Call it conviction.

We’ve believed in Merlot since 1976. Not because it was trending, but because we saw what it could become.

For nearly 250 years, Merlot has been prized for its depth, color, and expressive beauty. From its early roots in Bordeaux to tables around the world, it has always been a grape of generosity and grace. Silky in texture, rich in fruit, and endlessly food-friendly, Merlot offers immediate pleasure and rewards patience in equal measure.

In 1997, Dan Duckhorn stood alongside fellow vintners and imagined a trade gathering that would showcase Napa’s most distinctive wines and give back to the valley they loved.

That idea became Premiere Napa Valley.

For us, Premiere has never been just about a barrel or a bid. It’s about the people in the room. The growers. The winemakers. The friends who believe this valley is worth investing in.

Fifty years in, we’re still grateful to be part of it.

In 1976, Napa Valley was a very different place—quiet, unpolished, and full of possibility. That same year, a young couple arrived with little more than a deep love of wine. Guided by curiosity and conviction, Dan and Margaret Duckhorn set out to craft wines that reflected both their passion and the emerging promise of the valley they chose to call home.

What began in a modest shed on their property has grown into a celebrated community of wine lovers around the world. Over the decades, Duckhorn has helped define the standard for American fine wine, grounded in craftsmanship, shaped by time, and inspired by a relentless pursuit of quality.

Join winemaker Renée Ary for a brief journey through our early days, including personal reflections and stories from our founders. Discover how the spirit that defined our first fifty years continues to guide the next fifty and beyond.