Michael Silacci, the longtime winemaker at Napa Valley winery Opus One, has announced his retirement following the completion of the 2022 harvest, concluding a 25-year career characterized by his focus on regenerative farming and terroir-driven winemaking.
Michael Silacci has overseen all aspects of vineyard management and winemaking at Opus One since May 2003. He first came to the Napa Valley winery in March 2001 as director of viticulture and enology.
April 27, 2022Thursday that longtime winemaker Michael Silacci will retire after completing this year’s harvest, ending a 25-year career at one of Napa Valley’s most prestigious estates. Silacci joined Opus One in 2001 as director of viticulture and enology and became the winery’s sole winemaker in 2003. In that role, he oversaw vineyard management and winemaking while pursuing an approach that integrated work in the vineyard and cellar, according to the winery.
The winery said Silacci helped strengthen its vineyards through replanting efforts, regenerative farming practices and strategic land acquisitions. It also credited him with supporting restoration work along the Napa River and advancing practices such as cover crops, no-till farming and limited irrigation to improve vine balance. Opus One CEO Chris Lynch said in the announcement that Silacci’s leadership combined innovation with tradition while remaining focused on the estate’s vineyards and winemaking.
Lynch said the foundation established during Silacci’s tenure will continue to guide the winery.
“His devotion to the terroir of the Estate, his ability to integrate innovation with tradition, and his leadership across our vineyards and cellar have guided the winery to new heights. While his retirement represents a natural evolution, the foundations he has built will shape Opus One for generations to come,” Lynch said. The winery said it will begin searching for Silacci’s successor early next year and Silacci will remain involved during the transition to help ensure continuity.
Silacci is set to retire in July 2027, and industry speculation has pointed to Zobeck as a potential successor, the San Francisco Chronicle Founded in 1978 by Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, Opus One was established as a partnership combining French and American winemaking traditions to produce a Bordeaux-style wine from Napa Valley grapes.
Please follow us on Google to support usOpus One Michael Silacci Napa Valley Winemaking Viticulture
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Michael Thompson Convicted of Rape and Murder of Estranged Wife After Faking Suicide SceneA former amateur boxer was convicted for the rape and murder of his estranged wife, Kimberley Thompson, after staging a suicide scene to mislead police. The case also revisited the suspicious death of his former partner from 2000, which was originally ruled accidental.
Read more »
One Jazz Offseason Move We Loved Most (And One We Still Don't Understand)The Utah Jazz have one underrated— but great— offseason move worth highlighting. Another move didn't make quite as much sense.
Read more »
Darth Vader Returns in Rogue One Prequel Comic This OctoberMarvel announces Star Wars: Rogue One - Darth Vader 1, a one-shot comic exploring Vader's mission to secure kyber crystals before the events of Rogue One, written by Chris Condon.
Read more »
Humiliation for Chargers QB’s girlfriend Madison Beer as tour tickets go for less than a beerOne beer or a ticket to see one Madison Beer?
Read more »