Touched by the counsel, generosity and friendship of wine industry icon Robert Mondavi, hundreds of vintners, business leaders, neighbors and folks stirred by his humanity came together at Copia Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the revered vintner’s incredible life.

His widow, Margrit, and children Marcia, Tim and Michael welcomed guests and asked a few close to the acknowledged industry standard-bearer to reflect on the internationally renowned wineman’s life.

“All of us has a wonderful Robert Mondavi story,” noted daughter Marcia Borger. “As the years go by, we hope you will tell us all of them. He touched so many through his humanity and love.”

Robin Lail, who worked as vintner Mondavi’s assistant from 1977-1981, said a few hours after she learned of his death she had a vision of a dinner being given on the occasion of Mondavi’s arrival in heaven. Among those gathered were her father, John Daniel, Louis M. Martini, Louis P. Martini, Cesare and Rosa Mondavi, Jack and Jamie Davies, Belle and Barney Rhodes, Al Brounstein and Brother Timothy. “Then Julia Child entered the room and announced that dinner was served.”

Frank Farella, confidant to and friend of Mondavi for a number of years, also had a heavenly vision. “St. Peter has his hands full ... I can see Bob improving the sacramental wine and (launching an) expensive rehab of the reception area.”

He noted that the vintner’s generosity will be evident once again when the new academic institute for wine and food studies opens at UC Davis in October.

Although he’d experienced it many times, Farella said he’d love to hear his friend reciting his familiar mantra once more: “We have the soil and the climate and the knowledge to make wines equal to the great wines of the world — and he did.”

“I was touched by his extraordinary sense of humility — he was never too busy to stop and converse with anyone,” noted Jim Earley, the vintner’s companion and driver for more than two decades.

Shelly Margolis, a Philadelphia-based distributor who believed in Mondavi and his wines from the launch of the Mondavi winery in 1966, challenged the local wine industry to set aside one day each year as “Robert Mondavi Day in Napa Valley.” He suggested funds be raised and all monies go to Copia. He also led all present in a cheer, “I love Bob.”

As with any gathering of friends, glasses of Robert Mondavi wine were poured and reflective, respectful toasts offered. And, in keeping with vintner Mondavi’s desire to pair wine with great food, a veritable army of area chefs — including Richard Reddington, Thomas Keller, Ken Frank, Hiro Sone, Lissa Doumani, Sarah Scott, Jeff Mosher, Nicole Plue, Debbie Yee-Henen and Aaron Meneghelli — turned Julia’s Kitchen into an all-star team serving up everything from fried chicken to tiramisu to the appreciative multitude. Bob Mondavi would have been overwhelmed with the affection shown by all hands.