It was well pass the time for us to return to Opolo Vineyards in California's Paso Robles Wine Country. We first discovered Opolo during our summer 2011 visits to Paso Robles. This past June we returned to Opolo Vineyards, 7110 Vineyard Drive. Opolo's setting is picture perfect, with stunning oak trees dotting the rolling landscape. When we first visited we were intrigued by its name and the landscape; so we drove into the winery to check it out. Obviously, over the years, we have continued to enjoy Opolo wines, and finally got around to returning. Located in the westside Willow Creek District of Paso Robles, Opolo offers tasting flights, food pairings, winery tours, stunning vineyard views and more.
Time for Opolo Wines © Spaswinefood
Welcome to Opolo Vineyards
Opolo was founded by Rick Quinn and David Nichols in 1999, two years after they planted the vineyards. The name Opolo was recognition of Quinn's Serbian heritage and a traditional rosé-style from the Dalmatian Coast. Dalmatia's traditional rosé was called Opolo because it resembled pola-pola (fifty-fifty). It was obtained by mixing red and white wine, a method that no longer used there. These days some bottles still proudly bear the name associated with this heritage however, the method used to produce rosé wine is not the same. Certainly the name Opolo is also appropriate to describe a partnership.
Opolo has focused on producing Zinfandel, Paso Robles heritage grape, and as well Bordeaux and Rhône varieties for which the area would become known. Opolo today makes an array of estate wines, including the iconic Mountain Zinfandel, as well as limited-release reserves and vineyard designates.
Opolo Vineyards is a popular winery with an expansive vineyard setting. As we drove to this family winery in the coastal mountains of the Willow Creek District, I enjoyed taking in the views.
Off to Opolo Vineyards © Spaswinefood
Opolo is located in Paso Robles Wine Country, which has 11 Viticultural Areas. When you say that Paso Robles Wine Country has 11 Viticultural Areas (sub-appellations) what does that mean? First, Paso Robles American Viticulture Area (AVA) was established in 1983. Since the wine region was established it has grown significantly. Paso Robles, home to so much diversity in wine, is now a large and very diverse wine region, with over 200 wineries in the appellation. Over the years I have been introduced to the amazing diversity of Paso Robles 11 sub-appellations that showcase the uniqueness within Paso Robles Wine Country.
Welcome to Opolo © Spaswinefood
Opolo's setting is picture perfect, with stunning oak trees dotting the rolling landscape. Whenever I think of Opolo, its vineyard images always come to mind. Opolo Vineyards © Spaswinefood
A Closer Look: Opolo Vineyards © Spaswinefood
When we arrived at Opolo we were greeted with a welcoming sign.Arriving at Opolo © Spaswinefood
Above the vineyards you will find the Opolo Inn offering luxury accommodations. This winery is noted for its excellent customer service and year round events. We had come for a vine-filled experience.
Wine Tasting at Opolo
Wine Tasting at Opolo © Spaswinefood
From their list of wine tasting options we decided to taste their Classic and Reserve Flights.
Tasting Opolo Wines © Spaswinefood
We began the tasting with their 2023 Albaiño.
Opolo Vineyards, Albaiño 2023
Opolo Vineyards, Albaiño 2023 © Spaswinefood
From their white wines we tasted their 2022 Reserve Willow Blanc, 2020 Reserve Willow Cuvée (Bordeaux Style Blend). I loved their 2020 Reserve Willow Cuvée. They also had Chardonnay, Viognier, Roussanne, Blanc de Blancs, Sparkling, Rosé, and Moscato available for tasting.
Besides the white wines, the the red wines in the Classic Flight included 2021 Grenache, 2022 Mountain Zinfandel, and 2021 Malbec.
Opolo Vineyards, Grenache 2021
Opolo Vineyards, Grenache 2021 © Spaswinefood
From their Reserve Reds we tasted 2020 Reserve Forte Zinfandel, 2021 Reserve Primitivo, 2021 Reserve Petite Sirah 2021
Opolo Vineyards, Reserve Forte 2020
Opolo Vineyards, Reserve Forte Zinfandel 2020 © Spaswinefood
Opolo Vineyards, Reserve Primitivo 2021
Opolo Vineyards, Reserve Primitivo 2021 © Spaswinefood
Opolo Vineyards, Petite Sirah 2021
Opolo Vineyards, Petite Sirah 2021 © Spaswinefood
Other red wines available to tasting included single varietal reds (Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon); and Red Blends (their Bordeaux style 2021 Reserve Rhapsody gets great reviews).
Of course we came to taste their Zins! A side by side tasting of their Zins was awesome!!
Opolo Vineyards, Zins Side By Side © Spaswinefood
We also tasted a few other Zinfandel offerings. Since their classic wines are readily available, especially their Mountain Zinfandel, we bought wines from the Reserve Collection to enjoy late. Opolo Vineyards is now celebrating 25 years. Just as Paso has grown Opolo has also grown alongside them. Recently they celebrated the historic debut of Vranac, a Balkan grape, which is now officially recognized and bottled in the U.S. for the first time.Exploring Vine-filled Delights at Opolo © Spaswinefood
Time for Lunch
After the wine tasting we sat down outside for lunch.
Time for Pizza, Opolo © Spaswinefood
Enjoying Pizza, Opolo © Spaswinefood
It was not hard to select a wine to go along with pizza.
Time for Wine, Opolo © Spaswinefood
It was great to be back at Opolo Vineyards!
Vine-Fille Time for Opolo © Spaswinefood
We enjoyed a late lunch on that hot summer's day
Bye for Now, Opolo © Spaswinefood
For us Opolo Vineyards was a real treat to visit. Our visit was totally filled with vine-filled delights. I look forward to continued opportunities to check out more of their wines. I invite you to join me in my travels in California and elsewhere in the sharing of these adventures at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook.
CHEERS!!
Sharon
June 2025
Paso Robles, California
© Spaswinefood
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Return to Opolo, June 2025 © Spaswinefood
Opolo Vineyard, 2025 © Spaswinefood
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| Opolo Vineyards, 2011 © Spaswinefood |
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Earlier visit
Here are a few notes and photos from our earlier visit Summer 2011.
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| Opolo Vineyards, 2011 © Spaswinefood |
Opolo Vineyards, 2011 © Spaswinefood
When we dropped by in June the tasting room was quite busy so we decided to return at another time.
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| Opolo Vineyards, 2011 © Spaswinefood |
We took a late lunch that day at Thomas Hill Organics. We decided to try Opolo's 2009 Mountain Zinfandel. We were not disappointed. We liked it.
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| Opolo Vineyards Mountain Zinfandel 2009 © Spaswinefood |
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| Opolo Vineyards, Mountain Zinfandel 2009 © Spaswinefood |
After that introduction we have enjoyed their Mountain Zinfandel over the years.
During an August 2011 visit we made a point to visit Opolo. We had hoped to taste their wines and have lunch.
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| Opolo Vineyards © Spaswinefood |
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| Opolo Vineyards, 2011 © Spaswinefood |
While lunch was only on weekends we did get to taste the wines.
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| Opolo Vineyards Tasting Room, 2011 © Spaswinefood |
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| Opolo Vineyards, 2011 © Spaswinefood |
We tasted their 2010 Albarino, 2009 Viognier, 2008 Grenache, 2009 Sangiovese, 2006 Fusion (Cabernet Sauvignon and Sarah), 2008 Serenade (50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Malbec), 2006 Petit Verdot and finished with a side by side taste of 2009 Summit Creek Zinfandel and 2009 Mountain Zinfandel.
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| Tasting at Opolo Vineyards © Spaswinefood |
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| Tasting at Opolo Vineyards © Spaswinefood |
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| Great Zins at Opolo Vineyards © Spaswinefood |
We especially liked their 2008 Serenade and 2006 Fusion, and the two 2009 Zinfandels that we tasted. Opolo's 2006 Verdot, 2008 Zinfandel and 2009 Zinfandel both won Silver Medals at the Central Coast Wine Competition, with 2009 Mountain Zinfandel also receiving a Silver Medal in 2011 from the San Francisco Chronicle.
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| Opolo Vineyards 2011 © Spaswinefood |
Opolo vineyard is a treat to visit. Maybe next time we will do lunch and check out more wines.
Sharon
August 2011
Paso Robles, California
© Spaswinefood
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