Opus One Winery

Open: Year Round

History:

Established by two of the wine world's most respected figures, Opus One, based in Oakville, California is one of the world's elite wineries. The idea of a joint venture was born in 1970 when Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild met in Hawaii, but the concept did not materialise until 1978 when Mondavi paid a visit to Château Mouton Rothschild.

In 1979, the first harvest of their Bordeaux-inspired blend took place and subsequent releases established Opus One as one of America's first ultra-premium wines, setting a precedent for the pricing of Napa Valley luxury wines at $50 or more a bottle.

The name Opus One was chosen due to Mondavi and Rothschild's desire to call their wine by a Latin name that was easily recognisable internationally, 'Opus' being a musical term meaning 'work'. Opus One therefore means "first work," which is fitting for a winery that makes a single, very fine, wine.Today, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild has taken her late father's position as partner, thus ensuring that the name of Opus One still carries the prestige worthy of the remarkable wines produced.

Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant variety planted in the vineyards. Small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot are also grown.