Opus One

What it's like

Opus One is a single-wine estate: the partnership between the Mondavi and Rothschild families makes one Bordeaux-style red, and the visit is built around it. The building is a striking, low-slung structure on a rise just off Highway 29, and the tastings are quiet, seated and guided. This is polished and formal compared with most of the valley, so expect a hushed, precise visit instead of a lively tasting bar.

There are no walk-ins. Everything is by appointment.

Who it's best for

Wine lovers who want to taste one famous wine in a considered setting, anniversary or milestone visits, and anyone happy to spend more on one stop than on three. Guests must be 21 or older.

What to book

There are three experiences. The Opus One Estate Tasting is $150 per person and is a guided tasting of two vintages of Opus One alongside Overture, running about an hour. The Opus One Experience is $250 per person, adds library wines, a tour and a culinary complement, and takes about 90 minutes. Art of the Table is $793 per person with the 22% service charge included, a four-course pairing for four to eight guests on weekdays, which needs at least 14 days' notice.

Reservations open up to two months ahead, released on the first day of each month, so book early for weekends and harvest. Payment becomes nonrefundable 48 hours ahead for the tastings. Call +1 707 944 9442 or email assistance@opusonewinery.com with questions. Check the site for holiday closures.

As everywhere in the valley, plan on a designated driver, a rideshare, or a tour service, since tastings add up over a day.

How it fits into a day

Opus One is a destination stop, so give it its own slot, either late morning or early afternoon. Because so many well-known wineries cluster on this stretch of Oakville, many visitors pair it with Robert Mondavi Winery or Silver Oak the same day, then eat in Yountville.