Podcast Episode 13: Long-Term Thinking in Organic Farming with Ted Hall & Glass with a Grower, Michael Silacci

​In this episode of Grown in Napa Valley, host Caleb Mosley dives deep into the roots of sustainability and stewardship, chatting with two visionary leaders who have helped shape Napa Valley’s farming future. 

Our first guest is Ted Hall of Long Meadow Ranch, whose passion for organic farming runs deep. He brings us stories from his early days in agriculture and explains how thoughtful practices and long-term thinking can transform not just vineyards, but entire ecosystems. 
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Then, we share a glass with Michael Silacci of Opus One, whose deep curiosity and creative spirit shine through in every vintage. Michael walks us through the challenges of the 2022 harvest, the importance of storytelling in wine, and how caring for the land—from vineyard rows to surrounding forests—can shape a more resilient future for Napa Valley. 

Episode Highlights:

• ​"We started out talking about insect control, and ended up with improved water use, reduced erosion, and healthier soils. That’s the power of a systems-based approach." – Ted Hall
• "The average vineyard lifespan in Napa is 18–20 years. Ours is 35 and still thriving. That’s not luck—it’s soil health." – Ted Hall
• "Organic is not an excuse. The quality has to be in the glass, or nothing else matters." – Ted Hall
  
• "I always say wine is an experience—you don’t just taste it, you feel it. It’s about emotion, place, people, and time." – Michael Silacci
  
• "Diversity is essential—not just in the vineyard, but in how we think, plant, and care for everything beyond the vines." – Michael Silacci
  
• "At Opus One, 85–90% of the fruit goes into the final wine. It’s a lot of pressure—but I thrive on chaos and complexity." – Michael Silacci