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.
MODUS OPERANDI CELLARS & VICARIOUS WINES
Two Distinct Collections, One Unwavering Philosophy
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.
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
Two Distinct Collections, One Unwavering Philosophy
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.
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
Value Proposition Line
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Reviewed By
Modus Operandi Cellars
Modus Operandi Cellars specializes in crafting exceptional single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley and Pinot Noirs from the Sonoma Coast.
There is no shortage of amazing wine in Napa and Sonoma, so as our colleagues produce stellar wines, so must we—and it’s our pleasure to do so. There are no second chances; we get one shot per year to hit a home run. There is simply zero room for compromise when it comes to standards and quality.
We’ve partnered with world-class vineyards known for elite distinction, rigorous quality standards, and meticulous attention to detail, enabling us to produce a wide range of collectible
wines.
Vicarious Wines
Vicarious wines serve as a high-impact, low cost, crowd-pleasing introduction to our brand – designed to captivate and delight. They provide an accessible entry point, inviting consumers to experience the excellence of Modus Operandi Cellars through Vicarious. Our goal is for these wines to inspire the beginning of a journey, leading to an exploration of our more coveted Modus selections.
Vicarious by Modus Operandi Cellars is a testament to our commitment to maintaining the exclusivity of our more coveted Modus offerings. By keeping our Modus production extremely limited, we channel the additional gallons into crafting the Vicarious wines. This approach ensures that the quality delivered in each bottle of Vicarious is exceptional, offering an unparalleled value for the price.
::EXPERIMENTAL LOT::
ANTITHESIS
While respecting tradition, innovation is in our DNA, and our experimental lot wines are a testament to this philosophy.
As a winemaker unbound by classical training, I embrace a world of endless possibilities, where creativity knows no bounds. This freedom allows me to explore, imagine, and take bold risks, crafting wines that transcend traditional boundaries.
Our experimental lot wines, like Antithesis and Center of Gravity, are born from a desire to push the envelope and redefine what wine can be. Each bottle is a cerebral journey, a unique expression of liquid art that stands apart in the wine world. These creations are not just wines; they are a celebration of creativity, daring, and the pursuit of the extraordinary. I truly hope that when I’m long gone, these wines will be a testament to the legacy and impact on the wine industry that I’m remembered for.
WHAT IS IT?
Critical acclaim
In a word: WOW. At first, I didn’t understand this somewhat cryptic, out-of-the-box winemaking concept by the gifted winemaker, Jason Moore… but I have truly seen the method to his madness. He’s clearly a mad genius, because Antithesis is mind-blowingly good!
Lisa Perrotti-Brown – The Wine Advocate & The Wine Independent
SCORE
98 Points
Single Vineyard Wines
Limited-Production
Family-Owned Winery
Top-Rated By Major Critics
Best Sellers
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 
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The Man
Behind The Brand
The Man
Behind The Brand
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.
The Timeline of Modus Operandi Cellars:
Garagist Winemaker-in-training
With no formal education in winemaking, Jason honed his craft in the garage of an elderly vineyard owner in Napa that he had fortuitously met at a wine tasting. He grew the grapes, Jason made the wine, and they split the wine on bottling day.
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 a few key supporters, he quietly launched the brand.
In Europe, winemakers are limited on what they are allowed to do and how they are allowed to create... In America, not so much. Through serendipity, ingenuity, and artistic luck, Antithesis was born.
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. Become a member!
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.
After 3 years of relentless pursuit of the rarest wine barrel produced on planet earth... Jason succeeded and Collection Cabernet was born... the winery’s most treasured small-batch release quickly became our most coveted and highest scoring wine. Learn More...
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, the members' own personal winemaker. Learn More...
High above the valley floor at 1,500 feet, yet deep within the earth, our mountaintop cave winery offers an unforgettable tasting experience. Guests sip among barrels in a cool, candlelit cave with sweeping views just outside. It’s personal, relaxed, and highly educational—earning us the #1 spot on TripAdvisor with hundreds of 5-star reviews.
MoPay Introduced
An industry first, and to date, still the only winery offering payment plans on club memberships... 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.
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.
Your Invitation to Join Us
Support a small, independent winery—and experience the wines that made it all possible. Taste for yourself, and become part of the Modus Operandi family.
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?
We offer tastings by appointment only with advanced notice at 10am, noon, and 2:30 or 3pm.
All tastings take place in our mountaintop cave winery, where guests sip among the barrels—high above the valley floor at 1,500 feet elevation, yet deep inside the earth. It’s an unforgettable setting: breathtaking views outside, and a naturally cool, candlelit ambiance within.
For more details, visit our tastings page, or book directly on Tock
Where's The Winery Located?
We’re located at The Caves at Soda Canyon 2275 Soda Canyon Rd
Napa, CA 94558
For more details, visit our tastings page, or book directly on Tock
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.
What can I expect as a Loyalty Club member?
You’ll enjoy our undying appreciation along with 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 club membership easier and more accessible—so you can enjoy the wines you love without large, lump-sum payments.
Choose from $100, $200, or $300 per month based on the club level, all of which will be used to pay for your club order when its finalized.
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.
