Ask someone what a boutique hotel is, and you're sure to get a variety of answers.  Some will tell you it's an independent hotel.  Some will say it's small.  Others will say it's intimate, high-end, or even quirky.  And the truth is, all of these answers can be right, but none are absolutely correct.  Boutique wineries are the same way - challenging to completely describe.  They may be small in size or production, but small in California is different from small in Illinois.  They may be artisinal, perhaps organic.  They wines they produce may be inexpensive, or extremely high-end.  Or it could be the varieties of grapes...from just a few to dozens and dozens.  When we think of a boutique winery we think of a winery committed to craftsmanship, one whose passion for wine drives business.  Not one whose business drives the winemaking.

This month, we're extremely proud to present Duckhorn Wine Company.  Duckhorn is a collection of small winery estates located in and between both Napa and Anderson valleys in California.  In 1976, after touring Bordeaux, France, and falling in love with the classic wines, founder Dan Duckhorn and his wife decided to pioneer Merlot as a stand-alone wine in California. Although merlot grapes were already being grown in the state, they were mainly used as a blending grape.  Duckhorn believed that there was a depth and boldness that wasn't being experimented with yet, and that the distinct terrain of Napa Valley and the outlying areas would produce a superb grape.

With their first vinting of 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 cases of Merlot in 1978, the Duckhorns focused on purchasing land with inherent characteristics that would produce distinctive grapes.  With a focus on quality and consistency, they slowly assembled what is now seven estate vineyards, all producing grapes that reflect the unique character of each vineyard. The differences in terrain and climate allow Duckhorn to treat each vineyard block individually and harvest when the flavors have reached their peak and the tannins are at their softest. Grapes are hand-picked and hand-sorted prior to crushing. The wines are artisinally blended from over 200 distinctive lots and barrel-aged. Duckhorn today produces several different wines under several different labels but has remained true to their roots of crafting wines of distinction. 

In their 35 years of winemaking, Duckhorn has received numerous honors. In 2005, the San Francisco Chronicle proclaimed Dan Duckhorn its "Winemaker of the Year" and named four of his wines to its list of "Top 100 Wines of 2005."  In 2010, Duckhorn Vineyards was named "Winery of the Year" by Wine & Spirits magazine. Duckhorn Vineyards is certified under the Napa Green Certified Land Program and the Green Winery Program, two initiatives that promote sustainability and beneficial environmental practices.  

Duckhorn exemplifies how one man's passion, commitment and dedication can result in something truly unique and beautiful.  It's what inspires us, and make us happy to present to you.