About Opolo
Rick Quinn and David Nichols were first neighbors, then friends, and finally collaborators in a shared dream: to create their own winemaking legacy in Paso Robles.
Rick and David started planting vineyards in 1997. Two years later, they established their family winery in the coastal mountains of the Willow Creek District. They chose the name Opolo as a nod to Quinn’s Serbian heritage, referencing a rosé-style wine that is native to the Dalmatian Coast.
At the time, the modern winemaking era in Paso Robles was just getting underway, but Rick and David recognized the region’s incredible potential. They focused on Zinfandel as the heritage grape of Paso Robles, as well as the Bordeaux and Rhône varieties for which the area would become famous.
Opolo has since become a cornerstone of the Paso Robles experience, producing widely acclaimed estate wines and gaining renown for its warm hospitality and legendary wine club. Opolo today makes an array of wines, including the iconic Mountain Zinfandel as well as limited-release reserves and vineyard designates. Visit our tasting room to discover the world of Opolo.
Estate Vineyards
Opolo wines are grown predominantly in estate vineyards owned by proprietors Rick Quinn and David Nichols—most notably at our winery’s home property in the Willow Creek District.
Here, our two contiguous estate vineyards speak to both the heritage and future of Opolo. Quinn West is the original estate vineyard that dates back to the late 1990s, while To the Moon is a newer planting that promises continued elevation of our Rhône and Bordeaux varieties.
These vineyards exemplify the Willow Creek District as one of California’s most exciting terroirs. The vines are planted to terraced slopes tucked within the coastal Santa Lucia mountain range, where warm afternoons are reliably tempered by marine breezes that flow through the Templeton Gap. The limestone-rich soils of the Willow Creek District are highly coveted and similar to the calcareous soils found in many of the world’s greatest wine regions. Collectively, these conditions produce wines with vivid flavors, fresh acidity and natural structure.
We also grow fruit at our Nichols East and Quinn East vineyards in the warmer Estrella District. These sites have proven ideal for varieties such as Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Barbera, and for Rhône, Bordeaux and Zinfandel grapes that bring dimension and complexity to our varietal blends.
Estate Vineyards
Opolo wines are grown predominantly in estate vineyards owned by proprietors Rick Quinn and David Nichols—most notably at our winery’s home property in the Willow Creek District.
Here, our two contiguous estate vineyards speak to both the heritage and future of Opolo. Quinn West is the original estate vineyard that dates back to the late 1990s, while To the Moon is a newer planting that promises continued elevation of our Rhône and Bordeaux varieties.
These vineyards exemplify the Willow Creek District as one of California’s most exciting terroirs. The vines are planted to terraced slopes tucked within the coastal Santa Lucia mountain range, where warm afternoons are reliably tempered by marine breezes that flow through the Templeton Gap. The limestone-rich soils of the Willow Creek District are highly coveted and similar to the calcareous soils found in many of the world’s greatest wine regions. Collectively, these conditions produce wines with vivid flavors, fresh acidity and natural structure.
We also grow fruit at our Nichols East and Quinn East vineyards in the warmer Estrella District. These sites have proven ideal for varieties such as Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Barbera, and for Rhône, Bordeaux and Zinfandel grapes that bring dimension and complexity to our varietal blends.
Sustainability
At Opolo we believe a strong, cooperative relationship with the land and our environment is crucial. We practice sustainable methods in both the winery and vineyard operations in order to preserve our environment, water and local wildlife. Opolo is a “SIP” Certified operation as well as certified organic by “CCOF” in our 64 acre walnut orchard. We continue to be great stewards of the land and invite you to come to our vineyards and see our operations!
Row Crops: We grow barley between the planting rows in order to hold moisture in place and prevent erosion during the winter rains (when there is rain) and instead of cutting and removing the barley, we simply mow it in place to add beneficial nutrients back to the soil.
Owl Boxes: Owl boxes make great homes for nesting owls, as well as provide a natural rodent and pest control in the vineyard.
Constructed Wetlands: Water is recycled at Opolo through our two-tank wetlands’ system, which uses marine plants to filter the water so it can be reused in the vineyard. The wetlands also provide a habitat for beneficial microorganisms, insects, and birds.
