Flickr/prayitnophotography
The Mondavis’ $2.2 Million Opera House Revival
Napa Valley wasn’t always a cultural hub. Back in 1967, Swiss-born Margrit Kellenberger joined Robert Mondavi Winery as the first female tour guide when the area was mostly prune orchards.
Soon after, she brought art shows to the winery walls and launched a music festival that hosted Ella Fitzgerald and Tony Bennett. After marrying Robert in 1980, the pair poured their wine profits into bigger dreams.
Their most striking move came in 1997 with a $2.2 million challenge grant to restore the Napa Valley Opera House, closed since 1914…