Learn something new and have a great experience.

Enjoy acclaimed estate wines and handcrafted spirits amid a serene vineyard setting

—Fresh off its 25th anniversary year, Opolo Vineyards continues to set the pace for friendly hospitality, multifaceted tasting experiences, and acclaimed estate wines in the beautiful Willow Creek District of Paso Robles.

At Opolo, you are welcomed into a world apart, where terraced vineyards and orchards overlook the coastal mountains. Guests may enjoy tasting flights and food pairings, as well as spirits sampling at the affiliated Willow Creek Distillery. For the ultimate experience, take an immersive Estate Tour through the vineyards, and even make it an overnight at the Inn at Opolo.

Opolo was founded in 1999 by friends David Nichols and Rick Quinn, and today two generations are actively involved in the daily operations. The vineyards are Sustainability in Practice (SIP) certified, and the wines reflect both the rich heritage and progressive winemaking for which Paso Robles is renowned. Specialties include zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, Rhône-style blends, and aromatic whites.

“We are driven to create consciously made wines that reflect the incredible terroirs of Paso Robles, and to share them amid an elevated yet easygoing visitor experience,” says Opolo Director of Marketing Ricki Quinn, daughter of co-founder Rick Quinn. “We want you to feel welcome and inspired by your time at Opolo.”

Next level winemaking

Winemaker James Schreiner has been with Opolo for more than a decade, and he served as tasting room attendant, cellar master, and assistant winemaker before taking the lead position in 2020. He works alongside assistant winemaker Skye Bruce to produce award-winning wines.

“We call them our dynamic duo,” Quinn said. “James has grown with the company, so he has a great perspective on our brand and flavor profile. He brought our Bordeaux program to the next level. Opolo was always known for its zin because it was one of the first zin houses in Paso. James has helped us grow deeper into cabernet sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties.”

The winemakers produce not only the winery’s flagship Opolo Mountain Zinfandel and its acclaimed cabernet sauvignons but also a list of wines including chardonnay, albariño, merlot, sangiovese, petite sirah, rosé, and more. Their wines routinely score 90+ points in a variety of journals and competitions, proving all their hard work is paying off.

Estate Tour and Tasting

With the winery’s exclusive Estate Tour and Tasting, guests experience everything Opolo “from the ground to the glass” at the Willow Creek District estate. The tour ends with an elevated tasting of food paired with the wines.

“This is a great way to visit the estate, go through the vineyards, see where the wine you’re drinking is being produced, and learn about our winemaking process,” Schreiner said.

Offered from spring through fall, the experience includes tasting while walking through the vineyard, giving visitors an up close and personal view of the fruit for the wines they are currently consuming. “It’s not only fun, it’s educational,” Schreiner said.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Tasting Flights and the Classic Tasting Flights are offered year-round inside the Opolo tasting room. Walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Menu offerings include wood-fired pizzas, gourmet sausages, and seasonal salads, providing an array of wine-pairing options.

“Our hospitality team and our tasting room educators are top-notch and approachable,” Quinn said. “They are really great at meeting you where you are and matching your energy.”

The team aims to ensure everyone who visits Opolo feels welcomed, learns something new, and leaves with a great experience and perhaps a new love for wine. Repeat guests often gain a refreshed outlook on the region or terroir and new offerings at Opolo.

Distillery, lodging, events, and more

It’s no secret that Opolo is known for bringing fun to wine tasting. And, with the addition of the Willow Creek Distillery to the Opolo family, that same hospitality and exuberance has expanded. With a passion and obsession for high-quality spirits, Distiller Kevin Coulton creates modern expressions of whiskeys, brandies, liqueurs, and more.

Guests may book an immersive tasting experience, where they choose four spirits from a list of offerings enjoyed right inside the distillery production room. Oftentimes, part of a visiting group chooses to go to the distillery and taste whiskey, while the others want to do some wine tasting.

You can also go beyond tastings with an overnight stay at The Inn at Opolo Vineyards. Boasting luxurious, spacious rooms with fireplaces, soaking tubs, and made-to-order breakfast, each stay includes complimentary wine and appetizers in the afternoon.

With events such as the annual Harvest Festival Dinner & Grape Stomp, Blending Parties in the Barrel Room, Sunset Crab Feeds, and more, the fun never stops. The versatile and modern indoor and outdoor venue spaces at Opolo also make it the ideal location for private events, weddings, and corporate gatherings.

Opolo Wine Club members enjoy quarterly allocations, complimentary tastings, pick-up parties, discounts on purchases, and more. A variety of club options are available and include priority access to rare Opolo Reserve bottlings.

The Opolo Vineyards tasting room, located at 7110 Vineyard Dr. in Paso Robles, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for major holidays. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcomed. For more information visit opolo.com or call (805) 238-9593.

— By Meagan Friberg