Daniel J Duckhorn Wife Nancy Andrus Duckhorn Mourns Loss of Merlot Pioneer at 87
Feb. 25, 2026 — Napa, Calif. Daniel J. Duckhorn, co-founder of Duckhorn Vineyards in Napa Valley and pioneer of luxury Merlot known as “Mr. Merlot,” died Tuesday at age 87 from congestive heart failure at The Meadows retirement home, according to his Daniel J Duckhorn wife Nancy Andrus Duckhorn.
Duckhorn co-founded the winery in 1976 with his then-wife Margaret Duckhorn and investors, producing the inaugural 1978 vintage of Napa Valley Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from Three Palms Vineyard. He championed Merlot as a standalone premium wine when it was primarily a blending grape, elevating its status in the New World.
Family Survivors
Daniel J Duckhorn wife Nancy Andrus Duckhorn survives him, along with sons John and David Duckhorn, daughter Kellie Duckhorn, stepdaughter Nicole Andrus, nine grandchildren and two siblings. Margaret Duckhorn is the mother of his three children.
Industry Tributes
Zach Rasmuson, chief operating officer of The Duckhorn Portfolio, said:
“Dan was one of the great visionaries of the modern winemaking era. Like Robert Mondavi before him, he helped to change the way Americans think about and enjoy wine. While his legacy will always be rightfully entwined with exceptional Merlot, he was a pioneer in so many other ways.”
Doug Shafer, former owner of Shafer Vineyards, added:
“Dan had a remarkable and historic influence on the Napa Valley we know today… If there was ever a Mt. Rushmore of American wine, he would deserve a place on it.”
Duckhorn once remarked of the 1978 vintage, “It was a great year. We could have made wine out of walnuts.”
Legacy and Career
A UC Berkeley MBA graduate, Duckhorn moved to Napa in 1971, becoming president of Vineyard Consulting Corporation before founding Duckhorn Vineyards. He guided its growth, diversification into brands like Paraduxx and Goldeneye, and its 2021 IPO, remaining chairman post-sales in 2007 and 2016. He served as president of the Napa Valley Vintners and helped establish the Premiere Napa Valley Barrel Auction. Honors included an honorary Doctor of Oenology from Johnson & Wales University and recognition as a Wine Industry Pioneer by UC Davis.
Daniel J Duckhorn wife Nancy Andrus Duckhorn confirmed the cause of death in statements shared by the winery and Napa Valley Register.
