Michael Silacci to Retire as Winemaker at Opus One After 2026 Harvest

Silacci’s 25‑year tenure has greatly shaped Opus One, the winery said in announcing his planned retirement. Brought on as the Director of Viticulture and Enology in 2001, he was appointed as the winery’s sole winemaker in 2003 where he assumed responsibility for all aspects of vineyard management and winemaking at the winery.

Guided by a holistic philosophy of winemaking that integrates vineyard and cellar, he has upheld the founding vision of Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, prioritizing the expression of place and the pursuit of uncompromising quality.

His leadership has strengthened the estate’s vineyards through thoughtful replanting, the implementation of regenerative farming practices, and strategic acquisitions, the winery added. Silacci championed the protection and restoration of the winery’s land along the Napa River and is a proponent of practices including cover crops, no-till methods, and precise, limited irrigation for increased balance in the vines.

A search for Silacci’s successor will begin in early 2027, during which time Silacci will remain involved to support a smooth and orderly transition.