Direct Policies & Procedures
Thank you for your interest in our Direct programs. Listed below are answers to commonly asked questions. If you cannot find the information you're looking for, please contact us at welcome@duckhorn.com or 866-367-9945.
Direct Shipping Law FAQs
- When will my Shipment arrive?
Your wine shipment will arrive via FedEx right around the 1st of the month that corresponds to the particular wine release. The annual release schedule is as follows-
- Paraduxx - November 1st
- Goldeneye - March 1st
- Migration - March 1st
- Duckhorn Vineyards - April 1st/September 1st
- Decoy - April 1st
For more information on when our wines are released, please view our Release Schedule.
top
- Are there program commitment requirements? How do I cancel a membership?
There is no required length of time for belonging to a Direct program. If for any reason, you need to cancel, please contact us at 866-367-9945 or customerservice@duckhorn.com and we will cancel your membership.
top
- What is the price for future Direct program shipments?
There is no fee to join the Direct Program. You will be notified of the price for your wines one month prior to your shipment. The price will include the retail value of the wine, any applicable taxes and the shipping rate, which is discounted by 25% for Direct members.
top
- What are the Direct program shipping charges?
Customers in the Direct programs will receive 25% off the established shipping rate on any of their Duckhorn Wine Company purchases while enrolled in a Direct program. Please use the code "Direct" when placing your order online. View discounted Shipping Rates.
top
- Will I be notified of my wine shipments?
Yes, you will be notified via email up to four weeks prior to your expected shipment. This reminder will allow you to update any pertinent information such as shipping address or other contact information as well your credit card information that we retain on file.
top
- How do I schedule a complimentary tasting at a winery?
You can visit Duckhorn Vineyards, Paraduxx or Goldeneye for a complimentary tasting for up to four persons. We recommend that you make a reservation two to four weeks in advance. Please visit Contact Us to find the appropriate winery contact information.
top
- Can I order wine between Direct shipments?
We'll be happy to assist you in orders between your Direct shipments. All of your orders will include 25% off of established shipping charges. Please call us at 866-367-9945 or visit us online at www.duckhorn.com
top
- How do I notify you of shipping address changes?
To change the address to where your wine will be shipped, please contact us at 866-367-9945 or welcome@duckhorn.com at least two weeks prior to your scheduled shipment.
top
- How do I notify you of a change in my email address?
To notify us of an email address change, please contact us at 866-367-9945 or welcome@duckhorn.com with your new email.
top
- Is there an age requirement to join a Direct program?
Yes, you must be at least 21 years of age to enroll in the program. Your birth date will be kept on file with Duckhorn Wine Company.
top
- Is an adult signature required at time of delivery?
Complying with federal law, an adult signature will be required to receive your shipment. When the wine is delivered, the person receiving the delivery may be required to show identification proving the he or she is at least 21 years old.
top
- Can I ship the Direct program to multiple addresses?
Wines in the Direct program can be shipped as gift memberships to friends, family or colleagues. Please contact us at 866-357-9945 or visit us online at www.duckhorn.com, where our website offers multiple address functionality.
top
- Can I delay or suspend a Direct shipment
If necessary, you may delay your shipment for up to 30 days from its scheduled release date. Please advise of your desired shipment date at the time we email your Notification of Shipment advise. Shipments for wines in the Direct program may be suspended for up to one year. Please advise of this request at the time we email your Notification of Shipment advise.
top
- How do I update a credit card or take care of a declined credit card?
We request that any credit card changes be made one month prior to your scheduled shipment. Please contact us at 866-367-9945 to advise of a credit card change. For orders that are unable to be processed because of a declined credit card, we will contact you at least two times to acquire another credit card number. After two attempts, we will cancel the pending order.
top
- Can I modify the wines that I have chosen for my annual portfolio?
Yes. You may change your annual portfolio preferences at any time. Changes to an upcoming shipment made within two weeks of the release will not take affect until the next scheduled shipment, or the following release.
top
- Do I need to renew my membership in a Direct program each year?
There is no need to renew your commitment to the program. Your wine selections will be sent to you on an annual basis.
top
- Is there a Will Call option for the Direct program wines?
Yes, your Direct program wines can be placed on a Will Call status at the winery. Will Call orders may remain in our inventory for up to 90 days beyond the release date.
top
Direct Shipping Law FAQs
- What is the Supreme Court ruling on wine shipments?
On May 16th, 2005, the United States Supreme Court ruled that states may not discriminate against out-of-state wineries seeking to ship wine directly to consumers if they allow their in-state wineries to ship directly to consumers. The High Court reasoned that state laws banning such shipments were discriminatory and, therefore, unconstitutional.
- When will the affected states open for direct wine shipments?
The ruling does not immediately affect the states that ban shipments from out-of-state wineries to consumers. The next step is for legislators in the affected states to determine if they will allow direct shipments. States can continue to ban direct shipments but only if they do not allow their in-state wineries to ship directly to consumers. If legislators want to allow direct shipments, they will need to pass their individual direct shipping bill(s) before a customer in that state may receive wine directly from an out-of-state winery.
- Which states are affected?
Currently, Duckhorn Wine Company uses a legally compliant three-tier shipping method to send wine to customers living in some of these states, including Arizona, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. Please see map for details:

- For the states we ship to via a three-tier shipping method, how will the delivery time be affected?
If and when these states pass individual direct shipping bills, the delivery time for receiving wine shipments will be expedited to within five business days using the direct shipping method versus the current 14 - 21 days using a legally compliant three-tier shipping method. For more information on wine shipping laws, please visit www.freethegrapes.org or www.wineinstitute.org.
top
Close window