In the early 1990s, Baron Philippe de Rothschild, owner of the world-renowned Château Mouton Rothschild, made a trip to Napa Valley. Impressed by the potential for winemaking in this Californian region, he asked local experts who he should meet. Without hesitation, Robert Mondavi was recommended, a pioneer in the American wine industry.

Robert Mondavi: the pioneer behind Opus One

Robert Mondavi, who started his own winery in Napa Valley in 1966 after leaving his family business, was known for his passion and drive for wine. His dream was to put Napa Valley on the map as a top wine region. When he met Baron Philippe de Rothschild, it sparked a unique opportunity to launch an extraordinary wine project: the birth of Opus One.

The fusion of Bordeaux and Napa Valley wine styles

In 1976, Mondavi and the baron met to discuss the details of their collaboration. This partnership resulted in the creation of a wine that combined the elegance of Bordeaux with the power of Napa Valley. The first wine, simply called “Opus,” was made in 1979 using a blend of Mondavi’s finest wines. In 1980, the joint venture was officially announced to the world, and the name “Opus One” was born.

The first successful auction of Opus One

Opus One quickly established itself as the first American ultra-premium wine. This was evident during a Napa Valley auction, where a case of Opus One fetched an impressive $24,000—at the time, the highest price ever paid for a Californian wine.

Opus One: a world-class vineyard

In 1991, Opus One's own winery was built, surrounded by 69 hectares of vineyards where varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec are cultivated. Every year, Opus One attracts around 60,000 visitors, who can visit the winery by appointment only.

Opus One is now recognized as one of the most iconic wines in the world. The collaboration between Mondavi and Rothschild has produced a wine that embodies both the elegance of Bordeaux and the rich flavors of Napa Valley. Opus One remains a benchmark for ultra-premium wines and is a must for any serious wine collector.