Copia
Copia is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation that derives its name from the Greek Goddess of wealth, plenty and abundance. The property encompasses an educational facility, a cultural museum, two restaurants and surrounding gardens. Jeff Dawson currently oversees the gardens.
In 1988, Robert Mondavi and other wine industry notables began exploring the concept that would eventually become Copia. The visionaries behind the project wanted to form an institution that would showcase America’s love of food, wine, art and all things cultural.
Several existing organizations, including the American Institute of Wine and Food, UC Davis Viticulture and Enology Department and the School of Restaurant and Hotel Administration at Cornell University soon threw their energies into making the vision a reality.
The Board of Trustees was formed for the project in 1993. In 1996, the Mondavi Family bought 12 acres adjacent to the Napa River to donate as the future institution’s headquarters.
Polshek Partnership Architects was hired to design the building and construction commenced in 1999. The 80,000 square foot building was completed in 2001 and opened to the public on November 18th of the same year. Copia is located at 500 First Street in the town of Napa.
