When Brothers Become Rivals: A Family Business Cautionary Tale

Cesare Mondavi and his wife, Rosa, came to America from Italy in search of opportunity. Rosa, a strong-willed woman, often commented that life was no better since they both worked long, grueling hours first in Minnesota, where winters were harsh, and then in California, where he entered the retail food business. Rosa, although not portrayed in the family's public history as having much influence, was actually the family's decision-maker. The patriarch, Cesare, publicly represented the company, but for family decisions, Rosa would be the final voice at the dinner table.