Opus One Winery Oakville, Napa Valley building, California Wine Country property photos
Opus One Winery, Oakville, Napa Valley, CA
February 26 + 21, 2025
Design: Johnson Fain, Architects
Location: Oakville, Napa Valley, northeast of San Francisco, Northern California, USA
photos courtesy of Opus One Winery
Opus One Winery, Oakville, Napa Valley
Many wineries are working to be more sustainable, but at Opus One — the visionary partnership between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi — sustainability is literally built into the foundation.
Constructed in 1991 by the architecture firm Johnson Fain, Opus One Winery was crafted to blend seamlessly with the landscape – embodying the estate’s deep commitment to, and stewardship of the land. Its low-profile, “introverted” structure is concealed by a crescent-shaped berm. The effect is so successful that, nearing harvest-time, when the vines are active, the building becomes almost indistinguishable from its surroundings.
While the design incorporates grandiose elements of a classic chateaux—arcades, peristyles, and guard towers—the use of natural limestone, California heart redwood, and extensive underground cellars helps maintain a sense of subtlety throughout the estate. The central courtyard, framed by ancient olive trees and filled with classical music, evokes the very origins of the winery’s name.
Opus One’s commitment to nature goes beyond mere aesthetics. The winery integrates environmental sustainability into every aspect of its operations, continuously evolving its practices over the past two decades to incorporate carbon capture, regenerative farming, and cutting-edge sustainability initiatives.
Even the iconic design—a gradual slope, or berm, leading to the winery, initially planted to grass—is currently being redesigned by Reed Hilderbrand to feature native plants that require less water. Slated for completion in 2025, this redesign exemplifies how Opus One’s values—much like a symphony, or a bottle of vintage wine—continue evolving over time.
Founded in 1978 by vintners Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Opus One Winery is as much an architectural masterpiece as one of winemaking. Visitors are first introduced to the winery’s gradual slope—or berm—nearly hidden by the surrounding landscape.
The structure was designed to embody the winery’s commitment to the land. As architect Scott Johnson explains, “It gave us a building that was as much about landscape and nature as it was about artifice and architecture.” He describes the winery as “introverted,” like a jewel box, carefully nestled within its environment.
On closer inspection, the details and choice of materials become apparent. Composed of elegant limestone, the winery incorporates elements reminiscent of classic French châteaux.
At the heart of the building is a tranquil courtyard, featuring ancient olive trees and filled with the soothing strains of classical music, evoking the origins of the winery’s name. “Opus” refers to a “great work” in classical music, making this an ideal homage to the winery’s vision.
The courtyard is also framed by a neoclassical colonnade, further emphasizing the timeless elegance of the space.
Inside, guests are greeted by an atmosphere that seamlessly blends the classic heritage of 18th-century France with the relaxed charm of California wine country.
The sconces adorning the rotunda niches and lower gallery are custom adaptations of a historic design from Château Mouton Rothschild.
The architecture is complemented by an array of fine art, including “Between Harmony and Invention, 2023”, a suite of paintings by Rosalind Tallmadge, specially commissioned for the Opus One Rotunda.
In the West Drawing Room, guests may also admire “Bronze Wall” by Neal Fey.
Baron Philippe de Rothschild revolutionized wine production by bottling all his wines at the château. To accommodate this innovation, Opus One features the renowned “Grand Chai,” where visitors can view rows of barrels stretching across 100 meters.
While a bottle of Opus One is exceptional anywhere, the experience is truly special when enjoyed at the winery itself—surrounded by art and overlooking the estate vineyards at sunset.
Opus One Winery, Oakville, Napa Valley, northern California, USA images / information received 210225
Address: Opus One, 7900 St Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA 94562, United States of America
Phone: +1 707-944-9442
Johnson Fain – Architecture, Urban Design + Planning, Interiors
Address: 1201 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
Phone: +1 323-224-6000
Location: Opus One Winery, Oakville, Napa Valley, near San Francisco, Northern California, USA.
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