Martina McBride to Open Robert Mondavi Winery Summer Concert Series

This June, Robert Mondavi Winery kicks off its 44^th annual Summer Concert Series with a festival featuring five top musical acts. With June 18 marking what would have been the 100th birthday of Robert Mondavi, country singer and songwriter Martina McBride will begin the series with a performance that celebrates Robert Mondavi's contributions to the wine industry throughout the Napa Valley and beyond. Now a much-anticipated wine country tradition, the annual concert series began in 1969 by Margrit Mondavi.

"Given Bob's love of uniting friends and family over a celebration of food, wine and the arts, I couldn't think of a better way to honor his 100th birthday than by continuing the Summer Concert Series here in the winery's backyard," said Margrit Mondavi, vice president of cultural affairs at Robert Mondavi Winery. "The combination of diverse musical styles, world-class wine and the backdrop of the beautiful To Kalon Vineyard is a truly unique tradition that I know I'm not alone in looking forward to celebrating."

Throughout the festival's 44-year history, more than $2 million in proceeds has been raised to assist a number of Napa Valley-based organizations. Proceeds from ticket sales of this year's series will directly benefit the Napa Valley Symphony and the Napa Valley Opera House.

In celebration of the 100th birthday of Robert Mondavi and presented by Pandora Jewelry, the festival beginsJune 29 with the "Cen'tanni" performance and fireworks show, headlined by Martina McBride. McBride, recipient of a Grammy and four CMA Female Vocalist of the Year trophies, brings more than two decades of country music tradition to the Napa Valley. The concert series continues on July 6 with the "Cool Climates of Carneros" concert, headlined by alternative rock group Lifehouse. With a number of hit Billboard singles, including "Hanging by a Moment," Lifehouse's performance will showcase old favorites and a collection of songs from its newly-released album, "Almeria." On July 12, the "A Night Like No Other: Celebrating Fume Blanc" concert will welcome pop-rock star Huey Lewis. Raised locally in Marin County, Lewis (of the platinum-record-selling group Huey Lewis and The News) brings his American rock style to the winery as part of the "Sports" 30^th Anniversary Tour. On July 13, Robert Mondavi Winery welcomes Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers for the "Spotlight on Oakville" celebration. Grammy-winning songwriter and former Grateful Dead member Bruce Hornsby brings his Noisemakers group to Napa for an expressive, soulful performance, displaying the group's eclectic and multi-genre encompassing sounds. The final performance of this year's Summer Concert Series takes place on July 20 with ZZ Ward and Delta Rae for the "Ode to To Kalon" celebration. Blues-influenced singer-songwriter ZZ Ward and alternative-pop Americana folk group Delta Rae co-headline to combine their multifaceted sounds and energetic personalities.

What began as a small venture in the arts with ticket prices just under $5, the Robert Mondavi Winery Summer Concert Series has evolved into a highlight of the summer season in the Napa Valley. The concert series combines wine, food, music and the arts to create memorable evenings in the vineyards. Since 1969, Robert Mondavi Winery has played host to more than 100 performers and draws more extensive crowds each summer, showcasing world-renowned and award-winning R&B, jazz and pop artists alike.

All performances begin at 7:00 p.m. and are held at the Robert Mondavi Winery on Highway 29 in Oakville, Napa Valley. Tickets are on sale now and prices vary by performance. For additional information and to purchase tickets, including General Admission, Reserved and Dinner seats, visit www.robertmondaviwinery.com, eventbrite.com or call 1-888-769-5299. All additional inquiries can be sent to concerts@robertmondaviwinery.com.

About the Robert Mondavi Winery:

Founded in 1966, Robert Mondavi Winery is the shining symbol of California's Napa Valley. The first major winery built in Napa Valley in the three decades since the repeal of Prohibition, Robert Mondavi Winery went on to establish the foundation for the modern-day California wine industry. Nearly fifty years later, June 18, 2013 marks the 100^th birthday of Robert Mondavi. With the philosophy that great wines reflect their origins, Robert Mondavi Winery continues to pursue the fullest expression of the terroir of Napa Valley. For additional information about Robert Mondavi Winery visit www.robertmondaviwinery.com.