5 Tips for Hosting an Elevated Friendsgiving with Decoy Wines This year, our gratitude goes out to exceptional wine and even better company. Before it's time to carve the turkey (or spiral ham… or tofurky… or salmon wellington) you’ll want to set the stage for a soirée that is upscale, elegant and deliciously delightful. Consider this: How many friends are attending? Is there adequate seating? Are all dishes accounted for? And most importantly – do you have enough wine? A standard bottle of wine should pour about five glasses, so make sure to do a proper headcount in advance. Be prepared with ..read more

Pour a nice glass of and begin creating some amazing barbecue. And just to be sure, use a few of these tried-and-true learnings for getting the most out of every meat-making endeavor. When using a dry rub or seasoning, first pat the meat dry, then add a light coat of vegetable oil to give that rub something to stick to. This keeps the flavor locked-on and helps create  sear marks. Create a hot side (directly over fire) and a cooler side (indirect heat) to your grill. Use the hot side to quickly sear and lock in the moisture of whatever you’re cooking, then move to the side that has indire ..read more

Why Napa Valley is the Perfect Romantic Destination Where there is winemaking, there is love. So, it should come as no surprise that Napa Valley is one of the most romantic places in the world and the perfect destination for wine lovers. With world-class vineyards and wine tastings, scenic views, , and more, there are many ways to experience Napa Valley this Valentine’s Day and beyond.   Is February a good time to go to Napa Valley? A mild, temperate climate makes Northern California and Napa Valley wineries a coveted destination year-round. Expect temperatures in the mid-50s, clear ..read more

Gourmet Vegan Cuisine Ushers in New Era of Food and Wine Pairings Chef Miyoko Schinner would like you to forget everything you think you know about food and wine pairings—those classic combinations such as steak and If anyone can do that, it’s Schinner. The vegan multi hyphenate—cookbook author, restaurateur, TV show host, and founder of award-winning vegan cheese emporium, —built her remarkable career, earning accolades as a Food & Wine Gamechanger and on the elite Forbes 50 Over 50 List, in the cradle of California wine country, where she naturally developed an instinct for matching food ..read more

Wine Gifting Guide: How to Choose the Right Wine How to Choose the Right Wine Wine makes the best gift. Wine is an experience; its complete sensory characteristics can remind us of beautiful memories and help to create new ones. Great wine is made to be shared, making it practically synonymous with celebration. Why Give Wine as a Gift? Giving wine is personal yet universally prized among wine lovers. A bottle of wine can speak volumes to both the gift giver and the recipient. The wine’s defining factors tell a story that goes beyond the glass. Its varietal, region, vintage and presentation are ..read more

The Duckhorn Portfolio — Thanksgiving Wine Guide Your Essential Companion to Thanksgiving Wine Pairings , the wines that go well with turkey and your Thanksgiving menu. We take an effortless yet elevated approach to wine pairings, especially during the holiday season. Each wine should complement your Thanksgiving meal to enhance the flavors of your feast without imposing limitations. There are no “right” or “wrong” decisions, only guidelines to help save time and encourage more shared moments of holiday joy. Selected to pair with bold, traditional-with-a-twist flavors and curated from our port ..read more

Date Night with The Duckhorn Portfolio Are you still looking for a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift? Get inspired with date night ideas and wine to perfectly complement the experience. Here are our top picks. Capture the feeling that you're on top of the world with a rooftop rendezvous. Whether you're eyeing cascading views or the city skyline, this date is all about elevation. Effortlessly, transition sunset drinks to a romantic starlit dinner with this bottle. We recommend: Reach new heights with this elegant, age-worthy white with lovely underlying power. Lush and lively layers of white peac ..read more

1. Tell us a little bit about where you are from and how you got started in wine. I grew up on a grain farm in Chablis, France. Wine and vineyards have always been very present at home but I didn’t grasp how much wine was a part of my culture, until I started working in the industry. People would asked me where I was from: “Burgundy! Yes, like the wine!” But also with how much ease I knew how to talk about it. I am an avid reader and I like to think that opening a bottle of wine is like opening a book, it tells a story. I went to college to study foreign languages and international business an ..read more

How To: Set a Table Like a Pro Whether your Thanksgiving calls for a casual family dinner or a more formal feast, we’re sharing a few instructions and, of course, wine pairings, to ensure your joy-filled holiday gathering goes off without a hitch. You’ll need a few essentials. Your table setting will include plates, cutlery: knife, forks and spoons, glassware, and napkins. Some extra items to consider are linens, place cards, and centerpieces. How to Set the Basic Table We’re going to start with a basic table setting and will use a popular acronym to easily remember where everything goes: Foll ..read more

Kay Malaske - Trade Relations and Education Manager All that glitters is not gold and all wines that sparkle did not attain their bubbles in the same way! Three of our Duckhorn Portfolio wineries ( ) all make excellent sparkling wines. With that achievement in mind let’s take a moment to learn about the venerable method used to create these lovely bottlings. All three of these wines sparkle because they were made following a labor-intensive process called the Méthode Champenoise. Méthode Champenoise translates roughly to “the Champagne Method.” Wines have been made following this method since ..read more