Review: Opus One Winery

In the heart of Napa Valley, the most famous wine region in the United States, lies opus onea winery that embodies the meeting of two worlds. Born from a collaboration between two legendary winemakers: Robert Mondavi, a California wine pioneer, and Baron Phillippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild Bordeaux, Opus One represents the pinnacle of transatlantic winemaking. Here, Old World tradition and New World innovation merge to create world-class wines.

He opus one The experience begins in the grand entry, where large doors open to a manicured foyer filled with antique furniture and priceless works of art. Touring the property is like moving through a museum until you get behind the scenes, where futuristic innovation takes over. Here, top-of-the-line equipment allows the team to select and crush the best grapes at exactly the right time, maintaining the meticulous standards that have defined Opus for decades.

However, what caught my attention most was not the art, or even the wine, although it is complex, fascinating and delicious, but the passion of everyone who works there. From the harvest teams gleefully betting on who will pick the most grapes, to the pressing room team proudly cleaning enormous barrels, to the scientists isolating native yeasts to craft Opus One’s signature flavors, each person exudes dedication. It is a passion that you can feel and taste. You fall in love with the team complete winemaking process.

The story

Opus One began as a collaboration between two legendary winemakers, combining Mondavi’s expertise in Napa with centuries of Rothschild winemaking heritage, Opus One brought the spirit of Bordeaux to California in a completely new way. What started as a shared passion has now grown into a 157-acre estate that produces some of the most famous wines in the world.

Its success lies in balance: French refinement meets Californian expression. “We’re not trying to make a Bordeaux wine,” said Christopher Barefoot, vice president of marketing. Travel + Leisure. “We’re trying to make the best California, Napa, Oakville and Opus One Estate wine we can. With knowledge on both sides. With modern innovation and with a sensibility that comes from the old world.”

The experiences

Opus One welcomes guests by reservation only and offers several different tasting experiences.

• The estate tasting takes place on the rooftop terrace, overlooking the vineyards and hills of Napa Valley. Guests sample two vintages of Opus One along with the winery’s second label, Overture.
• The Opus One experience takes place in the elegant living room with extensive views of the vineyards. It includes tastings of the current vintage and two selections from the library, along with a guided tour of the winery, an opportunity to witness first-hand the passion and craftsmanship of the team.
• For the ultimate visit, Art of the Table offers an in-depth winery tour followed by a four-course meal, where the executive chef carefully pairs seasonal dishes with select Opus One vintages. (I was lucky enough to experience it myself and it truly lived up to its name—each combination elevated the flavors to something unforgettable.)

The Wines

All Opus One wines are Bordeaux-style inspired red blends, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc dominant, supported by Merlot and Petit Verdot. Made to age, these wines are known for their rich, complex flavors with layers of dark fruit and spice.

Chief winemaker Michael Silacci describes Opus One as a story of time and place. He told T+L: “We want the wines to express the time, which is the seasons in which they are harvested, and the place, which is [Napa].” Each vintage reflects its unique conditions: rain, soil, sunlight and even the presence of forest fires, all captured in the character of that year’s wine.

The winery also produces a second label, Overture, crafted with the same meticulous care but designed to be more accessible. Smoother, brighter and juicier, Overture offers a more accessible introduction to the Opus One experience.

Planning Tips

• How to get there: The closest airport is San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is about two hours away. To get to Napa you will need to rent a car or hire a driver.
• Where to stay: Once in Napa there are several hotels in the area; You can read about some of our favorites here. From your hotel there are rideshare options available, as well as several private drivers who specialize in wine tours.
• To do: For inspiration on what to do in Napa, here are 22 editor-recommended activities. And if you’re looking for other wine experiences, consider these two: The Donum Estate focuses on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but also acts as an open-air art museum, and Lokoya Create Cabernet Sauvignons from grapes grown in the mountains.