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
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
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
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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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Got questions? Start here with quick answers to the things people ask us most.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.