Opus One Moments

Opus One is the product of two families who shared a passion for wine and a desire to explore new possibilities. Today, our world expands far beyond the present of each vintage. Just as we look back on experience, we are always looking forward for inspiration.

Veraison: Grapes in Transition

As warmer weather continues and the peak of summer arrives, Mother Nature orchestrates a fascinating change in the vineyard. The grapes, which have been a pale green hue, begin to change into a lovely deep shade of purple, marking the onset of berry ripening and maturity. This annual part of the grape’s life cycle marks a turning point towards the exciting harvest season ahead.

"Wherever wine grapes are grown, it is beautiful."

Margrit Mondavi

Rain drops fall from a tendril of a grapevine during winter rainfall

Bud break

After harvest, grape vines begin to shut down and go into dormancy for the winter months. Following abundant rains this winter, our vines are beginning to emerge for the 2019 growing season. This is a delicate and precarious time for the newly emerging shoots as they are vulnerable to frost that can occur during the spring months. This is especially true on the Valley floor where cool air tends to pool during cold nights.

Mustard blooms in the vineyards, controlling erosion during the winter and providing colorful splendor in the spring.

The 2019 Growing Season Begins

Greater than average rainfall over the past winter has turned the entire Napa Valley a beautiful, brilliant green. These abundant rains replenished our reservoirs and restored moisture in the ground. Warmer days came in mid-March and we witnessed the re-emergence of the vines for the new growing season. This stage in the life of the vine is referred to as bud break. As the vines emerge from their winter sleep, the Valley will glow in the light of the new leaves.

“Making a great wine is easy; it’s just the first 100 years that are difficult.”

Baron Phillipe De Rothschild

Rain drops falling off of vineyard wires in the winter

Spring in the Napa Valley

While many guests prefer to visit the Napa Valley during the frenzy of harvest so that they can see grapes coming into the winery, the spring months offer a totally different display of beauty in the Napa Valley. Hillsides turn green again, and many plants flower during this time. Lupine, mustard, and wild poppies create an array of colors against the verdant landscape.

Jack rabbit standing at attention in the vineyard surrounded by spring flowers.

Vineyards Spring to Life

Once pruning has been finished during the winter, there is a patient wait for the vines to reawaken. Usually by mid-March the buds on the canes will begin to swell and the slightest cottony hairs will begin to push through. As the buds continue to grow, eventually the new cane will emerge and carry with it - the promise of the 2019 vintage. Opus One works in harmony with nature in its vineyards. In the photo, a California Black-Tailed Jack Rabbit takes notice of the photographer.

Opus One is committed to a healthy ecosystem. For more information about our sustainability programs, visit our Estate page.

Flowers blooming in our estate vineyard. This row is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon.

“Wine should express itself. It should tell you where it came from.”

Michael Silacci

At Home Around the World

Situated next to a shady park in the heart of Bordeaux, our Opus One International office is located in a 19th century townhouse. From this location and with the help of our team members in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, we cultivate and nurture relationships that span the globe. Today, Opus One is currently sold in over 90 countries.

A Global Community

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