Share Your Experience:
We invite you to share your experience about enjoying our wines - whether it's at the winery, at an event, at a restaurant, with friends, or at home.
Duckhorn Wine Company Experiences
Below are excerpts from our customers who have shared their experience enjoying our wines.
Read experiences for:
Duckhorn Vineyards
Duckhorn Vineyards wines
We recently took my parents to the Napa Valley region to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. We celebrated the event with a dinner at Martini House and I brought along the 2001 Duckhorn Vineyards Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon Stout Vineyard. It was absolutely magnificant. It had mellowed to perfection and blended extremely well with our beef and pork. I just wish I had bought more! Thanks Duckhorn for making the evening meal so special!
Doug Jack
Granite Bay, CA
06/10/2008
This was our first visit to Napa and we could not think of a beter honeymoon destination. Our visit to Duckhorn has been the highlight of our trip. We actually visited twice for tastings and fell in love with the Sauvignon Blanc and the Estate Merlot. We signed up for the direct delivery so we can look forward to our anniversay 'present' each year to remember our visit!
The Parkers
Gainesville, VA
04/18/2008
In March 2008 my daughter and son-in-law visited Duckhorn Vineyards and had a fabulous time tasting the wines and learning about the winery. The wine educator that poured for them was from MA too, which was fun for them. We have been enjoying your wines for quite some time and because they are always good, I ordered some directly from you. We are saving them for a special occasion. Just thought you would like to know how much all of our family loves Duckhorn. I hope to also have the chance to visit your vineyards in the future.
Judy Carney
North Andover, MA
04/17/2008
I was on a business trip in Las Vegas four weeks ago and tried the Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot at the Paris Eiffel Tower restaurant. I am from Belgium and this is one of the best tasting wines I have had in my life!
Etienne Finet
San Jose, CA
01/24/2008
Dear Folks, Last summer we purchased three bottles of Migration Vin Gris at your Anderson Valley tasting room. Is it possible to order a case of that that could be shipped to us here in Vermont? It was absolutely delicious. Gordon Hayward
Gordon Hayward
Putney, VT
08/26/2007
I had never had Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc until I recently ordered a bottle in a restaurant...and it was awesome!
Brenda
Santa Clarita, CA
08/15/2007
Last night at dinner some friends of ours were celebrating the closing of their home. My friend ordered a bottle of the 2002 Duckhorn Merlot. After about 2 or 3 minutes of opening up, I truly believe this was one of the best tasting Merlots I've ever had. It had the perfect smoothness of a Merlot and had a wonderful after flavor that enhanced every bite of the steak we had ordered. You have a winner with this great wine. Thank you!
Dan Heckman
Newcastle, WA
06/19/2007
Our Super Bowl Sunday wine tasting party started off with a few unknown Chardonnays...the main event started with 2003 Migration and 2 magnums of the 2001 Goldeneye followed by a vertical of the Duckhorn Merlots 1980-1981-1982-1983-and a 1984 Three Palms Merlot. The crowd went nuts over the Goldeneye, Migration, and the 1980 and 1984 Merlots. All the wines were very enjoyable and my guests were pleased with the selection and quality of ALL the wines. I have always told all my friends how important it is to cellar your wines properly. After tasting the 1980 Merlot my point was well made. I have always been a long time fan of Duckhorn Merlots and Cabernets and now you also have outstanding Pinot Noirs. Thank you for such great wines throughout the years!
Earl Foster
Tustin, CA
03/01/2007
Hello from Canada's capital. We just had another bottle of your 2003 Duckhorn Merlot and it was fantastic. Your wines are wonderful, and I wish we could get more of them up here in the Great White North.
Cheryl and Mac - Big Fans in Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
02/26/2007
My extended family (about 25) took a Princess cruise over the Thanksgiving week. Every night we enjoyed a bottle or two of Paraduxx at our table. It will be the one of the great memories from this cruise will become a Thanksgiving tradition. It paired well with the turkey and the lobster!
Roxann
San Jose, CA
01/10/2007
We've only been able to enjoy the Duckhorn wine dinners here in Vegas, but visited Napa for our first time a couple of weeks ago... On Sunday, we visited both Duckhorn and the Paraduxx wineries. The service was supreme and the wine was as fabulous as always (resulting in a rather large purchase). While visiting Paraduxx later in the afternoon we went for a walk out on the grounds. We found ourselves to be the only guests sitting at the picnic bench in the olive trees. It was here that my beau proposed to me! And after all was said and done he said it was because we're a "Pair of Ducks". We wanted to thank Duckhorn and Paraduxx for taking such great care of us and for making such great wines.
Shelby Seder and Chris Tashlin
Las Vegas, NV
11/29/2006
Not so much a "love a specific Duckhorn wine" story because we love them all. My new husband and I celebrated our wedding in Ohio recently. At each table we put together a wine centerpiece highlighting Duckhorn wines. A lucky guest at each table got to take it home. We were able introduce Duckhorn to some new "users" as well as impress those that already knew and loved Duckhorn. I have been successful in converting my husband to a Duckhorn groupie and have an easy pass to visit Lodi Lane at least once a year for a buying trip.
Kwon and Annette Lee
Stockton, CA
11/14/2006
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Delmonico's Steakhouse at the Venetian, Las Vegas. Our host did not know a lot about wines (and neither do I, for that matter), however he choose the 1999 Duckhorn Merlot and wow, it was so delicious. All they had of this wine was a magnum and we enjoyed every drop of it.
Denise
Las Vegas, NV
09/14/2006
This is a note to Russ Crider, who posted a note below about wishing he could find more Duckhorn in Minnesota. We love Duckhorn and currently carry Duckhorn Merlot and Paraduxx on our wine list at the Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant in downtown Minneapolis.
Lowell Pickett
Minneapolis, MN
04/19/2006
We recently attended the Celebration of Tastes wine lovers dinner at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, MO. We had an excellent time and thoroughly enjoyed all of Duckhorn's wine selections. We will forever be Duckhorn enthusiasts from now on. We look forward to adding Duckhorn to our wine cellar.
J. Gamel
Nixa, MO
02/23/2006
Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
I was tasked with picking out the wine for my brother's 30th birthday party, and picked up a bottle of the 2006 Sauvignon Blanc among others. Of all the wines I selected, the Duckhorn was by far the most talked about. I feel as though I should be collecting a commission because everyone was going to buy some of their own after drinking the wine I purchased.
MJP
Washington, DC
04/26/2008
My husband and I visited the Duckhorn Vineyards in late May. It was the first part of our 2 week honeymoon (San Francisco, Napa and Hawaii). I am usually a lover of reds but fell in love with the Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc. We also loved the Cabernet and purchased a bottle that we are planning to open at a party this weekend. Thanks for the great wine and great experience at your winery!
Lisa
Davie, FL
08/01/2007
We were first turned on to Duckhorn by our newly married daughter when she was living in Las Vegas. Later, they moved to New York State…we shipped several bottles to them at Christmas time and they were so grateful! When they paid us a visit this past summer, we shared several bottles over dinners on the deck. What a great time with a great wine! Thanks, Duckhorn.
Jerry Laake
Davenport, Iowa
10/12/2006
This has been my fav since I tried it five years ago - it is a constant staple in our daily wine consumption - it goes with everything (as well as on its own!) as is the perfect FL summer wine. We can't wait to visit in the fall! Enjoy the Sauv Blanc - the best!
Annie Warwick
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
06/26/2006
My friends who live in San Francisco and Modesto took me to your Winery. We sampled a few wines – the one I loved was the Sauvignon Blanc. A local liquor store here in New Jersey carries your Sauvignon Blanc, but it’s sold out every time I go in -- it can't stay on the shelf. I love it! I had a fabulous time visiting Napa and your staff was polite and informative. Thank you for the fabulous experience. I hope to be back this summer or fall!
Kathleen
Kearny, NJ
04/19/2006
Napa Valley Merlot
On a business trip to California last week, I had the pleasure of sharing a bottle of your 2004 Merlot over dinner with a couple of my associates. When one of them saw this selection on the wine list he insisted (we are usually Cab drinkers) that we order it. WOW! It was the highlight of our trip! Almost every time someone took a sip they would look around the table and comment. Kudos to your vineyard for this masterpiece. I have already been spreading the word. This is a conundrum because I have the urge to keep it a secret, but I have already told ALL of my fellow wine lovers around the country. It is too fine to keep a secret. Absolute candy!
Alan Warren
Ringgold, GA
02/01/2008
I fell in love with the women I want to spend the rest of my life with over a bottle of Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot in Old Town Alexandria, VA. We have agreed to never drink this wine with anyone else or when we are apart.
TMK
Alexandria, VA
09/30/2007
SUPERB!!! Wow...what an outstanding wine, from start to finish. The only thing it needed was the second bottle!!!
Debbie
Folsom, CA
10/22/2006
Visiting downtown St. Louis. A fabulous dinner at Lombardo's before the Eric Clapton concert. All made perfect with a bottle of Duckhorn Merlot. I'd never had Duckhorn before this dinner but will definitely be sharing it with many others in the future. Great stuff.
Mike
Ann Arbor, MI
09/20/2006
My fiancée and I enjoy your wines. On our first date he ordered this wine. Then the night he proposed we had it. On our wedding day, we plan on enjoying this wine, as it has created many special moments in our lives. Thanks!
Barbara
Castle Rock, CO
04/11/2006
We enjoyed the 2002 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot with a fabulous meal prepared by "The Kitchen" in Sacramento. The wine was superb. We bought the balance of their stock and just recently used the last bottle. We’ve since gone online to replenish our supply and plan on visiting the winery soon to taste other Duckhorn wines. Thank you and "The Kitchen" for a grand wine with a grand meal.
Bart Upton
Sacramento, California
02/06/2006
I was recently in Mumbai, India and imagine my husband's and my surprise to see Duckhorn Merlot. I was so excited I snapped a picture of it.
Sheila Seaton
Beverly Hills, CA
01/24/2006
I am a Merlot fan, but the Merlot with the duck picture is different. It is smooth yet has impact. I had it when I went to a French Restaurant (Rover of Seattle). I had to thank the person who recommended this wine.
Alex Hermawan
Bellevue, WA
12/25/2005
Howell Mountain
What a great wine for the price! My wife and I enjoyed this on her birthday and we were pleasantly surprised by its softness and full body. Its richness went very well with our entire meal. Typical dark reds go well with red meats and rich sauces, but this complimented our meal from appetizers to dessert. Keep up the great work and next time we are in the area, you will be definitely on our list!
Tom and Michelle Cabezut
Clovis, CA
10/16/2006
Three Palms Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot
This weekend my wife and I opened up a bottle of your 2003 Three Palms Vineyard Merlot. I am an avid wine enthusiast, and currently have a modest 500 bottle cellar. My wife actually gave this bottle to me for our 5th wedding anniversary a couple years ago, and decided after a couple years in the bottle, this wine should be ready to drink. I’ve always been a sucker for a great Merlot. Unfortunately recent Hollywood movies have inappropriately tarnished this wonderful varietal. A great Merlot can hold its own against some of the greatest wines out there in my opinion. From the moment I popped the cork, I knew we had a winner. The best two words I can think of to describe this wine is “Perfect Balance”. The color, the nose, the palate experience from start to finish, all perfectly executed. Absolutely fastidious. Please pass along my thanks to your wine maker (and his/her team) for creating “The Perfect Merlot”. Out of the literally hundreds of bottles of Merlot I’ve had in my life, this one is #1.
Jason Smith
Bellevue, WA
11/20/2007
As always, with our experience with your merlot's, we have absolutely enjoyed every drop and will continue to voice your name as long as you are still around and producing the best wine for a reasonable price.
Chase Prater
Little Rock, Ar
10/29/2007
I am by no means experienced in wines, however, my wife and I tried the Three Palms Vineyard Merlot and thought it was sensational! She has a basic knowledge of wines and said she would recommend to her customers if only it were available at The Tides Inn in Irvington, VA. Thank you for the experience.
Karl Haydon
Norfolk, VA
04/02/2007
Last Saturday, 1-23-07: I went rummaging through my cellar and came upon a bottle of 1988 Duckhorn Three Palms Merlot. I didn't know what to expect, so I took it to Hi-Times cellars in Costa Mesa where Todd opened the bottle with me. He tasted it, looked at me and said: "This is why you age wines." It was by far one of the nicest experiences with an old Merlot ever. Duckhorn, you keep rockin'. Happy Trails!
John Eckhardt
Huntington Beach, CA
01/30/2007
I recall cool evenings at Julius' Castle and my Three Palms Merlot, for which I paid corkage. Tom Rinaldi, I believe, was the winemaker and I fell in love with my Duckhorn. Hundreds of bottles of Dan's best since consumed, and I still love your wine. I wish I could find more of it here in Minnesota.
Russ Crider
Mineapolis, MN
02/23/2006
Estate Grown Napa Valley Merlot
I work with the Talk of the Town Restaurant Group as a server at Charley's Steakhouse in Orlando. I want to let you know that at my restaurant, the Duckhorn Vineyards Estate Grown Napa Valley Merlot is my biggest seller. I recommend it to every table and tell guests that it is the best Merlot from Napa Valley. Keep up the good wine!
Bobby
Orlando, FL
12/14/2005
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
I recently uncorked 2 bottles of Duckhorn Vineyards, 1986 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Decanted for 5 hours; served with a standing Prime Rib Roast/Slight (20-min) Mesquite Smoke. The cork was in perfect shape and pulled out clean. The wine: Wonderful! Indescribable! Luscious! Classic deep plum/onion skin color, velvet sweetness with a soft chocolate background. I remember buying these bottles at a tasting in 1989. It was great then and I could tell destined for far more with a good lay down. My guests were blown away; everyone's eyes just lit up when they breathed in and savored this elixir.
Larry Martinelli
Arlington Heights, IL
12/03/2007
My husband bought this home for me to try. I rarely drink, but when I do I want the very best! Well, this WAS THE BEST Cabernet Sauvignon I had ever tried. I immediately searched for your website and I forwarded my experience with family and friends. Told them this wine WILL IMPRESS, you CANNOT GO WRONG - GET IT! Next I will try will be the Estate variety of the Cabernet Sauvignon. Thanks you have yet another fan. I will continue to spread the word in regards to your quality and superb taste!
Cindi
Palm Beach, FL
09/08/2007
While reorganizing my wine cellar on Saturday, I found three overlooked bottles of 1980 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. I was a little disappointed that I hadn't enjoyed them in their prime but decanted and served a bottle last night at dinner. The wine was lovely, still had dark red tones, fully integrated tannins, and a rich full palate of sweet currant and cherry fruit. I was pleased and surprised and now look forward to my last two bottles which have good fills with just a hit of tartrates in the neck and some sediment. Congrats on a very good, very solid, 25 year old bottle of Cabernet.
Dave Ready
Healdsburg, CA
01/30/2006
WOW! Should I say more, what for!
Joe Meza
Mesquite, Texas
12/15/2005
Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
I am a 26 year old college student and wine retailer (and avid wine collector) who, until several months ago, lived in New Orleans, LA. I have been a huge fan of Duckhorn wines for a while now and have been collecting, and enjoying, them for at least the last few years. Unfortunately, I lost about 98% of my personal wine collection due to Hurricane Katrina. I thought you might like to know that one of the very few bottles that I did everything in my power to save was a 2001 Duckhorn Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon. I truly love the Duckhorn Cabs, and while every other bottle ended up broken, washed away, or roasted in the heat, I just had to rescue and take one of my Duckhorn Cabernets with me to be cherished at another time. I think that when our lives get somewhat back to normal, I will have to open up that bottle to celebrate.
Wilks
Baton Rouge, LA
01/03/2006
Decoy
Napa Valley Red Wine
Dee Sondergard received this wine at our office on a day when I brought in some homemade macaroni & cheese (Cooks Illustrated). We all wanted you to know what a great pairing it was with the 2003 Decoy. Macaroni & cheese is not as elegant as foie gras or standing rib roast, but still made for an excellent Sunday afternoon!
Mike Ellis
Rockford, IL
01/22/2006
I had a great visit at the winery and look forward to my bottle of Decoy on my birthday in April!
Mark Long
Chandler, AZ
01/02/2006
Goldeneye
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
Last night, we had dinner at One Market with a bunch of friends who are wine people. We all brought wine, I brought my last bottle of 2001 Goldeneye. We all agreed other than a 1997 William Selyem, that it was the best Pinot we had had in the last year and we drink a lot of Pinot! Is there any more 2001 to be had anywhere?
Kent Leacock
Oakland, CA
11/20/2007
We had the delight of meeting Zachary and Duckhorn Vineyards at Oceanaire's wine dinner on July 12 in Seattle, WA. We have never found a Pinot that we liked until we had your 2004 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. We both LOVED the Pinot. Chef Erik had prepared a feast accompanied by the perfect wines, Duckhorn. Now I must get back the shopping cart - I can't wait for the wines to arrive.
Dorothea Kalby
Bellevue, WA
07/16/2007
Hi! Tried the wonderful Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir this past weekend with the Peterkin family of Cashiers, NC. I wrote about you on my wine blog: www.betterwithvino.com Loved your pinot!
Ainsley Hines
New York, NY
04/10/2007
I was raised in the quaint ocean community of Mendocino. Every fall we would go to the county fair in Anderson Valley. Each time we would go to the Bay Area we would drive through the beautiful Anderson Valley as well. I came to hate the curvy road and love the amazing scenery of the area! One beautiful summer day a couple of years ago, I saw the Goldeneye winery sign and decided to stop. It's all history from there. I am a huge fan to say the least! Both the Goldeneye and Migration are superb pinots. They remind me of where I came from (I now live by Seattle) and I can say with pride, these grapes were grown by where I grew up. Keep it coming!
Mary Irwin
Port Angeles, WA
03/02/2007
We were delighted with our weekend visit to Goldeneye. As soon as we drove in the driveway, we knew we were at a Duckhorn winery because of the beautiful setting, relaxed and elegant ambiance, welcoming tasting room staff and THE best Pinot Noir in California. Thank you for a most memorable visit. We can hardly wait to go back.
Mary Anne Fakharzadeh
Pleasant Hill, CA
10/18/2006
We had the MOST wonderful time at your vineyard. It was truly the highlight of our trip to California. Your winery was the most beautiful place we visited and we truly enjoyed all the wines we tasted, and still enjoying all the bottles we brought home. We hope to be returning soon with friends. In fact, we have told many friends about our wonderful time, and one couple visited 2 weeks ago and came back feeling the same way - enchanted by the beauty of the land combined with the delicious wine and the hospitality of the people there.
Karen Lioy
Denton, Texas
10/12/2006
We just shared a bottle of your Goldeneye Pinot and I must say, as a big fan of Grand Cru Burgundies, this bottle holds its own among Pinot Noirs. It is full-bodied, loaded with fruit and has a great finish. It was perfect with the Chateaubriand for two!
Dr. Tim Liptak
Westfield, MA
09/09/2006
There is rarely a day that goes by that I don't think about the photos I took in your Confluence Vineyard last Oct. 2005. What a beautiful place. The hospitality and Pinot are superb as well. Cheers!
View a photo
Ken Papai
San Rafael, CA
09/06/2006
Wow! Not only does Goldeneye have wonderful wines but what a beautiful setting to enjoy them in. An absolute must stop on any trip along route 128 to or from Mendocino. The hospitality was first class which made us want to spend the entire afternoon. Nice job.
Larry and Diane Gaines
Redondo Beach, CA
08/24/2006
We have enjoyed the little bit of Goldeneye we've been able to acquire since visiting the winery in August 2005. We were very happy to notice 2 bottles being poured at the 2006 Naples Winter Wine Festival...and, between the two of us, enjoyed better than 25% of the offering...when you see something you like...go for it!
Ken and Linda Aschom
Naples, FL
03/05/2006
Migration
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
We were introduced to Migration by one of the bartenders at The Cannery restaurant in Newport Beach, CA. What a wonderful wine! It was perfect with our dinner and we've been back to the same restaurant and ordered it again. I cannot wait until the new release next year.
Carolyn Yamasaki
Fountain Valley, CA
11/12/2006
A good Pinot is better than any other wine and right now, Migration is my favorite. This wine is even better than Santa Barbara Pinots that cost much more.
Jason
Windsor, CA
03/07/2006
Paraduxx
Napa Valley Red Wine
Ok, I have to admit, the wine was really fantastic while we were at the winery. But when I received my shipment at home and shared the first bottle with friends we were all so blown away and I was even more impressed. The intensity and robustness of this wine is out of this world. It has a mouthful of flavors and yet still very drinkable without that "I should have waited another year or two" pucker when you put your glass down. Thanks Paraduxx for another truly remarkable bottle of joy!
Mike & Robbye Chasteen
Flower Mound, TX
07/26/2006
I was introduced to Paraduxx last night at Duke's Restaurant in Malibu. The wine came highly recommended by the staff, so we tried a bottle with our friends before dinner. WOW! We were all impressed and had we not had to drive home after dinner, we would have ordered another bottle! YUM!!
Michelle
Los Angeles, CA
06/25/2006
My boyfriend and I fell in love this past weekend with Paraduxx Winery. This is a very classy establishment, the furnishings are fist rate and the service was exceptional. The Zinfandel blends were magnificent. Stacy, who normally works at Duckhorn, made us feel very welcome and she took time to share in our afternoon visit. We definitely will be returning time and again to this lovely winery and we can't wait to share Paraduxx wine with friends.
Tina
Dublin, CA
06/19/2006
We have just finished a vertical tasting with lamb. And I have to tell you that I am thoroughly impressed.
See my blog: http://www.spryken.com/blog/2006/04/17/easter-and-a-paraduxx/
Ken Spry
Raleigh, NC
04/17/2006
I just purchased a couple of bottles of Paraduxx-- what a fantastic new wine. A friend and I shared both bottles and a couple of Cubans to celebrate his 50th birthday. We sat on his patio watching a great mesquite fire and thoroughly enjoyed the Paraduxx. I'm getting more. Excellent!!!
Dave Dyess
Phoenix, AZ
03/14/2006
Wonderful. Great Place. We love your wine and are big fans of Duckhorn. We can't wait to tell our family and friends all about it. Thank you!
Mr. & Mrs. Jennifer Chiavella
San Jose, CA
02/22/2006
We enjoyed tasting the 2002 Paraduxx at the new winery. The wines are GREAT and the staff were the greatest!
Thomas E. Doherty
Sunnyvale, CA
11/27/2005
What a unique tasting experience! The wine educators were personable, informative and helpful, and the tasting was well presented. Wonderful wine. Wonderful place.
Barbara Pebley
La Jolla, CA
11/20/2005
Postmark Napa Valley Red Wine
I was just recently at the Paraduxx winery in late September and I purchased several bottles of your wine. Every one of them has been absolutely amazing to drink and we've impressed our friends and guests each time we open one.
Chris Duncan
Chicago, IL
11/07/2007
Canvasback
Napa Valley Red Wine
I was in Napa Valley a month ago and tasted Canvasback. Loved it. We just got three bottles by mail last week and only one is left! It's my favorite wine now!
Annette Marti
Miami, FL
01/24/2008
Canvasback was wonderful! We did not buy nearly enough at the Open House in October.
Shelly Greenhalgh
Gilroy, CA
12/17/2007
