Dan Duckhorn, Founder of Iconic Napa Winery, Dies at 87

Duckhorn Vineyards became one of Napa Valley's most recognizable estates before selling to private equity firms.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Dan Duckhorn, the founder of Duckhorn Vineyards and a pioneer of Merlot in California, died on Wednesday at the age of 87 due to congestive heart failure. Duckhorn co-founded the winery in 1976 with his then-wife Margaret, and it grew to become one of Napa Valley's most renowned estates before being sold to private equity firms in the 2000s.

Why it matters

Duckhorn was a key figure in the rise of Napa Valley as a premier wine region, helping to popularize Merlot and establish Duckhorn Vineyards as a leading California winery. His passing marks the end of an era for the iconic brand, which has undergone significant changes in ownership and direction in recent years.

The details

After founding Duckhorn Vineyards, Duckhorn transformed the small, homegrown operation into a major wine company, establishing other wineries like Goldeneye, Paraduxx, and Canvasback. Under his leadership, Duckhorn Vineyards became known for its acclaimed Merlot, which helped spark a nationwide craze for the varietal in the 1980s and 1990s. However, the company's trajectory shifted after the Duckhorn family sold a controlling interest to private equity firms in 2007, leading to a series of ownership changes and operational challenges in the years since.

  • Dan Duckhorn co-founded Duckhorn Vineyards with his then-wife Margaret in 1976.
  • Duckhorn Vineyards became one of Napa Valley's most recognizable estates over the following three decades.
  • The Duckhorn family sold a controlling interest in the company to a private equity firm in 2007.
  • Duckhorn Vineyards was traded several times, including a three-year stint on the New York Stock Exchange that ended in 2024.
  • Duckhorn passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the age of 87.

The players

Dan Duckhorn

The founder of Duckhorn Vineyards, who was instrumental in popularizing Merlot in California and transforming the winery into a major wine company.

Margaret Duckhorn

Dan Duckhorn's former wife, with whom he co-founded Duckhorn Vineyards in 1976.

Duckhorn Vineyards

The iconic Napa Valley winery founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, known for its acclaimed Merlot and other wines.

Nancy Andrus Duckhorn

Dan Duckhorn's wife at the time of his passing.

Butterfly Equity

The private equity firm that currently owns Duckhorn Vineyards and has announced plans to shut down two tasting rooms and restrict resources to lower-performing brands.

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What they’re saying

“I liked the softness, the seductiveness, the color, the fact that it went with a lot of different foods. It wasn't so bold (as Cabernet) and didn't need to age so long, and it had this velvety texture to it.”

— Dan Duckhorn (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

Dan Duckhorn's legacy as a pioneering Napa vintner and the founder of one of California's most iconic wineries will endure, even as the company he built has undergone significant changes in ownership and direction in recent years.