A Conversation on Legacy
As Duckhorn Vineyards celebrates 50 years, we partnered with The New York Times to reflect on the people, vision, and milestones that have shaped the winery since its founding. Watch as Winemaker Renée Ary and Director of Estate Vineyards Rob Sorenson share the story behind Duckhorn’s pioneering legacy, its commitment to quality, and the future of Napa Valley winemaking.
America at 250. Duckhorn at 50.
America turns 250 this year. We turn 50. We didn’t plan to share an anniversary with the country — but we’ll take it. Two declarations, two hundred years apart, rooted in the same conviction: that something new was worth believing in.
The White Wine That Helped Define Duckhorn
Inspired by the great white wines of Bordeaux, Dan and Margaret Duckhorn saw the potential for Sauvignon Blanc in Napa Valley long before it became a winery staple. Since 1982, Duckhorn Vineyards North Coast Sauvignon Blanc has reflected that vision, balancing vibrant fruit, elegance, and a distinct sense of place.
Hear Renée Ary share what makes Duckhorn Vineyards North Coast Sauvignon Blanc one of their most iconic wines.
The Father of American Merlot
This Father’s Day, we celebrate the legacy of Dan Duckhorn: a visionary who trusted his instincts, championed Napa Valley Merlot when few others would, and helped shape the future of American wine. Dan’s impact extends far beyond the bottle and his story is a reminder that the greatest legacies are built through conviction, generosity, and a commitment to those who follow. This Father’s Day, we raise a glass to Dan, and to the fathers who built something worth passing down.
What My Dad Passed Down ||by Lauren Stafford
Ed Gerard kept a bottle of Duckhorn Merlot in his wine locker at Morton’s and had an opinion on every pairing. His daughter Lauren carries that tradition forward — one vintage at a time.
Napa Valley Chardonnay, Distinctly Duckhorn
For a house built on Bordeaux varietals, Duckhorn Chardonnay might surprise you, though it shouldn’t. Since its inaugural 2012 vintage, winemaker Renée Ary has guided this wine with the same rigor and restraint the estate brings to everything it grows. Lively acidity keeps the wine honest, while measured oak lends depth without obscuring the fruit. It’s a Chardonnay that earns its place at the table and holds it.
Hear Renée tell the story behind the wine.
Three Palms Vineyard: Rooted in Rebellion
Three Palms Vineyard has always belonged to people who saw things differently. First Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who planted palm trees where no one expected them. Then Duckhorn, who chose to elevate Merlot in a valley dominated by Cabernet. The palms still stand today — a little unexpected, entirely unforgettable.
Duckhorn Estate House: A Legacy Reimagined
When Dan and Margaret Duckhorn arrived in Napa Valley in 1976, they weren’t just starting a winery, they were making a home. Nearly fifty years later, we’re reimagining the Estate House with that same intention: a place shaped by the land and the people who’ve gathered here. Doors open in Spring 2027.
The Next Conversation Has Already Started
Introducing the Legacy Wine Collection. Extraordinarily limited. Available only at duckhorn.com.
Every great winery eventually reaches a moment where honoring its past isn’t enough. Where the real question isn’t what have we made but what are we capable of making next?
This is that moment for Duckhorn.
Margaret Duckhorn: The Heart Behind the Legacy
Before she helped change the way America saw Merlot, Margaret Duckhorn spent years as a school nurse, caring for children across eight up-valley schools. She tended her garden, hosted with warmth, and when the Duckhorn tasting room was built, she had one rule: make it feel like someone’s home. This Mother’s Day, we raise a glass of her favorite, North Coast Sauvignon Blanc, and toast to her, and to the women who’ve shaped the people and places we love.