Interview with Margaret Duckhorn
We would like to introduce you to our founder and vice president of industry relations, Margaret Duckhorn. We interviewed her about her work, her life, and her passions.
How did you first learn about enjoying wine?
My first introduction to wine was when my family was living in Germany. Living in southern Germany we enjoyed many of the Mosel wines. My father would take his wine bottles to the local winery and have them refilled every couple of weeks. Also, there was a French wine vendor who used to come through our neighborhood every month selling red wines from France, so I was also exposed to the great wines of Bordeaux.
What did you do before you got into the wine business?
My profession was public health and school nursing. I graduated from the University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing and worked for a year at the Public Health Department in Berkeley until we started our family. When we moved to Napa Valley, I became the school nurse for the region's eight up-valley schools.
What has changed in the 30 years you have been involved with Duckhorn Vineyards?
Much has changed in the past 30 years, both in Napa Valley and in our industry. Thirty years ago St. Helena had no restaurants, no movie theatre, and there were only about 40 wineries in the valley. Today we have over 300 wineries, many wonderful restaurants, and a movie theatre in St. Helena. As a result, our form of entertainment has changed. We used to entertain each other in our homes more, doing the cooking ourselves and tasting a variety of wines. Today, we tend to enjoy the local restaurants with our friends and family. We still enjoy home cooking, but we do more entertaining out than before. While some of the "small town" feel has disappeared, it has been replaced by great venues like the Napa Valley Opera House and the Lincoln Theatre, which provide some wonderful cultural experiences that were only available in San Francisco in the early years. As for what's changed at Duckhorn Vineyards, I think it is safe to say that we have learned a great deal and evolved. This said, I believe we have also remained very consistent in our core values. From the beginning, it has always been about quality and making exceptional wines. That has remained a constant.
How do you like to entertain guests at your home?
I like to keep everything pretty casual by having friends in my kitchen, enjoying a glass of wine and talking, while food preparation is underway. I feel there is something very enjoyable, and a bit intimate about preparing a meal in the company of friends. It's the way I prefer to entertain. I've also been known to put guests to work.
What would you consider to be the most rewarding part of your job?
I love my job, and consider myself to be very fortunate. I have always said that many people work very hard to be able to experience what I essentially do for a living; that is, enjoy the out of doors, meet interesting people, work with a wonderful staff, enjoy great food and wine, travel the world, and stay in some incredible places.
What is the most enjoyable part?
The wine industry is a way of life; from enjoying the seasons in the vineyards and the furious activity at harvest to the stimulation of planning how to market and sell our wines, I find my work engaging and fascinating. In addition, when on the road I meet some incredible people who live very interesting lives and who share a common interest in food and wine and foreign travel.
What is your favorite food and wine pairing?
I'm not sure I have a single favorite food and wine pairing, but I really enjoy red wine, so Pinot Noir with salmon, Merlot with lamb, or Paraduxx with a rich pasta dish are some of my absolute favorite combinations. And, a cheese course with any red wine is always a "must."
You travel a lot for the company; what are some of your favorite places to visit?
Europe and Canada are certainly some of my favorites; Hong Kong is also very exciting. Each country offers something special, but it always feels good to return to our beautiful Napa Valley. I also love the serene, low-key spirit of our Anderson Valley properties.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
Simple things. I enjoy spending time with my husband and children watching my grandchildren participate in various sports or activities. I also enjoy fly fishing, walking my dog in the vineyard, and I am beginning to enjoy the challenge of playing golf.
