Review: Opus One Winery

In the heart of Napa Valley—America’s most celebrated wine region—stands Opus One, a winery that embodies the meeting of two worlds. Born from a collaboration between two legendary winemakers—Robert Mondavi, a pioneer of California wine, 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.

The Opus One experience begins in the grand entrance, where the grande doors open into a curated lobby filled with antique furniture and priceless art. Touring the property feels like moving through a museum until you step behind the scenes, where futuristic innovation takes over. Here, top-of-the-line equipment allows the team to select and crush the finest grapes at exactly the right moment, upholding the meticulous standards that have defined Opus for decades.

Yet what struck me the most wasn’t the art—or even the wine, though it’s complex, fascinating, and delicious—but the passion of everyone who works there. From the harvest crews playfully betting on who will pick the most grapes, to the pressing-room team proudly cleaning massive barrels, to the scientists isolating native yeasts to craft Opus One’s signature flavors, every person radiates dedication. It’s a passion you can feel—and taste. The team makes you fall in love with the entire winemaking process.

The History

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

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

The Experiences

Opus One welcomes guests by reservation only, offering several distinct tasting experiences.

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

The Wines

All Opus One wines are red blends inspired by the Bordeaux style, featuring dominant Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, supported Merlot and Petit Verdot. Crafted for aging, these wines are known for their rich, complex flavors layered with dark fruit and spice.

Head 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 it’s picked and the place, which is [Napa].”  Each vintage reflects its unique conditions: rainfall, soil, sunlight, even the presence of wildfire, 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 approachable. Softer, brighter, and juicier, Overture offers a more accessible introduction to the Opus One experience.

Planning Pointers

• How to Get There: The closest airport is San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is about two hours away. To reach Napa you’ll 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 ride share options are available as well as several private drivers that specialize in wine tours.
• What 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 creates Cabernet Sauvignons from grapes grown in the mountains.