Member Insider
SUMMER 2026
Inside this Issue
• Remembering Dan Duckhorn
• 50 Years 50 Stories
• An Estate Renewal
• Vineyard Spotlight: Three Palms Vineyard
• Virtual Tastings Take Flight
• Upcoming Winery Events
• Sensational Summer Recipes
• Benefits Among the Flock
Dan Duckhorn, In Memoriam
Daniel J. Duckhorn, visionary co-founder of The Duckhorn Portfolio and a pioneering figure in Napa Valley winemaking, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, at the age of 87, according to his wife, Nancy Andrus Duckhorn. In 1976, Dan and Margaret Duckhorn founded Duckhorn Vineyards with a bold and simple belief: that Merlot, then largely relegated to blending, deserved to stand on its own. Their first vintage in 1978 introduced Napa Valley Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to the world, helping to redefine the American wine landscape. Guided by a deep understanding of vineyard sites and a conviction that American tastes were evolving toward quality varietal wines, Dan’s early vision helped elevate Merlot into one of the New World’s most celebrated grapes.
Over the decades, Dan guided Duckhorn through thoughtful expansion while remaining deeply connected to Napa Valley’s land and community. Affectionately dubbed “Mr. Merlot,” he became one of the most respected voices in American wine, championing innovation, new appellations, and a culture of craftsmanship. Even as The Duckhorn Portfolio grew into a global luxury wine company, Dan remained closely involved as founder and chairman. His legacy lives on not only in the wines he helped shape, but in the Napa Valley community he helped build.
From 1976 to Forever
In 1976, Napa Valley was a very different place—quiet, unpolished, and full of possibility. That same year, a young couple arrived with little more than a deep love of wine. Guided by curiosity and conviction, Dan and Margaret Duckhorn set out to craft wines that reflected both their passion and the emerging promise of the valley they chose to call home. What began in a modest shed on their property has grown into a celebrated community of wine lovers around the world. Over the decades, Duckhorn has helped define the standard for American fine wine, grounded in craftsmanship, shaped by time, and inspired by a relentless pursuit of quality. Here’s to the first 50 years and to all the stories still waiting in the Glass. Duckhorn Vineyards from 1976 to forever.
50 Stories Celebrating Duckhorn Vineyards
Throughout the year, we’ll be releasing fifty stories that offer a closer look at the people, places, and passions that define Duckhorn — from behind-the-scenes moments to memories worth revisiting, and a few surprises along the way. Each week, a new story will be posted, alongside additional moments shared across our channels. Together, they reflect where we’ve been, what we’ve learned, and what continues to inspire us as we look ahead.
Vineyard Spotlight: Three Palms Vineyard
In the late 1800s, the land now known as Three Palms Vineyard was the Napa Valley estate of famed San Francisco socialite Lillie Hitchcock Coit. The three lone palm trees that remain today are a lasting tribute to her property—an enduring symbol of the vineyard’s storied past.
Located on the northeast side of Napa Valley, the 83-acre site sits on an alluvial fan formed by Selby Creek. Its rocky, well-drained soils, strewn with volcanic stones, encourage deep-rooted vines and naturally concentrated fruit, while the stones absorb and radiate warmth to protect and ripen the vines.
An Estate Renewal
Beginning April 2026, Duckhorn Vineyards will close for a year-long renovation as we thoughtfully reimagine the estate in celebration of our 50th Anniversary. We look forward to welcoming you back when we reopen in April 2027.
During this time, we invite you to experience Duckhorn in a new way at The Duckhorn Collection at Paraduxx, where we’ll be hosting exclusive anniversary-year tastings and experiences featuring Duckhorn Vineyards and Duckhorn Portfolio wines.
AT PARADUXX
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 each sip. 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 familystyle, 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!
Duckhorn Vineyards Flight
Anchored by exceptional Napa Valley wines and guided by the warm hospitality of our talented wine specialists, a visit to Duckhorn Vineyards has long been recognized as a “don’t miss” experience in Napa Valley. This milestone year makes the occasion even more special, and we look forward to celebrating with you.
NEW MEMBER PERK Virtual Tasting Events — Right at Home!
We’re bringing the tasting room to you — and it’s complimentary for members!
Whether you’re gathering friends, hosting a cozy wine social, planning a “happy hour,” or organizing a client or employee appreciation event, our Virtual Sommelier will lead the experience from start to finish.
How It Works
Already have the wine? Perfect. Open your cellar, pop those bottles, and we’ll guide you through a fun, interactive tasting experience — stories, pairings, insider tips, and plenty of laughs included. Looking to try something new? Shop through the Portfolio in our Duckhorn Wine Shop.
Perfect For:
Wine nights with friends
At-home happy hours
Office team events
Client appreciation gatherings
Let’s pop a cork and make it an experience to remember!
Meet Your Personal Virtual Sommelier: Ann Nevero
NAPA VALLEY EXPERT.
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE.
• 20 years living and working in Napa Valley
• 18 years with the Duckhorn Portfolio
• Deep relationships with renowned vintners, wine authors, and winery leaders
A WORLD OF WINE EXPERIENCE
Ann has traveled extensively through Europe and North America, tasting alongside producers in: Barolo • Rioja • Bordeaux • Loire • Burgundy • Tuscany • Rías Baixas • Provence — and many more.
YOUR HOST FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
As Duckhorn’s Virtual Sommelier, Ann has led interactive online tastings and wine education experiences for nearly 10,000 participants worldwide over the past five years.
HER PHILOSOPHY
Wine should be fun, informative, and hands-on. Because when it comes to wine… tasting is learning BOOK YOUR VIRTUAL EVENT →
Upcoming Winery Events
Hillside BBQ & Pinot Day
July 11th, 1 PM – 4 PM
At Calera
Club Members
$100/person + tax (up to 4)
General Admission
$150/person + tax
Join us at Calera Winery for Hillside BBQ & Pinot Noir—a relaxed summer gathering that brings together the elegance of Calera’s coolclimate Pinot Noirs and the rustic charm of barbeque. Set high on the limestone slopes of Mt. Harlan, this experience invites guests to slow down, enjoy the warm afternoon, and take in the panoramic views of the Cienega Valley.
The afternoon will feature local pitmasters preparing barbecue favorites from interactive stations throughout the estate. Expect the sensory signatures of summer—aromas of woodfire grilling drifting through the vineyard benches, the sound of carving boards and sizzling meats, and the vibrant colors of seasonal sides inspired by the region. Guests will taste through a curated selection of Calera’s expressive Pinot Noirs, each glass offering red-berry perfume, lifted aromatics, and the signature minerality that defines Mt. Harlan. The interplay of smoky, savory flavors with the wine’s bright acidity and layered texture creates pairings that feel grounded, effortless, and deeply satisfying. With great wine and food, relaxed hospitality, and Calera’s unforgettable setting, Hillside BBQ & Pinot Noir is an easygoing, summer afternoon worth savoring.
Duckhorn Vineyards
Estate Dinner
August 1st, 6 PM – 8:30 PM
At The Duckhorn Collection
Club Members
$225/person + tax (up to 4)
General Admission
$325/person + tax
Savor a stunning array of world-class single vineyard wines hailing from Duckhorn Vineyards’ acclaimed estate sites. The Duckhorn Estate Dinner is a four-course, wine-paired celebration of hospitality, culinary excellence and the esteemed vineyards that have been the cornerstone of our winemaking for nearly half a century. Indulge in special new releases alongside a curated selection of rare library bottlings. Each course explores the versatile elegance of chocolate in its many forms, showcasing intricate and unexpected pairings that promise a night of unforgettable culinary artistry.
Bubbles & Brunch
August 8th, 11 AM – 2 PM At Goldeneye
Club Members
- $150/person + tax (up to 4)
General Admission
$185/person + tax
Gather at Goldeneye for the debut of our 2023 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine. Your journey begins at our Bubble Bar, set amidst the natural splendor of our Confluence Estate Vineyard, where a carefully chosen array of our most cherished vintages accompany our new release. The festivities begin with an array of fresh oysters and elegant caviar bites, each a nod to the local flavors of Anderson Valley. The celebration continues with a plated brunch, featuring farm-to-table dishes that echo the seasonal rhythm of Mendocino County, perfectly paired with our acclaimed Goldeneye wines.
Embrace a day filled with the effortless elegance and understated luxury that define the Goldeneye experience, where every moment is an authentic expression of California wine country living.
Watermelon Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
This watermelon salad is summer in a bowl with a light dressing, hint of mint and of course yummy cheese. It’s always a crowd-pleaser but feel free to adjust ingredients to taste - feta can be swapped for mozzarella for a little less bite. However you assemble, be sure to pair with Goldeneye Vin Gris for a colorful summer table everyone will love.
Yield: 6 servings
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 seedless watermelon, peeled and sliced into ½ in pieces
1 bunch mint leaves cleaned and chiffonade or roughly chopped
1 block of feta cheese, crumbled
PREPARATION
1 medium shallot 1 tbsp honey
¼ cup Champagne vinegar ¾ cup canola oil
Salt & pepper to taste
1. For the Champagne Vinaigrette, mince the shallots and cover with Champagne Vinegar for 10 minutes.
2. Add honey and whisk in oil until fully combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Slice the watermelon into rectangle strips about ½ an inch wide x 3 inches in length.
4. Cover the watermelon with the vinaigrette.
5. Serve with chopped mint and crumble feta.
PAIR WITH 2025 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Vin Gris of Pinot Noir
Lobster Lemon Cream Pasta
Yield: 4-6 servings
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Creator: Couple In The Kitchen
INGREDIENTS
3 medium sized lobster tails
2 sticks butter
One package of fettuccine noodles
½ cup heavy cream
6 cloves garlic, minced, divided
4 inch long day-old baguette
PREPARATION
Juice of two lemons
Zest of two lemons
Salt and pepper
Chopped tarragon, optional garnish
1. Start by bringing a salted pot of water to boil. Once boiling, add your fettuccini and cook until al dente.
2. Meanwhile in a food processor add the bread and 3 cloves of garlic. Pulse until breadcrumbs form. If you don’t have old bread you can toast the breadcrumbs for 5 minutes to dry them out.
3. Melt the butter on low heat in a small saucepan with 3 cloves of minced garlic. Be sure to not let the butter boil.
4. Remove the lobster meat and cut into bite sized sections. Add the lobster meat to the butter and poach in the butter for 6-8 minutes until no longer transparent. Remove the lobster from the butter with a slotted spoon and set aside.
5. Pour the lobster garlic butter into a larger skillet. Add the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and pepper, whisk until combined.
6. Add in the cooked pasta and fold in the lobster.
7. Garnish with chopped tarragon, lemon zest and garlic breadcrumbs.
PAIR WITH
2023 Calera Mt. Harlan Chardonnay
Seared Pork Tenderloin with
Cocoa Spice Rub
This seared pork tenderloin with cocoa spice rub makes the perfect dinner party dish. Serve with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and you have a meal that is easy and delicious.
PAIR WITH 2022 Paraduxx Napa Valley Red Wine Rector Creek Vineyard – Block 5
Yield: 8 servings
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp whole white peppercorns
1 tbsp whole coriander
4 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cloves
PREPARATION
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
3 ½ tbsp unsweetened cocoa
4 tbsp sea salt, preferably NapaStyle Gray Salt
2 (2-lbs) boneless pork tenderloins
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, toast white peppercorns and coriander seeds until they begin to pop. Remove from heat and grind to fine powder in a spice mill or coffee grinder.
3. Mix the ground pepper and coriander with remaining spices, cocoa and salt.
4. Trim the pork tenderloins of fat and silver skin. Rub with a generous amount of the cocoa spice rub.
5. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat until hot but not smoking. Sear each tenderloin on all sides until a rich brown color, about 2 minutes on each side. Remove tenderloins from heat and finish in the oven for about 10 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Let the tenderloins rest out of the oven for at least 10 minutes before carving. Extra cocoa spice rub will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
7. Serve with roasted garlic mashed potatoes
Benefits Among The Flock
As a member of the Duckhorn Portfolio, you’re part of a flock that celebrates exceptional wines, thoughtful hospitality, and meaningful experiences — with exclusive benefits designed to elevate every sip.
Benefits Worth Raising a Glass to:
• 15% savings on all current release 750ml wines
Discover new favorites and return to beloved classics with preferred pricing on every current release.
• Standard shipping included
Your shipments arrive with standard shipping fees covered, so you can focus on what matters most — opening and enjoying each bottle.
• 20% savings on full case purchases
Stock your cellar and entertain with confidence while enjoying added savings on case orders.
• Complimentary tastings at each of our wineries
We look forward to welcoming you for hosted tastings across our family of wineries — a perfect opportunity to experience our wines where they’re crafted.
• Preferred member pricing on event tickets
From intimate winemaker dinners to seasonal celebrations, you’ll receive special pricing for unforgettable events.
• Exclusive access to our concierge services
Our dedicated team is here to assist with personalized recommendations, gifting, special requests, and memorable wine experiences.
• Flexible, customizable orders
Tailor your shipments to suit your taste. Swap selections, adjust quantities, or update preferences — your membership is designed around you.
We’re grateful to share our wines and our table with you. Cheers to many memorable moments ahead.