Co-founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has spent a quarter century establishing itself as one of North America's premier producers of Bordeaux varietal wines. From its modest inaugural vintage of 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 cases of Merlot in 1978, to its addition of Sauvignon Blanc in 1982, Duckhorn Vineyards has created a reputation for quality and excellence that continues today.
 Duckhorn were unusual in making an early decision to focus on the production of Merlot. Though many Napa Valley wineries were using Merlot as a blending grape in the late seventies, few were exploring the potential of the varietal as a stand-alone wine. A great fan of Merlot since traveling to St. Emilion and Pomerol, Dan Duckhorn felt that this elegant varietal was under appreciated in North America and deserved more attention.
 The quality of Duckhorn Vineyards' wines has always been based on a commitment to selecting the finest fruit. Whether carefully sourcing grapes from top sites in the Napa Valley or committing itself to estate vineyards, the winery was built on the belief that great wines begin in the vineyard. Beginning in 1988, hand-selected Napa Valley properties were purchased for their estate vineyard program, guaranteeing a consistent source of high quality fruit, year after year. The winery's seven estate vineyards are located in alluvial fans of the Napa Valley and on the slopes of Howell Mountain.
 As a result of this wealth of prime vineyard, winemaker Bill Nancarrow has numerous vineyard blocks to choose from, each offering markedly different flavour profiles. Dedicated to making wines that reflect the unique character and quality of the vineyards and approaching each vineyard block individually, Bill's goal is to harvest when the flavours have reached their peak and the tannins are at their softest.