Harvests of Joy: How the Good Life Became Great Business

So, I just finished “Harvest of Joy” by Robert Mondavi and I give it a 10 out of 10. Basically, because I love Napa, I love Napa Cabs and really love a good, hard earned success story. Robert was so lucky to find his passion early in life and he pursued it for 70 years – amazing. He strove tirelessly to make world class wine and he played a huge part in changing the way America looked at wine and Napa Ca wine in particular. He started Robert Mondavi Winery in 1966 and sold it Constellation in 2004 for $1 Billion. Some great quotes, “Wine is art”, “Wine is a food group with health benefits – in moderation”, “The best part of the day is hearing the cork pop and knowing your sitting at the table with friends and family for a meal”He lists 15 qualities that have served him will through his career, he thinks of them as his philosophy for success:- First and foremost, you must have confidence and faith in yourself.- Second, whatever you choose to do, make a commitment to excel, and then pour yourself into it with your heart and soul and complete dedication- Third, interest is not enough—you must be passionate about what you do if you want to succeed and have a happy life. Find a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.- Fourth, establish a goal just beyond what you think you can do. When you achieve that, establish another and another.- Fifth, be completely honest and open.- Sixth, generosity pays. – Learn to give.- Seventh, only make promises and commitments you know you can keep- Eighth, you must understand that you cannot change people.- Ninth, to live and work in harmony with others, don’t be judgmental. Instead, cultivate tolerance, empathy, and compassion.- Tenth, always be alert for misunderstandings and tread lightly, especially when it comes to politics, religion, or moral standards.- Eleventh listen carefully, and when you talk,be sure people understand you.- Twelfth. make time to be alone, to share experiences and appreciate together precious moments and the beauty of life.- Thirteenth, in both life and work, stay flexible.- Fourteenth, always stay positive. Use your common sense. And remember this: America was built on the can-do spirit and will continue to thrive on the can-do spirit.- Fifteenth, out of all the rigidities and mistakes of my past, I’ve learned one final lesson, and I’d like to see it engraved on the desk of every business leader, teacher, and parent in America: The greatest leaders don’t rule. They inspire.Cheers- Kevin Kingston owner StationPlazaWIne.com in Bronxville NY

A simply inspiring book, Mondavi was a true pioneer, set the standard, and truly embodies the ideal of the American Dream. I did not agree with everything that Mondavi did within his life, but I admire his honestly, vulnerability, and sheer passion for his life’s work that I would like to aspire to one day; that’s just in my own way of course. Nevertheless, I would highly recommend this book if you have a dream, two want to learn life lessons when trying to achieve something that isworth while, and interested essentially the history of wine in America.

This kindlebook that is Harvests of Joy by Robert Mondavi contains some information on the author’s parents who immigrated from Italy to the United States. Robert Mondavi also shares how and why he got into the wine business, how the business partnership with his brother went, being invited once to the White House by late President John F. Kennedy, branching off on his own business wise around the age of 52, and much more.

I've read the book a few times. Every time I visit Napa Valley and want to get into the history and increase my appreciation of the place, I read this again. Grant it, the "history" is 100% slanted through the lens of Robert Mondavi, but I don't mind. If you can see just a little beyond his very mild chest pounding, you can see his great vision for the wine industry in America, and the good he tried to do. Mondavi did a great deal towards instilling our enjoyment of wine and food in the U.S.

Rest personal account of a pioneer of the US wine industry, that epitomizes the American dream. I recommend this book to all those that study wine.

An interesting, informative and honest book about the trials, passion and tenacity it takes to start from scratch in the pursuit of professional and personal excellence. A must read if you are interested in wine or have the crazy thought you will retire and start a winery.

Very interesting look into the start of several of Napa's most iconic characters and wineries. It definitely reset my perspective on Mondavi & Opus One.

An interesting book that tells the story of Napa Valley's rise in the wine industry and Robert Mondavi's leading role in it. It relly reads as though he is talking to you.

Loved it

If your into wine, read it and it will inspire you even more.Will be making a trip to Napa after this