Carlo and Dante Mondavi of Continuum Estate have taken to the open road to release their 2007 Continuum wine in the 2010 Avanti 2806 motorhome, which is built on the new Freightliner MC-L Front Engine Diesel chassis.
The brothers, who are grandsons of the late Napa Valley icon
Robert Mondavi, have turned the Avanti into their “wine tasting salon on
wheels” and have christened it the Continuum Grand Cru-zer, according
to a news release. Carlo said, “The upscale interior design of this new
Avanti provides the perfect ambience to relax, unwind and enjoy a glass
of Continuum. Great wine is about all the elements coming together like
this.” Carlo went on to say, “It’s bringing a small piece of Napa Valley
on the road.”
Matt Thompson, Damon Motor Coach
vice president and general manager, said, “Teaming up with Continuum
Wines to launch our new Avanti powered by Cummins is a perfect match.
The beautiful styling and sleek design wraps around the all new
Freightliner MC-L chassis powered by Cummins. The new
power plant provides a much smoother and unbelievably quiet ride. At 28
feet, this new 2806 model provides as much counter space and interior
storage as most 40-foot diesel pushers. Others have tried to copy but
none will ever match Avanti’s unique design and luxurious amenities. It
is pure luxury on wheels.”
The MC-L chassis, designed with low-profile frame rails, sits lower
to the ground, which enhances aerodynamics and ride quality.
Powered by the Cummins ISB 6.7-liter engine with up to 200 hp and
520 ft-lb. of torque, it provides an excellent balance of power and up
to 70 percent more fuel efficiency than comparable gas engines.
Increased dampening in the design of the engine, combined with the
double insulated engine cover, restricts road and engine noise,
creating a more comfortable travel environment.
Some say that seeing is believing but with the 2806 Avanti, driving
is believing. Carlo and Dante can attest to its quietness and improved
ride. “I have never driven such a comfortable vehicle,” Carlo said. The
aerodynamic design of the front cap includes a gigantic one-piece
windshield that, according to Carlo, is “like sitting in the living room
and watching the world pass by on the big screen but static-free; it’s
so beautiful and wonderfully quiet.”
“Flying these days is not easy for work, let alone with wine and
corkscrews. The Avanti RV allows us to travel with our wine safely while
enjoying a lifestyle and level of luxury that is unbeatable,” they
said. There have been numerous events around the country since they
started their journey in March, which has helped garner much interest
and enthusiasm for the 2007 vintage. There are many more events on the
horizon where Carlo and Dante will tell the Continuum story, building
excitement for the release of the 2008 vintage next spring.
Since the start of their Continuum Grand Cru-zing this year the men
have been in Houston at the famed Tony’s, Dallas at the Pappas Bros.
Steakhouse, San Antonio at Il Sogno, Tulsa at Lucky’s Restaurant and Los
Angeles, where the Cru-zer held court at the Mutineer Magazine party in
Hollywood. Next month will find them in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.,
for the Trump Golf Wine and Food Festival. In August, Portland, Seattle
and the Northwest will welcome them before they hit the Las Vegas Strip
in mid-September.
Since the release of the 2005 vintage, Continuum has quickly come to be recognized among the finest in Napa Valley.
