Opus One Begins a New Chapter in Its History
Opus One Begins a New Chapter in Its History
Opus One Announces the Planned Retirement of Winemaker Michael Silacci Following the 2026 Harvest
After twenty-five years at Opus One, Michael Silacci will officially retire following the completion of the 2026 harvest. The announcement marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of one of Napa Valley‘s most iconic estates while opening a new phase in its continued evolution.
Michael Silacci joined the estate in 2001 as Director of Viticulture and Enology before being appointed sole winemaker in 2003. Since then, he has overseen every aspect of vineyard management and winemaking, remaining faithful to the founding vision established by Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi: crafting a great wine where the expression of terroir takes precedence above all else, through an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. Beyond the quality of the wines themselves, his tenure has profoundly shaped the evolution of the estate’s vineyards. Under his leadership, Opus One carried out extensive vineyard replanting, strengthened its estate through strategic land acquisitions, and further embraced a more sustainable approach to viticulture. Regenerative farming practices have become central to the estate’s philosophy, including the use of cover crops, reduced tillage, carefully managed irrigation, and ongoing efforts to protect and restore the ecosystems along the Napa River.
“Michael’s contributions to Opus One are profound and enduring,” said Christopher Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of Opus One. He also praised Silacci’s ability to combine innovation with tradition and his unwavering commitment to expressing the unique terroir of the estate. The transition reflects Opus One’s long-standing commitment to ensuring continuity in its winemaking philosophy. The search for M. Silacci‘s successor will begin in early 2027, while he will remain involved throughout the transition to ensure a smooth handover and preserve the continuity of the work accomplished over the past two decades.
Founded in 1978, Opus One was born from the visionary partnership between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi. Created through a unique Franco-American collaboration, the estate has become a global benchmark for Bordeaux-style blends crafted from the finest vineyards of Napa Valley. Michael Silacci‘s retirement therefore marks the close of a particularly significant era in the estate’s recent history, leaving a legacy that will continue to shape Opus One for generations to come.