Overview: Opus One Vineyard

Within the coronary heart of Napa Valley—America’s most celebrated wine area—stands Opus One, a vineyard that embodies the assembly 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 head of transatlantic winemaking. Right here, Outdated World custom and New World innovation merge to create world-class wines.

The Opus One expertise begins within the grand entrance, the place the grande doorways open right into a curated foyer crammed with vintage furnishings and priceless artwork. Touring the property appears like transferring via a museum till you step behind the scenes, the place futuristic innovation takes over. Right here, top-of-the-line gear permits the group to pick and crush the best grapes at precisely the suitable second, upholding the meticulous requirements which have outlined Opus for many years.

But what struck me probably the most wasn’t the artwork—and even the wine, although it is advanced, fascinating, and scrumptious—however the ardour of everybody who works there. From the harvest crews playfully betting on who will choose probably the most grapes, to the pressing-room group proudly cleansing large barrels, to the scientists isolating native yeasts to craft Opus One’s signature flavors, each individual radiates dedication. It is a ardour you’ll be able to really feel—and style. The group makes you fall in love with the whole winemaking course of.

The Historical past

Opus One started as a collaboration between two legendary winemakers, combining Mondavi’s Napa experience with Rothschild’s centuries of winemaking heritage, Opus One introduced the spirit of Bordeaux to California in a completely new approach. What started as a shared ardour has now grown right into a 157-acre property producing among the world’s most celebrated wines.

Their success lies in steadiness: French refinement meets California expression. “We’re not attempting to make a Bordeaux wine,” Christopher Barefoot, the vice chairman of promoting, advised Journey + Leisure. “We’re attempting to make the best California, Napa, Oakville, Opus One Property wine that we are able to. With the data from each side. With trendy innovation and with a sensitivity that comes from the previous world.”

The Experiences

Opus One welcomes visitors by reservation solely, providing a number of distinct tasting experiences.

• The Property Tasting takes place on the rooftop terrace, overlooking the vineyards and Napa Valley hills. Visitors pattern two Opus One vintages together with the vineyard’s second label, Overture.
• The Opus One Expertise unfolds within the elegant front room with sweeping winery views. It consists of tastings of the present classic and two library picks, together with a guided tour of the vineyard—a possibility to witness the group’s ardour and craftsmanship firsthand.
• For the last word go to, the Artwork of the Desk gives an in depth vineyard tour adopted by a four-course meal, the place the chief chef thoughtfully pairs seasonal dishes with choose Opus One vintages. (I used to be lucky to expertise it myself, and it really lived as much as its identify—every pairing elevated the flavors to one thing unforgettable.)

The Wines

All Opus One wines are pink blends impressed by the Bordeaux type, that includes dominant Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, supported Merlot and Petit Verdot. Crafted for ageing, these wines are recognized for his or her wealthy, advanced flavors layered with darkish fruit and spice.

Head winemaker Michael Silacci describes Opus One as a narrative of time and place. He advised T+L, “We would like the wines to specific the time, which is the seasons it’s picked and the place, which is [Napa].”  Every classic displays its distinctive circumstances: rainfall, soil, daylight, even the presence of wildfire, all captured within the character of that yr’s wine.

The vineyard additionally produces a second label, Overture—crafted with the identical meticulous care however designed to be extra approachable. Softer, brighter, and juicier, Overture gives a extra accessible introduction to the Opus One expertise.

Planning Pointers

• Learn how to Get There: The closest airport is San Francisco Worldwide Airport (SFO), which is about two hours away. To succeed in Napa you’ll must hire a automotive or rent a driver.
• The place to Keep: As soon as in Napa there are a number of lodges within the space; you’ll be able to examine a few of our favorites right here. Out of your lodge journey share choices can be found in addition to a number of personal drivers focusing on wine excursions.
• What to Do: For inspiration on what to do in Napa, listed here are 22 editor-recommended actions. And in case you’re on the lookout for different wine experiences, think about these two: The Donum Property focuses on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but additionally acts as an open air artwork museum, and Lokoya creates Cabernet Sauvignons from grapes grown within the mountains.