What’s new at Opus One?
In April, Robert Mondavi Winery revealed a multi-million dollar renovation featuring new pathways, plantings, and terraces inspired by the geology of the estate’s prestigious To Kalon vineyard.
This month, Napa Valley’s legendary Opus One winery has also unveiled a landmark redesign that aligns with sustainability, transforming it into a space for biodiversity to thrive, underlining the estate’s existing commitment to environmental care through eco-friendly winery design.
Read on for an overview of what’s new at Opus One.
The illustrious Opus One
Opus One Winery was founded in Oakville, Napa Valley, in the 1970s as a Franco-American joint venture between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and the iconic, aforementioned Robert Mondavi.
One of the most celebrated Napa Valley wineries, its Bordeaux-inspired approach, stringent vineyard care, and elegant, cellar-worthy wines have made the estate synonymous with prestige and luxury. These include the flagship red blend, Opus One, a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant red with supporting Bordeaux varietals like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The wine is admired for its finessed tannic structure, layers of dark fruit, and balance. It’s among the AVA’s most collectible wines and widely regarded as a benchmark red for New World wines.
Following the Bordeaux tradition of second wines, since 1993 Opus One has also produced Overture, crafted from hand-picked parcels not included in the main blend.
Finishing the project at Opus One within weeks of the Robert Mondavi renovation is a coincidence – and a happy one that shines the light on climate awareness in one of America’s finest AVAs.
Described by the winery as a “profound connection between landscape, architecture, and viticulture”, the newly unveiled renovation is the result of five years of planning, landscaping, and construction.
Water preservation
The redesign revolves around the estate’s 2030 sustainability goals, laid out in 2021. The estate said these “identified the behaviors and activities most important to our employees, our community, and our planet” with an important direction emerging that “Opus One should be globally responsible across our entire organization, from vineyard to table”.
One of the tenets of Opus One sustainability is the reduction of up to 40% of water used in irrigation.
This is one reason why regular visitors will notice the disappearance of two key features of the former landscaping: the estate’s vast manicured lawns and its grass-covered sloping walls. In the face of climate pressure and water scarcity, the shift was an inevitable part of winery sustainability projects.
The power of perennials
The lawn and wall turf has been replaced by native species that can withstand drought and support pollination carried out by bees and birds. The new arrivals include beautiful and hardy flowering plants like Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. griseus (Yankee Point) and Westringia fruticosa (Mundi).
The color palette and shrubby textures of the new plantings mirror the appearance of the surrounding Vaca Mountains, creating a sense of seamless integration with local nature while enhancing biodiversity.
The new look remains welcoming to visitors, and the winery has already seen huge reductions in water usage: irrigation needs have been cut by nearly half.
The increased push for sustainability followed Opus One’s receipt in the spring of 2025 of the Butterfly Mark by Positive Luxury, an independent London-based trust. The body highlights luxury brands that demonstrate continued commitment to people and the planet through environmental sensitivity, governance, and innovation in the luxury sector.
Peaceful setting
In parallel with the water-saving landscaping changes, Opus One has added limestone pathways that meander through the winery’s grounds. This unique Napa winery architecture also features earth sculptures in its central courtyard. The estate sees the soothing setting as ideal for tastings and private events.
Landscape architects Reed Hilderbrand are the brains behind the winery’s vision, succeeding the original architects Johnson Fain, who completed the premises in 1991. The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company introduced the idea of “living architecture” to the estate.
On its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, Opus One expressed its delight at completing the project and its continued dedication to the community, its team, and fellow vintners.”
Opus One wine experiences
Opus One Estate Tasting
An introduction to the estate featuring two vintages of Opus One and Overture, accompanied by insights into the winery’s history, vineyards, and winemaking.
Opus One Experience
A guided tasting of the current release and two “library” or previous, exceptional vintage wines, complemented by a curated winery tour and culinary pairing.
Art of the Table
Opus One’s most exclusive experience, featuring a private four-course seasonal menu paired with select vintages, alongside an in-depth winery tour led by an Estate Ambassador.
Wine experiences prices start at $150.
Want to read more? Take a look at some of our other blogs:
