Canvasback Takes Flight: Duckhorn buys land for new Washington winery

(Wines&Vines) - Duckhorn Vineyards of St. Helena, Calif., has landed on Washington’s Red Mountain with the purchase of 20 acres located between Col Solare, Chateau Ste. Michelle’s venture with Italy’s Antinori family, and the Hedges family’s Bel’ Villa Vineyard.

The property was known to be under contract to a Napa winery, but the identity of the purchaser was not known until Duckhorn’s announcement this morning. The purchase price was not disclosed.

Alex Ryan, president and CEO of Duckhorn, identifed the property as being in an area of interest in an interview with Wines & Vines earlier this month, but he declined to give details as the transaction hadn’t yet closed.

Speaking this morning, however, he was obviously pleased with the deal’s successful closing.
“It’s kind of a small purchase, but it’s a big step for Duckhorn,” he told Wines & Vines. “This will be a new venture for us that will hopefully leave a lasting impression in the wine market.”
Plans call for development of a Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard on the property, supporting the new Canvasback label. Duckhorn built its reputation on Cabernet Sauvignon in California, and Red Mountain is known for the character of its red wines, making the new venture a good fit with Duckhorn’s overall portfolio.

But don’t expect Canvasback to be a Washington state echo of Duckhorn.

“We’re not trying to create Duckhorn wines from Washington, we’re trying to create Canvasback wines from Washington,” Ryan said. “They have their unique place, their unique style and nuances.”