Winery Earns Federal Recognition for Classic Balkan Grape Variety, Releases Inaugural Bottling from California’s First Verified Planting
May 22, 2025 (Paso Robles, CA) — Opolo Vineyards today announced the release of the America’s first official varietal bottling of Vranac—a classic Balkan grape variety 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.
“We are excited to introduce Vranac to California and Paso Robles,” said winery co-owner Rick Quinn, whose grandfather was from Montenegro. “Considering its status as a beloved grape in some of the Old World’s most established wine regions, its debut in California is probably long overdue. Once wine lovers get a taste of it, I think they’ll be hooked because it’s unique, delicious and different.”
Opolo’s 2021 Vranac Reserve ($60; 50 cases produced) is a 100-percent varietal wine from an authenticated planting of Vranac at the winery estate in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles. 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. The wine is available at the Opolo tasting room, or by calling the winery for direct order, limit two bottles.
Permission Granted
Opolo’s first attempt to label the wine was rejected as the federal government’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) did not have Vranac in its list of approved grape varieties. This prompted Opolo to petition the TTB for Vranac to be recognized as an official grape variety with legal status on American wine labels—commensurate in status with many other European grape varieties that have found a home in the United States.
More than a year after the original filing, approval was recently granted for Vranac to be recognized as an “acceptable grape variety designation for American wines,” paving the way for the release of Opolo’s inaugural bottling of Vranac. Additionally, any winery in the United States may now use “Vranac” as a varietal name on wines produced from this grape.
An Estate-Grown Marvel
Opolo’s 2021 Vranac Reserve comes specifically from 1,000 Vranac vines that were planted at the Opolo estate in 2018, and the winery has since planted an additional 1,000 vines to expand the program. The Vranac vines were sourced from UC Davis through their Foundation Plant Services, which identifies and certifies the authenticity of the selection.
The 2021 Vranac Reserve 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.
Born of Balkan Roots
Founded in 1999 by Rick Quinn and David Nichols, Opolo is a family-owned winery specializing in Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rhône varieties and other wines from its estate vineyards in the Willow Creek District and elsewhere in Paso Robles.
Opolo has long celebrated Quinn’s Balkan heritage—right down to the winery name itself, which references rosé wines from the Dalmatian coast. The winery offers Balkan-style pairing dishes at the estate and features traditional dancing groups at its annual Harvest Dinner & Grape Stomp. Quinn grew up in a Serbian and Croatian neighborhood in Minnesota and was a touring musician with a group called “The Balkan Strings” that he formed with his cousins. Quinn and Nichols also lead an annual wine trip that takes guests to Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia.
“Vranac is such a fitting addition to our portfolio,” Nichols said. “It means a lot to us personally, and it grows very well here in the Willow Creek District. This wine is a knockout, and it shows how we’re still innovating and exploring after 25 years in Paso Robles.”
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.
