Duckhorn Vineyards was founded in 1976 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in St.?Helena, becoming one of Napa Valley’s first forty wineries. The inaugural 1978 harvest produced 800 cases each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, establishing the winery’s long-term focus on Bordeaux-varietal wines. Beginning in 1988, Duckhorn expanded its estate program, acquiring Napa Valley vineyard sites that now total more than 280 acres across alluvial fans and Howell Mountain slopes. Production emphasizes meticulous fruit selection, site-driven lots, and aging in French oak to preserve varietal character and terroir expression.