Vineyard Sources
Embodying the lush elegance of cool-climate California winegrowing, Migration’s exploration of the great Burgundian varietals began in the Anderson Valley, and is dedicated to going beyond its original home and exploring Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from California's finest cool-climate appellations.
"Traditionally at Duckhorn," says winemaker Dana Epperson, "the character of a particular wine is deeply connected to a specific place or region. Migration offers a 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."
The centerpiece of our Migration winegrowing program is our Running Creek Vineyard. Located on River Road, in the heart of the magnificent Russian River Valley, this spectacular Estate vineyard features 70 acres of Pinot Noir vines, and 20 acres of Chardonnay. But in our search to make compelling single-vineyard offerings, we have traveled up and down the coast, visiting more than 40 of the finest cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards choosing a select few to work with.
California Vineyard Map
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Running Creek Estate Vineyard
Elevation
74 feet
Acreage/Size
89.42 acres
Varietals
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Sub-appellation
Russian River Valley
Soil Type
Yolo Loam Overwash, Parajaro Clay Loam, Laniger Loam, Yolo Silt Loam
Running Creek Vineyard (2014) Located on River Road, in the heart of the Russian River Valley, this spectacular vineyard features 70 acres of Pinot Noir vines, and 20 acres of Chardonnay. Running Creek was planted to an ideal selection of clones suited to the fertile Yolo loam soils, yielding a diverse array of exceptional fruit. The vineyard is shaped by the clockwork morning fog that is one of the hallmarks of the region, cooling the vines and preserving the natural acidity that is necessary for great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. At the same time, Running Creek gets abundant sunshine, allowing the grapes to fully ripen while developing brilliant varietal flavors.
El Veredicto / The Verdict
Elevation
10’- 50’ ft. above sea level
Acreage/Size
47.72 acres
Varietals
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Marsanne, Viognier
Sub-appellation
Carneros
Soil Type
146: Haire Loam, 2-9% slope
One of the most acclaimed vineyards in the Los Carneros region of Napa Valley, the two 20-acre parcels were part of the historic Stanly Ranch vineyard planted in 2001. Directly adjacent to Migration Winery, its Haire clay loam soils and cool climate influenced by the site’s proximity to San Pablo Bay, makes it ideal for Burgundian varietals.
Wolfe Vineyard
Elevation
Elevation- Sits at ~260 ft. above sea level, adjacent to the Napa River
Acreage/Size
13.12 acres
Varietals
Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Merlot
Sub-appellation
Napa Valley/ St. Helena
Soil Type
181: Yolo Loam, 0-10% slope
Located off the Silverado Trail in North St. Helena, Duckhorn has been contracting Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon fruit from the Wolfe Vineyard for over 15 years. The vineyard produces consistently high-quality Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, and now we have the opportunity to bring it into our estate portfolio. The climate in St. Helena and the loamy soils in this vineyard lends to the growing world-class Sauvignon Blanc.