Opus One

Opus One, like many wineries in Napa, has a relatively short but impactful history, stemming from the collaboration of two renowned winemaking families: Mondavi and Mouton Rothschild. In 1970, Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe Rothschild formed a friendship, and their collective expertise in winemaking led them to create a remarkable vintage in 1979, which received immediate acclaim from wine enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic. This vintage was released in 1984 as the most expensive Californian wine of its time, priced at an unprecedented $50 per bottle. The overwhelming success of their initial venture confirmed the strength of their partnership. Consequently, they expanded the Opus One project by acquiring more acres in the same year and commenced the architectural design of a cutting-edge winery. Opus One swiftly gained recognition as a prominent Californian label, both domestically and internationally. Following an illustrious career as the leader of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Philippe de Rothschild passed away in 1988 at the age of 86. He was succeeded by his daughter, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild. Four years prior to Robert Mondavi's death in 2008, he sold his share in Opus One to the wine conglomerate Constellation Brands. Presently, the estate is jointly owned by Constellation Brands and Baronne Philippe de Rothschild S.A., and it continues to receive worldwide acclaim.