Founded in 1976 by Santa Rosa native Dan Duckhorn, Duckhorn Vineyards was one of California's standard-setters for Merlot in the early 1980s. Over the years, Duckhorn has expanded both its output and its vineyard holdings, with seven estate vineyards on Howell Mountain and the Napa Valley floor and four vineyards in Anderson Valley, Mendocino County. Though production is high in volume (100,000-plus cases/year) it remains high in quality.

Today, under the guidance of head winemaker Bill Nancarrow, Duckhorn is still known for its single-vineyard Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. Bottlings of both varietals marry a ripeness representative of California with an old-world elegance. These are often earthy, gamey, soil-inflected wines which generally need some cellaring to unwind and show their potential. Duckhorn also makes a highly regarded but less expensive Sauvignon Blanc.

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In 2007, the private equity firm GI partners purchased a controlling interest in Duckhorn Wine Company, which operates Duckhorn Vineyards, Goldeneye - an Anderson Valley Pinot Noir producer, and Paraduxx which bottles a Napa Cabernet/Zinfandel blend.