A Napa Valley Winery on the Silverado Trail
Napa Valley & Sonoma Wine Tasting Tours
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 When Dan and Margaret Duckhorn made their first commercial wines in 1978, they focused on two Rhone varietals.
The first, Cabernet Sauvignon—already an extremely popular varietal—was a logical choice. But the second varietal, Merlot, was a daring and innovative selection for the time. Used almost exclusively for blending, Merlot had few fans as a stand-alone wine.
But Dan Duckhorn, who had come to love Merlot while traveling in France’s Pomerol and St. Emilion regions, believed it had star qualities. He was certain that Americans would soon come to appreciate this soft, flavor-filled varietal. And he was right.
 The elegant Duckhorn tasting room—a big, white Craftsman-style house with a wrap-around porch—is set in the middle of a lush vineyard.
Filled with antiques, comfy leather club chairs grouped around low tables, collectible duck decoys and duck-themed art, it’s got the feel of a plush country club.
You’ll sit at marble-topped tables, luxuriating in the fabulous garden views while a server fills your glass (or perhaps you’d prefer relaxing on the porch, overlooking the vines?).
Fascinating Fact:
The Duckhorn family owns two other excellent wineries: Napa’s Paraduxx—further down the Silverado Trail—and Goldeneye in the Anderson Valley.
Amenities: Waterfowl art collection, Garden walks, Wine Club (complimentary tastings)
Founded: 1976
Signature Wines: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc
Wine Tasting: Basic, reservations suggested (required for six or more); Estate Tour and Enhanced Tastings, by appointment
Hours: Daily, 10–4
Duckhorn Vineyards
1000 Lodi Lane
St. Helena, CA 94574
866-367-9945
Suzie Rodriguez writes about travel, food, and wine from her home in the wine-country town of Sonoma, California. You can follow her travels and musings at The Culinary Gadabout.
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