Michael Silacci joined Opus One in March 2001 as director of viticulture and enology and became winemaker in January of 2004, taking on responsibility for all aspects of vineyard management and winemaking. With degrees in viticulture and enology from the University of California, Davis and the Institut d’Oenologie at the Université de Bordeaux, Silacci spent almost two decades as a winemaker at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, King Estate in Oregon, and Beaulieu Vineyard. He also made wine in France and Chile. Advancing a holistic vision of winegrowing as the ultimate expression of terroir, Silacci ensures that the connection between viticulture and winemaking at Opus One is seamless, reflecting the philosophy of founders Baron Philippine de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi.