Davis, Calif., May 26, 2023…Michael Silacci, winemaker for Opus One Winery, will be the keynote speaker for the 74^th ASEV National Conference. His presentation, “Judgement of Napa,” will be held in person on June 28, 2023, at the Napa Valley Marriott in Napa, California.

When California white and red wines were pitted against those of France at the Judgement of Paris in 1976, two Napa Valley wineries shocked the world by taking the top spots. Climate change has become another opportunity for Napa Valley viticulturists and winemakers to lead the way in the wine world.

“Becoming globally responsible is not a competition,” said Silacci. “It must be a collaboration among Napa Valley winemakers and viticulturists to set the tone help lead the fight against climate change. What will future generations say about the impact of our actions on their lives?”

Silacci joined Opus One in 2001 as the director of viticulture and enology, and in 2003, was appointed as the first sole winemaker where he was responsible for viticulture, winemaking and facilities. Prior to Opus One, he was the winemaker at Stags Leap Wine Cellars, King Estate in Oregon and viticulturist at Beaulieu Vineyard. He also made wine in France and Chile. His natural vision of winegrowing as the ultimate expression of terroir made him an excellent fit at Opus One, which produces ultra-premium wines at its Napa Valley winery in Oakville, California. The 2019 vintage is distributed to all 50 states in the U.S. and in 106 countries worldwide.

Silacci holds a master’s degree in viticulture from the University of California, Davis. He received his undergraduate degrees in enology from the University of California, Davis, and the Institut d’Oenologie at the Université de Bordeaux. Founded in 1950 by a group of researchers and winemakers, ASEV is dedicated to the interests of enologists, viticulturists and others in the fields of wine and grape research and production throughout the world. The ASEV National Conference is a forum for sharing and disseminating the latest scientific information relevant to winemaking and grapegrowing.

For full schedule, registration and housing information about the 74^th ASEV National Conference taking place on June 26-29, 2023, in Napa, California, visit asev.org.