Opus One Winery exists for a single purpose: to produce one wine per vintage that captures the singular character of its Oakville estate through the lens of two great wine cultures. Co-founded in 1979 by Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Opus One is a permanent statement that Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon can stand beside the finest wines in the world.

Two Families, One Vision

The partnership that created Opus One began at a meeting in Hawaii in 1978. Robert Mondavi, who had spent the previous decade proving that California could produce world-class wine, and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, whose Chateau Mouton Rothschild was one of the most celebrated estates in Bordeaux, recognized in each other a shared conviction: that great wine is defined by the land it comes from and the discipline of those who make it. The first vintage was produced in 1979 and released to the public in 1984, immediately drawing international attention.

The winery building became a landmark in its own right. Completed in 1991 and designed by architect Scott Johnson, it rises from the Oakville landscape in a curve of limestone and redwood, equal parts architectural statement and gravity-flow winery. The facility was designed to minimize handling at every step, allowing the wine to develop without interference. Today the estate team farms 170 acres of Oakville property with Biodynamic and sustainable practices, treating the land as a single living system.

One Wine, Every Vintage

Opus One produces a single wine each year: a Bordeaux-inspired blend anchored by Cabernet Sauvignon, with varying proportions of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot depending on what each vintage requires. The target is always the same: a wine of balance between power and finesse, between structure and texture, with the depth to age for decades and the harmony to be appreciated in its youth.

The wine carries the unmistakable character of the Oakville AVA in every vintage: dark fruit, pencil lead and graphite, a density of texture that speaks to the deep alluvial soils and the diurnal temperature swings that preserve acidity in even the warmest years. Critical scores consistently land in the mid-to-high 90s across all major publications, and older vintages from the 1990s and early 2000s remain among the most sought-after California wines at auction. Opus One is one of the few Napa Valley wines collected and cellared with the same seriousness as the great estates of Bordeaux and Burgundy.

Food Pairing and the Opus One Experience

Opus One is a wine designed for the table. The firm tannic structure of Cabernet Sauvignon binds with protein and fat in red meat, softening on the palate and releasing layers of dark fruit and mineral complexity. Dry-aged prime ribeye, roasted rack of lamb, or a classic beef Wellington allow the wine structure to soften while the dark fruit and graphite notes come forward. The winery own tasting experiences in the Partners Room often incorporate food components chosen to reflect the French and American heritage of the winery founding partnership.

The Merlot and Cabernet Franc components in the blend make Opus One more versatile than its reputation might suggest. Roasted duck with a reduction sauce, venison with wild mushrooms, or a truffle risotto with aged Parmesan all find common ground with the earthy and mineral notes in the wine. A Bordeaux blend is built for the table, and Opus One honors that tradition fully.

Visiting Opus One in Oakville

Opus One offers three distinct tasting experiences, each designed to reflect the French and American heritage of the winery founding partnership. The curved limestone and redwood building, the dramatic foyer, and the underground barrel caves beneath the estate terrace create a setting unlike any other in Napa Valley. Visits require reservations, and experiences range from focused single-flight tastings to immersive estate and cellar tours.

The winery sits on Highway 29 in Oakville, directly across from Robert Mondavi Winery with which its co-founder is permanently linked. Both estates can be visited in a single day, offering a remarkable comparison between the pioneering Mondavi approach and the singular vision that Opus One represents. Tastings at Opus One are consistently in high demand, so booking well in advance is essential. The estate is approximately 15 miles north of downtown Napa.

Opus One Winery: Frequently Asked Questions