Paul Hobbs in college at Norte Dame

After launching Opus One, Paul served as a winemaker at Simi Winery before consulting at several famed estates—including Napa Valley’s Peter Michael and Lewis Cellars, and Argentina’s Bodegas Catena—honing his expertise and deepening his belief that compelling vineyards, when nurtured gently, yield the most interesting wines. These experiences shaped Paul’s enduring vision: To craft single-vineyard wines that transmit the terroir of California’s most fascinating vineyard sites.

In 1991, he contacted Napa’s Larry Hyde and Sonoma’s Richard Dinner—both viticultural titans in their own right—about purchasing five tons of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Eventually, those grapes became Paul Hobbs Winery’s debut releases. Today, Paul still works with both vineyards, and understanding their nuances continues to drive our entire team in the pursuit of greatness.

Wine barrels
Grapes on vine detail shot