Legendary Tenor Andrea Bocelli Performs at Charles Krug Winery in Napa Valley

Wine and music share a bond—both require patience, artistry, and the ability to move the soul. Last weekend, two Italian legacies came together in a celebration that perfectly embodied this connection. Charles Krug Winery, America’s oldest winery in Napa Valley, partnered with world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli for an unforgettable evening that blended exceptional wine with extraordinary music. We interview Peter Mondavi Jr. Co-Proprietor of Charles Krug Winery to learn more.

What does this concert mean to you personally and to your family?

Peter Mondavi Jr. Co-Proprietor of Charles Krug Winery: Wine, food, hospitality, and the arts are all integral to a rich and fulfilling life. Our family heritage reflects a long-standing tradition of bringing these elements together, dating back to my grandparents’ early years in Napa Valley. This event—with Andrea Bocelli—is a continuation of that legacy on a grand scale.

His global impact in music and his endeavors in wine beautifully mirror our philosophy and Italian roots. We share much in common. It is truly an honor and a privilege to support such a meaningful international experience for our community.

Just as the Bocelli’s use music to move hearts and inspire, we aim to do the same through wine—inviting people to slow down, gather, and savor life’s most memorable moments. Hosting Maestro Bocelli at Charles Krug is more than a concert; it’s a celebration of artistry, family, and the enduring beauty of sharing something timeless with the world.

When people speak of “legacy,” especially in the world of wine, it often means both honoring tradition and evolving with purpose. How do you approach that balance and how is it reflected in the weekend’s vision?

Peter Mondavi Jr.: Our roots are deeply planted in family tradition, legacy, and heritage. While we hold these values in high regard, we also embrace the need to evolve with the times. That evolution is guided by the very traditions that define us.

In our wines, we remain true to the varietal’s character and the terroir, crafting wines meant to be enjoyed with food, family, and friends. These values are our compass as we adapt to an evolving market. Our fourth generation brings a youthful perspective, best connected to future consumers, while continuing to uphold our family’s principles.

What inspired you to partner with Andrea Bocelli and his family? Was there something about their story that resonated with your own journey?

Peter Mondavi Jr.: Bocelli’s global renown in music and Napa Valley’s prominence in the wine world made for a natural and complementary partnership. Our shared stories of family, tradition, and excellence resonated deeply with one another. On a personal level, my family has been listening to Maestro Bocelli since his first U.S. album release in 1997.

His music has long been a source of inspiration for us, and we like to believe it helped spark our children’s embrace of their Italian roots. Our son Lucio took that connection even further—he married a wonderful Sicilian woman, Rita, and together they are raising their son in a bilingual and bicultural home.

Beyond the music and wine, what feeling or message do you hope guests walk away with?

Peter Mondavi Jr.: The intention is to create an immersive and memorable experience that celebrates the best of wine, food, and the arts. The Tuscan marketplace before the performance showcased several of our talented local chefs, alongside wines from Charles Krug and the Bocelli family.

And, of course, the music will make it truly unforgettable. We want guests to feel transported—to savor the flavors and sounds of Italy and Napa Valley—and to experience the sense of community that comes from sharing these joys together.

How has your own relationship with family tradition shaped the way you think about hospitality and cultural experiences like this one?

Peter Mondavi Jr.: Hospitality has always been a cornerstone of our family tradition. Wine and food are meant to be shared, and our experiences in Italy—especially through our grandparents—instilled this deeply in us. The Bocelli family shares a similar outlook, viewing wine, music, and hospitality as deeply interconnected. Together, we aim to create an atmosphere where guests feel welcomed, valued, and part of something truly special.

As someone who’s seen Napa Valley evolve over generations, what does this moment signal to you about where the region is heading and what it still has to offer the world?

Peter Mondavi Jr.: I’ve watched Napa Valley transform from a rural, diverse agricultural community into an internationally renowned wine region, known for exceptional dining, warm hospitality, and the arts. Today, it offers a unique blend of world-class wines, culinary excellence, and vibrant cultural experiences. Napa Valley is a place where tradition and innovation thrive side by side, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the best that wine country has to offer.

Finally, if you could share one toast with Andrea Bocelli during the weekend, what would you raise a glass to?

Peter Mondavi Jr.: To Maestro Bocelli and all gathered here—I would raise a glass of Napa Valley wine to toast the joy you’ve brought to the world and to our small community. Together, we reinforce the culture of wine, food, and the arts. May we continue to celebrate these gifts, creating memories that last a lifetime.