Opatz Family Vineyards Releases Rhone-Style Viognier

New high-alcohol white wine from Yorkville Highlands showcases regional terroir

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A new Viognier wine from Opatz Family Vineyards in California's Yorkville Highlands is turning heads with its bold 15% alcohol content and unique flavor profile that blends pear, floral, and white pepper notes. The wine is packaged in a sleek, Rhone-style bottle featuring a label with a color drawing of the winding Route 128 that connects the Sonoma and Napa wine regions.

Why it matters

The Yorkville Highlands region between the Alexander and Anderson Valleys is known for producing high-quality, distinctive wines that showcase the area's unique terroir. This new Viognier from Opatz Family Vineyards highlights the potential for the region to produce bold, complex white wines that can compete with offerings from more famous California wine destinations.

The details

The Opatz Family Vineyards Viognier features an unusual combination of aromas, including pear, floral, and abundant minerality. On the palate, the wine's high 15% alcohol content is balanced by bright acidity, allowing the pear and white pepper flavors to shine. The winemakers note that this Viognier should make an excellent food pairing wine.

  • The Opatz Family Vineyards Viognier was released in February 2026.

The players

Opatz Family Vineyards

A family-owned winery located in the Yorkville Highlands region between the Alexander and Anderson Valleys, known for producing high-quality, terroir-driven wines.

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The takeaway

The Opatz Family Vineyards Viognier demonstrates the potential for the Yorkville Highlands region to produce bold, complex white wines that can stand up to offerings from more renowned California wine destinations. This high-alcohol Viognier's balance of acidity, fruit, and spice makes it an intriguing option for food pairings.