Winery
Founded in 1966 by winemaking pioneer and icon Robert Mondavi, Robert Mondavi Winery is an enduring symbol of California’s Napa Valley. The first major winery built in Napa Valley following the repeal of Prohibition, Robert Mondavi Winery created the foundation for the modern-day California wine industry. An ardent believer that wines should reflect their origins, Mr. Mondavi charted a winemaking course that is now legendary. Today, Robert Mondavi Winery continues to pursue the fullest expression of the terroir of Napa Valley in wines that are also varietally authentic. At the heart and soul of the Robert Mondavi Winery is To Kalon Vineyard, a 440-acre parcel of exceptional provenance that contributes to the winery’s Napa Valley, Oakville District, Reserve, and To Kalon Vineyard-designated wine programs.
About Liam Mayclem
Emmy Award winning radio & TV personality Liam Mayclem is best known as the host of EYE ON THE BAY on CBS 5 and as “The Foodie Chap” celebrating San Francisco Bay Area culinary stars daily on #1 KCBS Radio. Annually, Liam hosts the main stage at EAT DRINK SF and the culinary stage at BottleRock Napa Valley. Liam is also a sought-after fundraiser auctioneer for many Bay Area charities, including Family House, Food runners, Project Open Hand, SF & Marin Food Bank, The Northern California Cancer Center, Raphael House and SF CASA.
