Estate-Grown 2022 Vranac Comes from California’s First Authenticated Planting
March 24, 2026 (Paso Robles, CA) — Opolo Vineyards today introduced its 2022 Vranac Reserve, the winery’s second estate-grown release of this classic Balkan grape variety. The wine comes from Opolo’s estate vineyard in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles, home of California’s first authenticated planting of Vranac. It remains the only varietal bottling of Vranac in the United States.
Prized for its dark color, deep textures and intense flavor profile, Vranac is the most widely planted grape in Montenegro and is also popular in Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia and elsewhere. Opolo co-owner Rick Quinn’s grandfather hailed from Montenegro. Balkan heritage and cuisine have been at the heart of the Opolo experience since Quinn and partner David Nichols established their family winery in 1999.
“Our inaugural 2021 vintage was an overnight sensation and sold out quickly,” Quinn said. “People were eager to try something completely different in the world of California wine. This new vintage continues the story and reinforces why Vranac has a promising future here in Paso Robles. Personally, it means a lot to us to shine a light on this great Balkan grape.”
Balkan Style Meets Paso Flair
Opolo’s 2022 Vranac Reserve ($60; 33 cases produced; two-bottle maximum purchase) is a 100-percent varietal wine. Pronounced “vrah-nuts,” the name Vranac is derived from a word signifying “black stallion,” a nod to the grape’s signature dark color and flavors.
True to form, Opolo’s 2022 Vranac Reserve is dark, concentrated and structured—a true Balkan-style rendition with a Paso Robles flair. Opolo holds the wine back in the bottle for an extra eight months, allowing the naturally bold tannins to round into form before release. The wine is available for a limited time at the Opolo tasting room or by calling the winery at (805) 238-9593.
The 2022 vintage comes from 2,000 Vranac vines that were planted at the Opolo estate starting in 2018. The wine is dark and nearly opaque in the glass, with saturated dark fruit flavors, expansive textures, hints of spice and firm tannins that promise longevity in the bottle.
“We are proud to become ambassadors for Vranac in California and the United States,” Nichols said. “Just when you think you’ve tasted everything, along comes this unsung grape variety that opens up a new world of discovery for domestic wine lovers. It’s a true Opolo passion project with a lot of potential for growth.”
About Opolo Vineyards
Opolo Vineyards is a family-owned winery based in the coastal mountains of the Willow Creek District. Renowned for its Mountain Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and other Paso Robles wines, Opolo was founded in 1999 by Rick Quinn and David Nichols. Opolo’s wines fall under three collections: Mountain Collection, Reserve Collection and Summit Creek. Opolo’s famed visitor experience includes a tasting room and bistro; the Inn at Opolo; and the Willow Creek Distillery. More at Opolo.com.
