Copia, The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts has filed for bankruptcy. While in Chapter 11, the Napa Valley food and wine museum, will come up with a plan to restructure itself. The center plans to reopen soon and focus on profitability.

Since the opening of the center in November 2001, they have struggled with finances. Founded by the late winemaker Robert Mondavi, he purchased the land and donated over $20 million dollars to its opening. It has become a destination in Napa for all wine lovers.

Copia also was the home to Julia’s Kitchen, a restauarant dedicated to the late Julia Child. Many of the items on the menu is grown on Copia’s Edible Gardens. The restaurant has been named one of the three best in Napa Valley.

Recently, celerity chef Tyler Florence was named Dean of Culinary Studies for Copia.

I have never visited Copia, but was hoping to next year. Despite the mounting debt they have endured over the years, I’m hoping I will get a chance to see it.

You can find out more information about cpia by visiting www.copia.org.