OAKVILLE, California, Sept. 22, 2020 Opus One Winery is pleased to announce that Christopher Lynch will assume the role of chief executive officer effective September 22nd, 2020. Mr. Lynch succeeds David Pearson, who drove the impressive success of Opus One since 2004.
Lynch brings more than 30 years of global wine industry experience to this role, serving in a variety of leadership capacities over the years for some of the most respected wine companies in the world including E. & J. Gallo, LVMH’s Chandon Estates, Pernod Ricard, Beam Wine Estates and Terlato Wine Group. He brings extensive expertise in marketing, commercial operations, strategic planning, business development, hospitality, and general management. Lynch also brings a deep understanding of global wine markets having lived in the United States, France, New Zealand, and Australia.
“I first developed a passion for wine while living and playing professional basketball in France in the early stages of my career,” said Lynch. “From its very inception, I’ve looked up to Opus One as the pinnacle of luxury wine. I’m honored to be selected as the next CEO for this iconic wine brand and look forward to working with the Opus One Winery team to continue building on the legacy and vision of co-founders Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi.”
Launched in 1979, Opus One is one of the most successful international winemaking ventures in modern history. The brand is a collaboration between two of the world’s most esteemed winemaking figures, Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi. In 2004, Constellation Brands acquired Robert Mondavi Winery and entered a 50/50 joint venture with Baron Philippe de Rothschild S.A., becoming co-owner of the Opus One Winery. Opus One remains highly sought-after, merging old and new world wine styles by creating a single Bordeaux style blend based on Napa Valley’s best cabernet sauvignon terroirs.
“I sincerely believe that truly great wines are one of the last privileges of our time. From the outset, Opus One has been built on the values that have forged the reputation and success of top wines around the world, namely scarcity, elegance, rigor, and excellence. I am entirely confident that Chris Lynch, with his experience, his know-how and his vast knowledge of the fine wine world, will uphold those values and continue to drive Opus One’s success in the years to come” said Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, Opus One Board Member and Chairman & CEO of Baron Philippe de Rothschild S.A.
“Chris’ strong and well-rounded management experience, deep consumer orientation and intimate understanding of the international wine market will provide tremendous benefit to the Opus One team and we look forward to the continued success of this truly iconic brand under Chris’ guidance,” added Rob Sands, Opus One Board Member and Executive Chairman for Constellation Brands.
Opus One produces a Bordeaux style blend based on cabernet sauvignon grown in our estate vineyards in Oakville, California. Currently distributed in all 50 states and in 90 countries around the world, Opus One is a joint-venture between Baron Philippe de Rothschild S.A. and Constellation Brands.
