Napa Valley, Calif. – June 22, 2009 – Duckhorn Wine Company is proud to announce the elevation of its Migration label to the fourth core brand in the company’s portfolio, alongside Duckhorn Vineyards, Paraduxx and Goldeneye. This heightened focus on Migration will be reflected in several ways, most notably in the addition of Chardonnay to the Migration lineup, and in the naming of Neil Bernardi as Migration’s dedicated winemaker. In addition, Migration will begin exploring grape sources from cool-climate appellations beyond the brand’s Anderson Valley origins to craft its Burgundian-varietal wines.

“This is a natural evolution for Migration,” says Alex Ryan, Duckhorn Wine Company’s president. “As a label, Migration has really come into its own since its first vintage of Pinot Noir in 2001. It has established its own balanced and sophisticated style, highlighting lush fruit and bright acidity, and also a loyal following that has earned it a place as one of our core brands. Building on what Migration has already achieved with Pinot Noir, producing Chardonnay in a similar style—a polished and compelling style that emphasizes cool-climate vibrancy and finesse—is a natural next step, as is working with other great appellations.”

Duckhorn Wine Company’s exploration of Chardonnay began several years ago and, under the guidance of winemaker Zach Rasmuson, they have quietly made small lots of Chardonnay in numerous vintages. In 2008, this measured process of experimentation yielded a standout Russian River Chardonnay, which will be released in the spring of 2010 as Migration’s inaugural Chardonnay bottling (approximately 800 cases produced).

In keeping with its belief in maintaining the focus and stylistic identity of each core brand, Duckhorn Wine Company is pleased to name Neil Bernardi as winemaker for Migration. An expert in working with cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Bernardi spent the last two years as the associate winemaker for Littorai Wines, where he managed day-to-day operations for the winery. Prior to his tenure at Littorai, Bernardi was the assistant winemaker for Goldeneye and Migration, working alongside Zach Rasmuson, who will continue in his role as the winemaker for Goldeneye while handing over the reins for Migration to Bernardi.

“Neil is a gifted winemaker who already knows Migration intimately,” says Rasmuson. “From working side-by-side with him, I know that he understands Migration’s history, its style, and the winemaking vision that informs the wines. With the level of trust and winemaking knowledge Neil and I share, this promises to be a seamless transition. It also promises to be a great time for Migration.”

Building on the vibrant and sophisticated expression of cool-climate winemaking established by Migration Pinot Noir, Bernardi will be responsible for the brand’s evolving portfolio of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. As part of this evolution, Migration will explore other top appellations best known for Burgundian varietals in future vintages. “Building on what has already been established at Migration is something I am very excited about,” says Bernardi. “Traditionally at Duckhorn Wine Company, the character of a particular wine is deeply connected to a specific place or region. Migration offers a somewhat different paradigm. We are starting with a clearly defined style and exploring how that style can be expressed in different winegrowing regions, which is a fascinating prospect for a winemaker.”

Migration is part of Duckhorn Wine Company, a collection of small winery estates focused on site-specific wines of distinction. The Duckhorn Wine Company family includes Duckhorn Vineyards, Paraduxx, Goldeneye and Migration. With grapes selected from estate vineyards, as well as a variety of sought-after vineyard sites, each winery is presented with a canvas of lots from which to blend its premium wines. Focused on careful grape selection, innovative winemaking techniques and a premium barrel-aging program, Duckhorn Wine Company is founded on an unwavering commitment to quality. Duckhorn Wine Company wines are available throughout the United States and in more than 25 countries.