Robert Mondavi Winery Pairs with Renowned Chef Andy Baraghani to Reimagine the Family Meal
January 12, 2026
Legendary winemaker Robert Mondavi had a personal philosophy centered on enjoying meaningful social rituals, brought to life with good wine, good food, and the company of friends.
Inspired by this philosophy, the Robert Mondavi Winery and James Beard Award-winning cookbook author and chef Andy Baraghani partnered to reimagine ‘family meal’ -- the cherished restaurant tradition that brings teams around the table to connect, unwind, and share in something meaningful.
What is “family meal?” Rooted in restaurant culture, family meal refers to the informal, end-of-shift meal prepared for staff that fosters camaraderie, reduces waste, and builds community in the kitchen. It’s a shared experience centered around connection, care, and creativity.
A Partnership That Embodies Robert Mondavi’s LegacyThe Family Meal dinners embody the warmth, hospitality, and sense of community that define both Napa Valley and the Robert Mondavi Winery legacy. For Mondavi, the true essence of wine was found in the relationships it fostered and the moments it inspired. He dedicated himself to creating experiences that brought people together, blending the worlds of wine, cuisine, and the arts.
About the Robert Mondavi Winery and Andy Baraghani Family Meal Program
To bring the ‘Family Meal’ program to life, the Robert Mondavi Winery and Baraghani organized dinners at Bridges and Smithereens – two iconic New York City restaurants. Each event featured meal pairings with several fine wines from the Robert Mondavi Winery portfolio, as well as a menu curated by Baraghani in partnership with two emerging sous chefs. Each dinner was attended by a combination of restaurant and hospitality industry trade members, friends of Andy, members of the media, and social media influencers.
“Robert Mondavi shaped wine culture as more than just what’s in the glass. His philosophy was rooted in connection – to the people you’re with, the food you’re eating, and the culture you share,” said Peggy Hemphill, Dir. Of Brand Marketing, U.S. Wine and Spirits. “He was also committed to mentorship, which is something we honored through this program as Andy collaborated with two rising sous chefs to craft menus that spotlight their food alongside our wines. All this created an atmosphere very different than your typical wine dinner and true to the spirit of Robert Mondavi Winery.”
For Baraghani, the Family Meal collaboration was a natural partnership rooted in the shared mission of creating meaningful moments.
“The hospitality industry is the most incredible industry filled with so many hardworking people,” said Baraghani. “It’s so community driven and community led, that we have to make sure we create these moments and these times that bring people together. Family Meal is so representative of that and that's why I think this series is so important.”