Vineyards

Duckhorn Vineyards crafts its wines from estate-grown grapes and fruit sourced from selected growers. The diverse vineyard sites of Napa Valley are an important part of this programme. Vineyards on the valley floor experience different conditions from those on the mountain slopes, while variations in soil, temperature and sun exposure shape the character of the grapes.

Dan and Margaret Duckhorn believed that good wine begins in the vineyard. From 1988 onwards, the winery gradually expanded its estate vineyard holdings, gaining greater control over grape quality and the opportunity to work with selected sites over many years. Each vintage brings further knowledge that helps the team care for the vines and choose the right moment to harvest.

Three Palms Vineyard

Three Palms holds a special place in Duckhorn’s story. Merlot from this vineyard was part of the winery’s inaugural vintage in 1978, and a longstanding partnership eventually led to its acquisition in 2015. The vineyard takes its name from the three distinctive palm trees that have become its landmark.

Located near Calistoga, the vineyard lies on the rocky alluvial deposits of Selby Creek. Its well-drained soils encourage the vines to develop deep roots in search of water and nutrients. Volcanic stones on the surface absorb the sun’s warmth during the day and gradually release it at night.

Alongside Merlot, the vineyard is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Differences in the plantings across the vineyard yield grapes with distinct characteristics, providing the winemaking team with a range of individual lots to work with.

Marlee’s Vineyard

Named in honour of Margaret Duckhorn, Marlee’s has been part of the winery’s story since its early days. It lies beside the winery’s Estate House in St. Helena. Its Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon are important components of Duckhorn’s white wines.

Stout Vineyard

Stout stretches across the steep slopes of Howell Mountain at approximately 2,080 feet above sea level. Conditions here differ markedly from those on the valley floor. Cabernet Sauvignon is a key variety at this mountain site.

Monitor Ledge Vineyard

Located near Calistoga, Monitor Ledge lies on the rocky alluvial deposits of Selby Creek. Well-drained soils and ample sun exposure support ripening. It is often among the first of Duckhorn’s estate vineyards to be harvested.

Rector Creek Vineyard

Rector Creek lies north of Yountville along the Silverado Trail. The vines grow in rocky alluvial soils, which, together with the local climate, shape the character of the site.

Patzimaro Vineyard

Patzimaro sits at the foot of Spring Mountain. Warm days help the grapes ripen, while cooler evenings help preserve acidity. The vineyard is named after the Mexican hometown of the Hurtado family, whose members worked for the winery for many years.

Cork Tree Vineyard

Cork Tree takes its name from the prominent cork oak growing among the vines. Located near the Silverado Trail, the vineyard has a west-facing aspect and well-drained soils.

Wolfe Vineyard

Wolfe lies in northern St. Helena. Duckhorn sourced Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon from this vineyard for many years before acquiring it. It is a familiar and longstanding source of fruit for the winery’s white wines.

From Individual Sites to the Finished Wine

Winemaker Renée Ary draws on the distinctive character of each vineyard. She joined Duckhorn Vineyards in 2003, having studied chemistry and art at Saint Mary’s College and gained experience at Robert Mondavi Winery under Genevieve Janssens.

Work in the cellar builds on the care given to the vineyards throughout the year. Grapes from individual vineyard blocks are processed separately, and the resulting lots are aged separately as well. Through tasting, Renée assesses their qualities and decides how to bring them together. The finished wines reflect both her knowledge of the sites and the particular character of the vintage.