Member Insider
SPRING 2026
Inside this Issue
• Celebrating 50 Years of Duckhorn Vineyards
• 2025 Harvest Updates from our winemaking team
• Spring Recipe Pairings to enjoy all season long
• Upcoming Events
• Member-Exclusive offerings
• Explore all the new experiences at The Duckhorn Collection
Duckhorn Vineyards Turns 50
This year marks a milestone we’ve been quietly building toward for decades.
Founded in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has always believed that great wine is not made from nature, but in kindred with it—through collaboration with the land, the people who tend it, and the community that gathers around the table.
For fifty years, every bottle has carried the seasons of Napa it has lived through, guided by patience, collaboration, and an enduring devotion to craft.
Our joy, perhaps even our obsession, has always been in the making, but sharing a glass never gets old.
, we’ll celebrate this milestone through , sharing one story each week that reflects the people, places, and moments that shaped us.
From vineyard to cellar to table, these stories honor where we’ve been and look ahead to what’s next.
Follow along at Duckhorn.com/50-years.
Duckhorn Vineyards. From 1976 to Forever.
2025 Harvest Updates
2025 Goldeneye Harvest Update
Winemaker Kristen McMahan
A mostly tame winter brought just the right amount of rainfall to replenish our soils and reservoirs, setting the stage for healthy cover crops and strong vineyard growth. Cooler winter temperatures led to budbreak in late March, followed by a mild spring that encouraged balanced canopies and an excellent fruit set. The mild, steady weather continued into summer. June and July were cooler and windier than average—perfect for slow, even ripening. By early August, we began to see veraison and knew harvest was just around the corner.
Harvest began on August 29th with Pinot Noir from block eight at The Narrows Vineyard, for our Vin Gris. The first still Pinot Noir fruit arrived from our warmer sites on September 5th. Throughout the season, we closely monitored each block and weather pattern to ensure every pick captured its peak expression.
The overall cooler vintage rewarded us with refined tannins, vibrant color, and concentrated flavors—hallmarks of truly exceptional Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.
2025 Harvest Update from Calera
Winemaker Mike Waller
This year’s growing season felt like a nod to Calera’s early vintages - a cool, elegant year that let the vineyard set its own pace. Winter brought average rainfall, and spring unfolded with ideal weather for bud break and bloom.
Rather than the usual summer heat, we enjoyed a stretch of cool, eventempered days that slowed ripening and kept the fruit developing steady, complex flavors. Veraison arrived mid-summer, but the cooler weather stretched the season in the best possible way. By mid to late September, acids began to soften, sugars rose gently, and the fruit reached perfect balance - bright acidity, moderate sugars, and beautiful flavor definition.
The harvest reminded us of the cooler years of 2010 and 2011 - seasons that rewarded patience and restraint. The resulting wines are already showing tremendous promise: elegant, balanced, and vibrant, with lower alcohols and a real sense of place.
2025 Duckhorn Vineyards Harvest Update
Winemaker Renée Ary
The 2025 growing season began with healthy winter rainfall that replenished soils and set the stage for a generous, balanced crop. Spring arrived gradually, with mild temperatures and minimal frost pressure, leading to even budbreak across varieties and steady, well-managed vine growth. Brief rain events in early spring supported strong canopy development and consistent fruit set.
An unusually cool summer allowed for slow, deliberate ripening, preserving freshness while building complexity. This cooler, unsettled pattern extended into September and October, moderating sugar accumulation and giving flavors and phenolics ample time to mature. Careful canopy management and thoughtful harvest timing ensured fruit was picked at optimal balance. The resulting vintage is defined by elegance and precision, producing wines that express their sites clearly and promise excellent ageability.
Orange Glazed Duck Breast with Celery
Root Purée
A beautifully sumptuous wine needs an equally nuanced dish like this orange glazed duck with celery root. Just enough acidity and supple tannins dance perfectly with fatty, umami rich duck and creamy celery Root while ginger and five spice play off subtle spice notes in the wine.
PAIR WITH
Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Gowan Creek Vineyard
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hours and 10 minutes
Serves 2
INGREDIENTS
1 whole duck breast (two pieces)
2 small celery root (~1 quart diced)
1 pint heavy whipping cream
1 oz fresh ginger, sliced
ÂĽ cup honey
PREPARATION
1 cup orange juice
Zest of one orange
A pinch of Chinese Five Spice Powder
Salt to taste
1. Start by making the glaze: combine the ginger, honey, orange juice and five spice powder in a small sauce pot. Bring to a boil then immediately reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 20-30 minutes or until reduced heavily and thickened. Strain out the ginger and discard, then stir in the orange zest - set aside to cool.
2. To make the celery root puree, gently cook the peeled and diced celery root in the pint of cream until the celery root is tender. Transfer to a blender with a pinch of salt and blend until smooth.
3. Take the duck breasts out and allow them to come to room temperature. Score the skin with a sharp knife and season liberally with salt on both sides.
4. Bring a large cast iron or non-stick pan up to medium heat. Gently place the duck breasts in the pan, skin side down, and cook for 10-15 minutes allowing the fat to render out and crisp the skin. Baste the duck breast with their own rendered fat until desired internal temperature is achieved (135° for medium rare). Remove the breasts from the pan and allow them to rest for 5-7 minutes.
5. Slice the duck breasts and liberally spoon the glaze over before serving over the warmed celery root puree.
Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Chorizo, cheese and delicious Poblano peppers? Check! We love Mexican food and this dish is a perfect harmony of creamy and filling recipe with a little bit of spice. It’s a classic meal that’s easy to make to your taste. Open a bottle of our Calera Pinot Noir with this meal and let the notes of black currant and raspberry perfectly balance the heat from the meal.
PAIR WITH
2022 Calera Mt. Harlan Pinot Noir Jensen Vineyard
Yield: 4-6 Servings
Prep: 10 Minutes | Cook: 1 Hour
Total Time: 1 Hour And 10 Minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 lb. ground chorizo
6 poblano peppers
1 cup cooked quinoa
½ cup cilantro - chopped
1 ½ cups jack cheese - shredded
1 cup corn - frozen or fresh
2 garlic cloves - chopped
1 cup salsa verde
PREPARATION
1. Roast poblanos in a 400 degree oven for 20 minutes on a baking sheet.
2. In a medium skillet cook chorizo for 8 minutes, then add garlic and corn and cook for 5 more minutes.
3. Rinse quinoa and place in small pot with 1 ½ cups water and a pinch of salt, cover - bring to boil and turn off heat and let sit for 15 minutes until cooked.
4. Fluff with fork and add 1 cup of quinoa to the chorizo mixture along with ½ cup chopped cilantro, mix together.
5. Take each cooled poblano and make a slit down the center of each, remove seeds. Spoon the chorizo mixture into each pepper.
6. Add the salsa verde to the bottom of a medium baking dish, place stuffed poblanos in dish and sprinkle cheese on each pepper. (If you prefer extra cheese you can mix more cheese into the chorizo mixture before stuffing the peppers.)
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted.
Grab your Hat and Join us for the Derby!
11th Annual Derby Party & Discussion Release
May 2, 2026 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
NEW LOCATION! The Duckhorn Collection at Paraduxx
Celebrate the run for the roses at one of Wine Country’s most beloved traditions—the 11th Annual Duckhorn Vineyards Derby Party & Discussion Release. This year, we’re bringing the festivities to a new setting at our sister property, The Duckhorn Collection, where the legacy continues in a fresh new way.
Settle into the day with Southern-inspired bites from Chef Dominic Orsini and signature wines poured across our lounge, beneath the old oak tree, and beside the vines. From Duckhorn Vineyards to Goldeneye and beyond, experience the spirit of The Duckhorn Collection as our home becomes yours for an afternoon of food, wine, and celebration.
Taste
the 2022 Duckhorn Vineyards The Discussion
Tradition and excellence unite as we debut the 2022 vintage of The Discussion Red Blend—a wine that embodies the ongoing dialogue of craftsmanship and connection in winemaking. Be among the first to savor the new vintage of this Bordeaux-inspired blend while reveling in the excitement of the Kentucky Derby.
Show off your Derby-style
No Derby celebration would be complete without our Best Dressed Competition, inviting guests to showcase their finest race-day style—from big hats and fascinators to sport coats and bow ties.
Don’t Miss This Sell-Out Event!
Enter The Winner’s Circle Reserved Seating
For those seeking a touch more elegance and ease, The Winner’s Circle offers relaxed comfort and curated service. Enjoy personalized wine selections with a dedicated host ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the action.
General Admission: $200
Members: $150
VIP Winner’s Circle: $400
2026 Events Calendar
Whether it’s one of our tried and true, must-attend events, or something new and exciting, we hope you join us soon at one of our wineries and experience all that these beautiful properties have to offer. Explore more details online and get your tickets now before seats sell out!
La Dolce Vigna Italian Dinner
May 16 at Calera
Surrounded by sweeping vineyard vistas, guests will savor a multi-course feast inspired by the rustic elegance of the Italian countryside, each dish crafted to highlight the purity, grace, and depth of Calera’s worldclass wines.
Smokin’ Pinot BBQ
July 11 at Calera
Enjoy a laid-back afternoon celebrating the irresistible pairing of smoky barbecue and world-class Pinot Noir. Sip through a selection of Calera’s expressive, cool-climate Pinot Noirs while savoring the aromas of the grill and the relaxed charm of summer in the Cienega Valley.
For the latest event announcements:
Visit our website
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Duckhorn Estate Dinner
August 1 at The Duckhorn Collection
Join us for an evening of wine-country hospitality as we honor the legacy of Three Palms Vineyard—California’s Grand Cru—and the wines that have shaped a century of Duckhorn excellence.
Soiree of Cabernet
September 26 at The Duckhorn Collection
Celebrate the majesty of Cabernet Sauvignon at The Duckhorn Collection’s grand Harvest Ball. This open-house soirée invites guests to sip, stroll, and savor the wines that define our legacy. From rare and single-vineyard bottlings to bold new releases, immerse yourself in the depth and beauty of Cabernet through curated tasting stations spread throughout the property.
May 15-May 22
Welcome Reception & Farewell Tasting
Winemaker Dinner Paired With Wines From Our Portfolio
Seminar And Wine Tasting
Hosted By Duckhorn Vineyards
Winemaker Renee Ary
For inquiries, please reach out to Food & Wine Trails www.foodandwinetrails.com/cruises/duckhorn2026
Athens, Greece
Santorini, Greece
Heraklion, Greece
Mykonos, Greece
Izmir, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
This Is Where Connection Lives
AT PARADUXX
Experience the full flock.
A Napa Valley gem where 50 years of heritage meets an inclusive, abundant spirit. Enjoy the quiet beauty of the valley under a giant oak, learn more about your favorite blends inside our luxurious space, or catch up with old friends at the edge of our vineyard. There is something for everyone here, where great wine and good company flow together.
Wine Tasting Experiences
Wine tastings are by prior appointment only. All club members receive complimentary wine tasting experiences for up to four adults for our Paraduxx Tasting, Terroir & Tradition Experience, and Reflections of Napa Valley Tasting with a member present.
Reflections of Napa Valley
Experience the heart of Napa Valley with a side-by-side tasting of Paraduxx and Duckhorn Vineyards wines. From the artful blends of Paraduxx to the timeless elegance of Duckhorn, this curated flight celebrates the region’s diversity and depth, crafted for those who savor both innovation and tradition.
Terroir & Tradition Tasting Experience
Our story begins in Napa Valley, where terroir and tradition shape every bottle. This curated tasting experience celebrates the enduring passion of Pinot Noir enthusiasts, offering a thoughtful exploration of this noble varietal. Beginning with a Pinot Noir from our acclaimed Napa Valley vineyard, El Veredicto, the experience continues to reveal the distinct expressions of Pinot Noir with additional select offerings. Your seated tasting is complemented by seasonal bites, crafted to enhance eachsip. Reservations required.
Gather & Graze
At The Duckhorn Collection, we believe memories are created when people gather, share stories, and truly connect. This wine and food experience is served family-style, featuring wines from across our portfolio. Each course is designed to inspire exploration and play, encouraging you to mix, match and savor. You may even uncover an unexpected favorite along the way and an idea you can bring home with you!
The Paraduxx Tasting
Discover the bold, expressive spirit of Paraduxx through a curated flight of five small-production, current-release Napa Valley blends, complemented by a selection of seasonal bites. Guided by a knowledgeable wine specialist, this relaxed seated tasting offers a deeper look into Paraduxx’s story and contemporary approach to blending. Reservations required.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE!