50 Years at the Table

Before there was a winery, there was a table.

In the early days of Duckhorn Vineyards, Margaret Duckhorn was known for bringing people together. Winemakers, growers, friends, and neighbors gathered around simple meals, thoughtful wines, and long conversations that stretched into the evening. Hosting wasn’t an occasion. It was a way of life.

That spirit shaped everything that followed.

As the winery grew, so did the belief that great wine belongs at the center of the table, not as a showpiece, but as something to be shared. A bottle opened, passed, discussed. A meal that unfolds naturally. A sense of ease that invites people to stay just a little longer.

For five decades, Duckhorn has crafted wines with that same intention. Wines rooted in Napa Valley. Wines made to complement food, elevate the moment, and bring people closer together.

Today, that legacy continues through the hands of Culinary Director Dominic Orsini, whose approach to hospitality reflects the same philosophy that defined the early days.

“The best meals aren’t about perfection,” he says. “They’re about creating a space where people feel welcome.”

Because at its best, the table is never just about what’s served. It’s about who is there and how it feels to be together.

As we celebrate 50 years, we return to where it all began. A table, thoughtfully set, with wine meant to be shared.

We invite you to join us.

Experience the Duckhorn table for yourself through our Gather & Graze experiences at The Duckhorn Collection.

Common Duckhorn Vineyards Questions

Question: What food pairs best with Duckhorn Atlas Peak Merlot?

Answer: Because high-elevation mountain vineyards yield Merlot with thicker skins, firmer tannins, and wild briar fruit, Duckhorn Atlas Peak Merlot pairs best with intensely savory, slow-cooked meats. Ideal dishes include rosemary-braised short ribs, roasted duck breast with cherry reduction, grilled lamb chops, or an earthy wild mushroom risotto.

Question: How do you host a multi-course wine pairing dinner at home?

Answer: To host a seamless wine pairing dinner, progress from lightest to heaviest: begin with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc paired with light bites, move to an oaked Chardonnay with poultry or pasta, feature a flagship Merlot or Cabernet with the red meat entrée, and finish with an aged vintage alongside hard cheeses. Decant full-bodied reds 45 minutes before dinner.

Question: Why is acidity important in food and wine pairing?

Answer: Acidity in wine acts like a squeeze of fresh lemon on a rich dish. It cuts through dietary fats, butter, and heavy sauces, lifting the flavors of the food and cleansing the palate so neither the dish nor the wine feels heavy over a long meal.