(Contributed by Itze Monserrat Peña-Andrade) The story of Duckhorn Winery and how it has expanded on its waterfowl theme over the years was the topic of our most recent SSU WineSense Club meeting. Led by winemaker, Michael Accurso, he captivated the audience with both words and a tasting of four delectable wines.
Michael Accurso with SSU Winesense Board Members
A Little Bit of Duckhorn History
Duckhorn Vineyards was founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976. Throughout the forty years it has been in operation, Duckhorn Vineyards has established itself as one of North America’s premier producers of Napa Valley wines. From its modest inaugural vintage of 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 cases of Merlot in 1978, to its addition of Sauvignon Blanc in 1982, Duckhorn Vineyards has crafted a tradition of quality and excellence that continues to this day.
Duckhorn Winery in Napa Valley
As time passed on, Duckhorn added more brands to its winery, making sure to keep to the waterfowl theme. This was not only because Dan and Margaret had a last name of “Duckhorn,” but because they have always enjoyed birds, especially waterfowl. Therefore, the first brand they added was Paradox in 1994, followed by Golden Eye, Migration, and Decoy and Canvas Back in the ensuring years. Today several of these brands have their own winery with tasting rooms open to the public.
Michael Leads Wine Tasting at SSU
Michael led the members of WineSense club through a tasting that featured four of the brands offered by Duckhorn. These included:
- 2013 Migration Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley
- 2012 Goldeneye Pinot Noir from the Anderson Valley
- 2012 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot from the Napa Valley
- 2012 Paradoxx Red Blend from the Napa Valley
The Favorite Wine of the Evening
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Millennial students in attendance were asked to vote for their favorite wine of the evening. Each participant could vote once and the favorite of the evening was the 2012 Goldeneye Pinot Noir.
It was an enriching night, the educational tasting that Michael provided kept everyone entertained and laughing. We can’t thank him enough for joining us in leading us all through this fantastic experience!
Favorite Wine of the Evening — Golden Eye 2012 Pinot Noir