Producer profile

Opus One.

United States, California: icon Napa blend, steakhouse gift, cellar reference.

O

United States / California

Napa Cabernet

Start only when the bottle is the occasion; for learning, compare it with other Napa Cabernet blends.

Why recognize it

Opus One belongs in the Grapes producer memory because it helps a shopper recognize the icon Napa blend, steakhouse gift, cellar reference lane without needing collector-level context.

Grapes to know

Cabernet SauvignonMerlotCabernet Franc

Food logic

steak, prime rib, lamb, aged cheddar.

How to buy first

Start with the clearest regional or grape-labeled bottle before chasing rare single-vineyard, prestige, or library releases.

Producer details

History, people, visits, tours, tastings, and parking.

Use this as a planning checklist. Visit rules, staffing, tasting formats, and parking can change, so confirm directly with the producer before traveling.

Established

1979

Family and ownership

A Napa partnership created by Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild.

Head sommelier or host

Wine producers usually list winemakers, owners, hospitality directors, or cellar-door staff rather than a head sommelier. Ask the estate for the current hospitality lead if you are planning a serious visit.

Visits

Many U.S. winery visits are appointment-based, especially in Napa, Sonoma, Oregon, Washington, and smaller regional estates. Check the producer site before driving over.

Tours

Look for appointment-only tours, private experiences, cellar visits, or tasting-room slots. Do not assume walk-ins are available.

Tastings

For Napa Cabernet, use tastings to compare the main grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc) against the producer's entry bottle and any estate, reserve, single-vineyard, or library bottling.

RV parking

Do not assume RV parking. Most winery drives, courtyards, and village streets are not designed for large vehicles. Call ahead and ask about RV access, turning space, and nearby legal parking or campgrounds.

What to ask before going

Ask about appointment rules, tasting fees, food availability, children or pet policies, shipping options, accessibility, group size, ride-share pickup, and cancellation rules.