THE DUCKHORN PERSPECTIVE
A family of world-class wineries united by a singular pursuit of excellence
FOR FIFTY YEARS, The Duckhorn Collection has stood at the center of American fine wine— rooted in vineyard integrity, generational stewardship, and the belief that exceptional wines begin with exceptional sites. Ours is a distinctly American story, shaped by landscape, craftsmanship, and a hospitality that is both timeless and modern.
This philosophy comes fully to life in our new Napa Valley home on the Silverado Trail. Here, guests experience our portfolio through thoughtful tastings, seasonal pairings from our world-class culinary team, and an atmosphere defined by warmth, ease, and a remarkable sense of place. It is a setting that reflects the spirit of our founders— welcoming, refined, and deeply connected to the vineyards that shape our wines.
The wineries featured in the Collection each carry forward our shared vision: winemaking excellence, respect for land, and a deep understanding of how place defines character. Together, they represent Napa warmth and structure, coastal intensity, limestone purity, cool-climate precision, and the breadth of California's most compelling sites.
This feature highlights five of our wineries and the people and philosophies behind the wines—the growers, winemakers, and stewards whose craft and commitment elevate every bottle. Their work reflects what American fine wine can be today—and where we are headed next.
Robert Hanson
CEO, The Duckhorn Collection
A conversation with the winemakers who shape the wines
Five Estates. One pursuit of excellence.
The Importance of Vineyard Quality
Great wine starts in the vineyard. Slope and sun exposure, soil composition, and even the clones planted shape every decision in the cellar—and define the character in the glass. Guided by Rob Sorenson, The Duckhorn Collection stewards exceptional sites with intention and care.
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THE MILESTONES THATBUILT A COLLECTION
And Helped Define American Fine Wine
THE MILESTONES THATBUILT A COLLECTION
And Helped Define American Fine Wine
DAN AND MARGARET DUCKHORN set out to make wines of lasting distinction in Napa Valley. Inspired by the great wines of Bordeaux and guided by a belief in restraint, balance, and long-term thinking, they committed themselves to the vineyards and to letting place take the lead. Over time, Duckhorn became a benchmark, and the Collection it inspired reflects a shared pursuit of excellence across California's great wine-growing regions.
A Vineyard-First Vision Takes Root
Duckhorn Vineyards is established in Napa Valley with an early, defining commitment to Merlot, setting a house style centered on balance and elegance at a time when Cabernet Sauvignon dominated much of the valley.
Defining Cool-Climate California Chardonnay
Sonoma-Cutrer emerges as an early leader in Russian River Valley Chardonnay, establishing a Burgundian-influenced model built on site specificity, crisp acidity, and balance,
Three Palms Vineyard
Three Palms Vineyard revealed itself early as a singular Merlot site—delivering grapes with exceptional structure and depth. Decades of dedication culminate in Duckhorn's acquisition of the vineyard in 2015, securing long-term stewardship of America's most important Merlot site.
Goldeneye Founded in Anderson Valley
Duckhorn expands beyond Napa, establishing Goldeneye and signaling an early, deliberate commitment to cool-climate Pinot Noir.
Wine Spectator Wine of the Year
THE 2009 KOSTA BROWNE Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is named Wine Spectator Wine of the Year, recognizing Pinot Noir of rare precision and cementing Kosta Browne's place among America's most influential fine-wine estates.
Josh Jensen Pinot Pioneer
Calera founder Josh Jensen is recognized as a defining voice in American Pinot Noir, reinforcing the Collection's role in shaping Pinot's evolution.
Wine Spectator Wine of the Year
THE 2014 THREE PALMS VINEYARD earns Wine Spectator Wine of the Year, marking Renée Ary's first vintage and affirming the wine's enduring excellence and the lasting distinction of its vineyard.
A Portrait of Place
California's great wine regions form the foundation of the Collection. From the valley floor to coastal ridgelines and mountain slopes, each estate reflects a different facet of California terroir, connected through a shared standard of excellence.
The Duckhorn Collection Opens
A new Napa Valley destination opens on Silverado Trail, where expanded tastings and culinary experiences allow guests to experience the full Duckhorn Collection within a beautiful vineyard setting.