Story 4

A BARREL, A BID, A LEGACY

In 1976, Dan and Margaret Duckhorn founded Duckhorn Vineyards with a simple belief: great wine is rooted in community. Napa Valley was home. Its future, they believed, would be built not only on craft, but on collaboration.

That belief shaped their leadership within the Napa Valley Vintners (NVV). Founded in 1944, NVV exists to promote and protect the Napa Valley appellation while supporting the health and well-being of the local community. During a pivotal chapter for the region, Dan served on the Board of Directors and as President, helping strengthen Napa Valley’s collective voice while championing stewardship and community investment. Giving back was never an afterthought. It was part of the work.

Three decades ago, Dan and Margaret also helped establish Premiere Napa Valley, envisioning a trade-focused barrel auction that could showcase Napa Valley’s most distinctive wines while supporting the region they loved. What began as a bold idea has become one of the wine world’s most important gatherings.

Premiere Napa Valley 2026: A Milestone Moment

This year, Premiere Napa Valley brought more than 1,000 trade members to Napa from 25 states and 12 countries, with the week culminating in a live auction that raised more than $3.3 million.

A 50th Anniversary Lot, Rooted in Three Palms

In celebration of our 50th anniversary, we returned to Premiere Napa Valley with a special Three Palms Red Blend, crafted from select blocks of Three Palms Vineyard, a site that has helped define our Merlot story for five decades.

Made by our winemaker, Renée Ary, the wine reflects the Bordeaux inspiration that first guided Dan and Margaret, and the enduring dialogue between land and human touch that continues to shape Duckhorn today.

After spirited bidding, the lot sold for $54,000 with proceeds supporting the ongoing work of caring for Napa Valley and its community.

Premiere Napa Valley has always meant more to us than a single barrel or a single bid. It represents what happens when a region comes together with shared purpose.

For Duckhorn, this year felt especially meaningful. A founder’s vision carried forward. A community still collaborating. Fifty years in, we remain devoted to the land, to one another, and to the joyful craft that began in 1976.

Still at the table.
Still in kindred with the valley.
Still crafting what we love.