Opus One winemaker plans to retire after 25 years

Opus One Winery announced Thursday 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.

Opus One last year hired Meghan Zobeck as its first director of winemaking.

Silacci is set to retire in July 2027, and industry speculation has pointed to Zobeck as a potential successor, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Thursday.

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.