The Birth Of Modus Operandi
Founded in 2004, Modus Operandi began with Jason’s first 8-barrel batch of Cabernet Sauvignon. With no money or connections, just grit and key supporters, he launched during Napa Valley’s wine boom.
MODUS OPERANDI CELLARS & VICARIOUS WINES
Two distinct collections, one unwavering philosophy
Exclusive, Small-Production Wines Made For Passionate Collectors
From the ultra-limited Modus Operandi to the accessible Vicarious line—our wines invite you to explore, enjoy, and evolve with every bottle
MODUS OPERANDI CELLARS
Exclusive, Small-Production
Wines
Made For Passionate Collectors
A club-only experience, offering access to limited-production wines found nowhere else.
MODUS OPERANDI CELLARS
Value Proposition Line
Benefit Value 1
Benefit Value 2
Benefit Value 3
Single Vineyard Wines
Limited-Production
Family-Owned Winery
Top-Rated By Major Critics
WELCOME TO
Modus Operandi Cellars
Modus Operandi Cellars specializes in crafting exceptional single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley and Pinot Noirs from the Sonoma Coast.
Considered a “David in a valley of Goliaths,” this winemaker and family-owned passion project is fueled by a love of wine and a desire to create lasting relationships and memories through the liquid art of wine.
Winemaker Jason Moore’s journey began in Dallas, TX where he found his love of wine while working in fine dining. In 2004, he launched Modus Operandi with just 8 barrels of Cabernet. Today, the winery produces around 2,500 cases, with 90% sold directly to consumers.
Jason’s dedication to quality and innovation has made Modus Operandi a standout boutique winery.
Reviewed By
Best Sellers
Wine Enthusiasts Love Us — You Might Too!
Out private tasting with Caitlyn was amazing. She was so fun and knowledgeable. The wines were amazing. The cheese plate was so worth it too. You won't be disappointed.
Randall PAmazing wine tasting experience 
Found Modus on line prior to our trip to Napa and liked the story of Jason starting it up. We had spent the week tasting in Paso Robles, Sonoma and Napa and this experience was right at the top. Their wines have a lot of character and we enjoyed the tasting experience.
SlytermanModus Operandi worth the journey 
Great little place where we had a tasting today. Caitlyn was a wonderful and knowledgeable host! And Watson (her beautiful dog) stole the show!
Extraordinary626607Nice little spot 
Caitlyn is a gracious, knowledgeable host, the venue is comfortable and beautiful, and the wines are outstanding!
Steve HAll around great tasting experience from a cool, smaller producer 
The wine was great, the atmosphere was great, Caitlyn was great. What more is there to say. We had a phenomenal time!
Craig GA great find! 
The wine was excellent! Caitlyn led the way and we had a great time! If I had my choice of anywhere to go in Napa Valley, I would want more Modus Operandi.
BROENapa Valley Wines 
Amazing wine - good enough to join the wine club. Actually the best wine all week. We were in Napa wine tasting for six days and thoroughly enjoyed this winery.
Kathy TFamily celebration 
This tasting experience was excellent! The communication before hand was excellent as well. My host was Caitlyn and she was so much fun! She kept the tasting informative but laid back all at the same time. And who doesn't love Watson, her dog? All of the wines I tasted were excellent and I was very happy to bring some home! We will definitely return on future trips!
S. GrindleExcellent Wines 
Modus was a fun, unique tasting experience. The room we tasted in was set up privately for our group with Caitlyn. They communicated well leading up to the tasting. The wines were really good and not easy to find. Definitely recommend giving them a try, and our favorite was the Pinot noir.
Greg CModus Operandi Tasting Experience 
We had a lovely private tasting with Modus, Caitlynn was our host. The experience was so delightful, wonderful wine and conversation. Caitlynn was very friendly and down to earth!
suslendWonderful private tasting 
We really enjoyed our time with Caitlyn. She brought her adorable dog and it felt like we were tasting wine with a friend.
Lauren RGreat wine and great company! 
Great wines and excellent tasting experience! We were treated to a great setting for our experience and we thoroughly enjoyed the conversations had.
abazzabbaGreat wines and tasting experience 
Setting was inviting, clean and the wines were presented in an interesting and friendly way. And their quality was excellent
Brian McArthurFun and informative 
Great tasting and wonderful service from Caitlyn. Jason has a cool backstory and really does an exceptional job on his small production wines
jimmy mTasting 
It was nice to get away from the bigger wineries and support a small vintner. Great experience with Caitlyn and really enjoyed the Modus Operandi tasting. We got to taste a variety of wines, which were all fantastic. We definitely took home several bottles!
ToddA Fantastic Tasting Experience 
Great host. Good friends. Highly recommended winery in Napa with a nice private tasting experience in a convenient setting.
billpostonAmazing wine 
Jason was a pleasure to listen to about his winemaking story. Cooking with him was the highlight of the trip! My sisters and I were laughing so hard the entire night!
Theresa FHighlight of the birthday weekend! 
We had a great experience with Modus. We had lunch at Brasswood combined with wine tastings from Modusand and it was perfect in every way. The food and wine was paired well and the prices were very fair. We look forward to going back and we joined their wine club.
I would highly recommend it to anyone going.
Ali SGreat Experience 
:CLOSE OUT:
Malbec
Crafted from the rich soils of the Carneros AVA, our Malbec stands as a bold declaration of style and intensity. With the McKenzie Mueller Vineyard, we embrace a more aggressive approach to winemaking, setting our wines apart with their power and profound complexity.
Frankly… this is one of the most impressive Malbec’s on the market. Jet black in color, highly structured, and exoticly flavored.
95 Points
The Man
Behind The Label
The Man
Behind The Label
Jason’s journey began in Dallas, working in fine dining and falling in love with wine at a young age. In 2002, he took a leap of faith, moving to Napa Valley with just $5,000 and a dream. With no formal training—only passion, grit, and a few generous mentors—he built Modus Operandi from a garage project into a celebrated boutique winery with a loyal, nationwide following.
From Humble Beginnings To
Excellence:
The Story Of Modus Operandi
White House Recognition
Jason’s 2008 Sauvignon Blanc was served at a White House State Dinner—proof that even from humble beginnings, excellence gets noticed.
The First Vintage Of Our Most Precious Wine
This year marked the debut of Collection Cabernet, the winery’s most treasured small-batch release. Crafted from the rarest barrels, it quickly gained top scores and critical acclaim.
Excellence Continues
Modus Operandi evolves, but its mission remains: crafting ultra-premium, small-lot wines for a dedicated circle of collectors—a club-only experience offering wines found nowhere else.
Beginning
At 24, Jason secretly eloped with his wife Angelica and took a bold leap of faith by moved to California with only $5,000 in his bank account, a dream of becoming a winemaker, and nothing but ambition to back it up.
The Birth Of Modus Operandi
Founded in 2004, Modus Operandi began with Jason’s first 8-barrel batch of Cabernet Sauvignon. With no money or connections, just grit and key supporters, he launched during Napa Valley’s wine boom.
Wine Club Launched
We launched our wine club—although reluctantly at first, one of the best decisions in our history. These members became our most loyal supporters and were instrumental in carrying us through the most challenging years.
White House Recognition
Jason’s 2008 Sauvignon Blanc was served at a White House State Dinner—proof that even from humble beginnings, excellence gets noticed.
The First Vintage Of Our Most Precious Wine
This year marked the debut of Collection Cabernet, the winery’s most treasured small-batch release. Crafted from the rarest barrels, it quickly gained top scores and critical acclaim.
Transitioning Towards Club-Only
We began transitioning Modus Operandi to a club-only model, crafting ultra-limited wines exclusively for our members. Each wine is made with such care and intention, Jason hopes to be considered, in every sense, their own personal winemaker.
Excellence Continues
Modus Operandi evolves, but its mission remains: crafting ultra-premium, small-lot wines for a dedicated circle of collectors a club focused experience offering wines found nowhere else but right here.
FAQ
Got questions? Start here with quick answers to the things people ask us most.
I’d like to visit the winery to taste. What are my options?
The options are:
Classic Tasting
Winemaker Tasting
Lunch Pairing/Tasting
“In Suite” Tasting
For more details, visit our tastings page.
What regions or vineyards do you source your wines from?
Our wines are crafted from single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley and Pinot Noir from the coastal vineyards of Sonoma—two of California’s most renowned wine regions.
Who is the owner of Modus Operandi?
Modus Operandi was founded by Jason Moore, a self-taught winemaker with a deep passion for the craft. His journey began with a dream, a small garage in Napa Valley, and a determination to create something extraordinary.
What can I expect as a Loyalty Club member?
You’ll enjoy exclusive discounts, guaranteed allocations, flexible shipments, priority access, large-format bottles, pre-shipment customization, and more—based on the membership level you choose.
What is MoPay?
MoPay is our monthly payment plan designed to make membership easier and more accessible—so you can enjoy the wines you love without large, lump-sum payments.
More Than A Wine
A Story In Every Bottle
Every bottle tells a story—of risk, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Join a community that values authenticity, craftsmanship, and wines that leave a mark long after the last sip.
