Opus One Winery

  • Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, Opus One Winery is more than a winery; it is a vision brought to life. A collaboration between two giants of the wine world—Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi of Napa Valley—Opus One embodies a seamless fusion of Old World heritage and New World innovation.

    A Legacy Rooted in Collaboration
    The story of Opus One began in 1979, when Rothschild and Mondavi envisioned a wine that would combine the grandeur of Bordeaux with the vibrancy of Napa Valley. The inaugural vintage, released in 1984, immediately set a benchmark for California wine, demonstrating that Napa could produce wines of extraordinary finesse and longevity.

    The Estate
    Located in Oakville, the Opus One estate is a study in elegance and precision. The iconic winery, designed by renowned architect Scott Johnson, blends modernity with timeless beauty. The building’s understated curves rise from the landscape, a visual homage to harmony and balance—values that are intrinsic to the wine itself. Visitors approach through manicured gardens that lead to panoramic views of the valley, setting the tone for an unparalleled tasting experience.

  • The Vineyards
    The estate’s 100-acre vineyard is meticulously cultivated to express the terroir of Oakville. The vineyard’s gravelly clay loam soils and temperate climate provide ideal conditions for the Bordeaux varietals—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec—that form the backbone of Opus One’s masterful blends.

    Sustainability is at the heart of vineyard management, with practices such as cover cropping, integrated pest management, and water conservation ensuring the health of the vines and the land for future generations.

    Winemaking Philospohy
    Every bottle of Opus One is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. The winemaking process begins with hand-harvested fruit, carefully sorted to ensure only the finest grapes make it into the wine. Fermentation takes place in custom-designed stainless steel tanks, which allow precise control over temperature and extraction.

    Aging occurs in new French oak barrels, where the wine gains complexity and structure over 17 to 19 months. The final blend is a harmonious composition, with each varietal contributing layers of aroma, flavor, and texture. The result is a wine that is both powerful and graceful, capable of aging for decades.

    Tasting Notes
    Opus One wines are renowned for their balance, depth, and longevity. A recent tasting of the 2019 vintage revealed an alluring bouquet of blackcurrants, violet, graphite, and subtle hints of mocha. On the palate, the wine is layered and nuanced, with fine-grained tannins framing flavors of dark fruit, cocoa, and a touch of minerality. The finish is remarkably long, leaving an impression of elegance and vitality.

    Whether enjoyed young or cellared for decades, Opus One continues to captivate with its profound elegance and enduring allure.

Plan Your Visit
The experience of visiting Opus One is as memorable as the wine itself. Tastings are by appointment only, ensuring an intimate and curated experience. Guests are welcomed into the serene Salon or the terrace, where they can savor the wines while soaking in the breathtaking views of the Napa Valley. Guided tours offer a glimpse into the winemaking process and the philosophy that guides each vintage.