Founded in 1976 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, Duckhorn Vineyards has established itself as a premier producer of Napa Valley wines over the course of nearly five decades. Starting with a modest inaugural vintage of 800 cases each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in 1978, the winery expanded its offerings to include Sauvignon Blanc in 1982. The estate’s commitment to quality and excellence has remained steadfast, shaping a tradition that endures to this day. Located in the picturesque St. Helena, the Duckhorn Vineyards Estate House now stands on the original 10-acre property, known as Marlee’s Vineyard, named after Margaret.

In the late 1980s, Duckhorn Vineyards embarked on a mission to acquire vineyard properties across recognized Napa Valley regions, securing enough land to meet their long-term grape needs. Today, they proudly own nine distinctive estate vineyards, each boasting unique attributes that reflect variations in soil, terrain, microclimate, and exposure. The cultivation of these estate properties is carried out with great pride by a dedicated team, including an in-house farming crew comprising full-time and part-time employees. These vineyards have become a cherished part of the winery’s identity, imbuing their wines with a sense of place and a growing tradition.

Among their remarkable vineyard-designate bottlings, Three Palms Vineyard holds a special place since the inaugural vintage in 1978. Famed for its New World Merlot, Three Palms is characterized by its iconic three palm trees and lean soils, which drive the vines to send their roots deep in search of nutrients. This results in an intense, age-worthy wine showcasing complex fruit and mineral layers. Volcanic stones blanket the vineyard, absorbing daytime heat and radiating it back to the vines at night, thus safeguarding against frost and aiding fruit ripening.