Join Wine Spectator's Grand Tour Tastings in 3 Cities! Tickets are on sale now for Chicago, D. In another sign of tough economic times, Robert Mondavi Corp. In addition, chef Wolfgang Puck has closed his Avalon Cove restaurant at the California theme park. Mondavi's original year licensing agreement to manage the attraction itself was unusual for Disney, which as a rule maintains control of businesses inside its parks.
The Sept. Like adjacent Disneyland, the new park has the usual thrill rides and kid attractions, but also aims for a more adult audience by serving alcohol and offering more high-end dining. Avalon Cove, which was in the heart of the "Paradise Pier" seaside-themed district, apparently failed to meet the financial goals of Los Angeles—based Wolfgang Puck Food Co.
No one at the company was available for comment. Disney will shift the restaurant to a family focus and reopen it by the holidays. Mondavi president and CEO Greg Evans blamed the wine company's losses on "steep reductions in travel and entertainment spending, and other economic factors. Although called Golden Vine Winery, the Disney project was not actually a winery; rather it featured wine-tasting bars, a demonstration vineyard, retail stores and dining spots, including The Vineyard Room, an upscale restaurant featuring a four-course prix-fixe menu.
Mondavi had employees working at Golden Vine -- about half the number it employed on opening day -- and company spokeswoman Nancy Light said it was unclear how many will remain after the day transition period to Disney management. Mondavi wines will still be poured in Golden Vine's tasting room, but the new arrangement potentially allows other wineries inside the door.
Mondavi will also continue to sponsor "Seasons of the Vine," a film on viticulture and wine production that greets visitors to the attraction. The change in the Disney relationship is part of broader cost-cutting measures planned at Mondavi, which recently sold its Vichon Mediterranean brand and placed its La Famiglia di Robert Mondavi winery facility on the market.
