Candlestick Ridge Vineyard is a 30-acre vineyard within the Howell Mountain appellation. Duckhorn Vineyards acquired this property in 1996, and we have spent the last three years developing this unique landscape.

Situated 1,700 feet above the Napa Valley floor, the geography of the site ranges from mountaintop plateaus to steep slopes that had to be terraced to control soil erosion. Traditionally, vineyards have one or two vine rows per terrace. However, Dan Duckhorn had different plans for ours; he came across an article on Port vineyards in the Douro Valley in Portugal with three vine rows per terrace. The geography of the steep vine-covered slopes reminded him of the Candlestick Ridge Vineyard property, so we planted our vineyard accordingly.

For the plantings at Candlestick Ridge Vineyard we decided to plant a mix of Bordeaux varieties as well as Zinfandel, which will be utilized in our Paraduxx brand. In total, we will have 13 acres of Merlot, 7 acres of Zinfandel, 3 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 2 acres of Cabernet Franc, 1 acre of Petit Verdot, and even a small amount of Syrah.

As you explore the Candlestick Ridge property, you find stunning views in all directions. The site has the feel of a vineyard island floating at the top of a rustic wilderness. Looking out toward the southwest you can see Candlestick Ridge from which the vineyard gets its name. To the west is a forested valley that is home to a 2,500 acre hunting ranch overlooked by the peak of Mt. St. Helena. The forest surrounding the vineyard is home to an abundance of wildlife, including deer, mountain lions, and bears.

We have high hopes that the vines will provide us with wines that capture the rugged elegance of this striking vineyard site.