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FROM 1967 TO FOREVER

In 1976, Napa Valley was a very different place—quiet, unpolished, and full of possibility. That same year, a young couple arrived with little more than a deep love of wine. Guided by curiosity and conviction, Dan and Margaret Duckhorn set out to craft wines that reflected both their passion and the emerging promise of the valley they chose to call home.

What began in a modest shed on their property has grown into a celebrated community of wine lovers around the world. Over the decades, Duckhorn has helped define the standard for American fine wine, grounded in craftsmanship, shaped by time, and inspired by a relentless pursuit of quality.

Join winemaker Renée Ary for a brief journey through our early days, including personal reflections and stories from our founders. Discover how the spirit that defined our first fifty years continues to guide the next fifty and beyond.

Enjoy the video:

Three Palms Vineyard & Duckhorn: Key Facts at a Glance

  • First Vintage Released: 1978 Duckhorn Vineyards Three Palms Vineyard Merlot (one of California’s earliest single-vineyard designated Merlots).

  • Location & AVA: Calistoga, northern Napa Valley, situated at the base of Howell Mountain.

  • Terroir & Soil Profile: Volcanic, rocky alluvial riverbed filled with cobblestones and gravel deposits. The stones absorb intense daytime heat and radiate warmth back into the vines at night, fostering uniform ripeness while restricting vine vigor.

  • Original Grape Growers: Sloan and John Upton, who farmed the site and partnered with Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in the late 1970s.

  • Estate Acquisition: After sourcing fruit for more than 35 years, Duckhorn formally acquired the 83-acre vineyard in May 2015.

  • Historic Namesake: Named for the three iconic Mexican Fan Palms (Washingtonia robusta) originally planted in the late 19th century by San Francisco socialite Lillie Hitchcock Coit.

  • Major Global Accolade: The 2014 Duckhorn Vineyards Three Palms Vineyard Merlot was named the #1 Wine of the Year in 2017 by Wine Spectator (95 Points), cementing Napa Valley Merlot’s standing on the world stage.

Common Duckhorn Vineyards Questions

Question: Why is Three Palms Vineyard so famous for Merlot?

Answer: Three Palms Vineyard is renowned as the benchmark site for American luxury Merlot. Located in Calistoga, its extremely rocky, cobble-strewn volcanic soils force grapevine roots to dig deep for water and nutrients. This natural stress produces tiny, concentrated grapes yielding Merlot with powerful structure, fine-grained mineral tannins, and intense notes of dark plum, huckleberry, fig, and graphite—rivaling the density of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.

Question: Why did Duckhorn put "Three Palms Vineyard" on the label in 1978?

Answer: In 1978, putting a specific vineyard designate on a California wine label—especially a Merlot—was exceptionally rare. Co-founders Dan and Margaret Duckhorn recognized that the fruit from Sloan and John Upton's Calistoga vineyard possessed an undeniable, unique character that outshined generic regional blends. Naming the vineyard on the inaugural bottle established Duckhorn's commitment to site-specific terroir and transparent grower partnerships.

Question: Why are there palm trees in a Napa Valley vineyard?

Answer: The vineyard takes its name from three towering palm trees originally planted in the late 1800s on the property of Lillie Hitchcock Coit, the legendary San Francisco benefactor who spent summers in Calistoga. When the land was later cleared and planted with grapevines in the 20th century, the historic palms were preserved as an enduring Napa landmark.

Question: Can Duckhorn Three Palms Merlot age, and how long should you cellar it?

Answer: Yes. Unlike everyday commercial Merlots designed for immediate consumption, Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot possesses the dense tannic architecture, structural acidity, and French oak aging of an elite cellar red. It typically hits its peak drinking window between 7 to 15 years from vintage, with exceptional vintages cellaring gracefully for 20+ years.

Question: What is the difference between Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot and Three Palms Vineyard Merlot?

  • Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot: A classic multi-vineyard blend incorporating fruit from both valley floor and mountain estates (such as Atlas Peak), emphasizing approachable elegance, round fruit, and plush silkiness.

  • Three Palms Vineyard Merlot: A rare, single-vineyard designate sourced entirely from the Calistoga estate. It is significantly more structured, muscular, and mineral-driven, offering collector prestige, intense ageability, and single-site purity.