August wines are here, and our they are bringing plenty of reasons to keep the wine flowing.

This month, we are giving a little extra love to Duckhorn Vineyards and the incredible family of wines that make up The Duckhorn Portfolio. From bright Sauvignon Blanc and elegant Pinot Noir to Napa Valley Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this month’s selections are made for summer dinners, long evenings at the table, and pairing something delicious with every glass.

And if you joined us for our August Cellar Society Wine Dinner featuring Duckhorn Winery, you already know how special these wines can be when they meet the right food.

A special shoutout goes to Hannah Frost, our Duckhorn representative, who joined us for the dinner and helped make the evening such a memorable experience. There is something pretty special about enjoying a wine while hearing the stories, details, and passion behind the bottle.

Missed the dinner?

Look what came in.

Sophisticated & Bolder Things

Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc | North Coast

We are starting things off with a glass that practically asks to be enjoyed on a summer afternoon.

Duckhorn has been producing Sauvignon Blanc since 1982, and this North Coast expression brings together bright fruit, refreshing acidity, and a silky texture. The wine is crafted with Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, with fermentation and aging in both stainless steel and French oak adding depth and texture.

What you’ll taste: Think tropical fruit, citrus, fresh melon, pineapple, guava, and a touch of minerality. The acidity keeps everything lively, while the Sémillon adds a smoothness that gives this Sauvignon Blanc a little more weight than your typical summer sipper.

Pair it with: Fresh seafood, grilled shrimp, ceviche, goat cheese, summer salads, roasted vegetables, or anything with bright citrus flavors. We especially love the idea of pairing it with grilled shrimp tacos or a chilled seafood platter.

Why we love it: It is refreshing enough for a hot August day but has enough texture and character to hold its own alongside dinner.

Greenwing Pinot Noir | Willamette Valley

From California we head north to Oregon for Greenwing’s Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.

The Willamette Valley is known for its cool climate, volcanic soils, foggy mornings, and long growing season, all of which help create Pinot Noir with freshness and finesse. Greenwing’s expression highlights the region beautifully with bright red fruit, earthy character, and subtle spice.

What you’ll taste: Dark cherry, spiced cranberry, raspberry, baking spice, cinnamon, and earthy undertones. Silky tannins and fresh acidity give the wine a graceful structure without making it feel heavy.

Pair it with: Grilled salmon, roasted chicken, mushroom dishes, pork tenderloin, charcuterie, or a summer burger topped with caramelized onions and mushrooms.

Why we love it: This is a Pinot Noir that can transition effortlessly from patio sipping to dinner table pairing.

Bolder Things

Duckhorn Merlot | Napa Valley

Duckhorn and Merlot have a long history together.

After falling in love with Merlot during a visit to Bordeaux, Dan Duckhorn began producing Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot in 1978. The winery went on to become one of the names most closely associated with premium American Merlot.

This Napa Valley Merlot is a beautiful example of what the variety can do when it is given serious attention.

What you’ll taste: Red currant, raspberry, black plum, cherry, baking spice, cocoa, and hints of cardamom and chocolate. The palate is silky and refined, with fine-grained tannins and a bright finish.

Pair it with: Steak, roasted pork, duck, grilled sausages, mushroom risotto, short ribs, or a cheeseboard featuring aged cheddar or Gouda.

Why we love it: It has that perfect balance of richness and elegance. Big enough for dinner, polished enough to sip on its own.

Greenwing Cabernet Sauvignon | Columbia Valley

Our second Bolder Things selection takes us to Washington State.

Greenwing’s Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the region’s ability to produce beautifully structured Cabernet with plenty of fruit and spice. The wine brings together Cabernet Sauvignon with Malbec and Syrah, creating added layers of texture and complexity.

What you’ll taste: Bing cherry, plum, pomegranate, red tea, vanilla bean, clove, forest floor, cedar, tobacco, nutmeg, and brown spice. Polished tannins help carry those flavors through a balanced finish.

Pair it with: Grilled steak, smoked brisket, barbecue ribs, burgers, grilled portobello mushrooms, or hearty pasta with a rich meat sauce.

Why we love it: It has the structure you want from Cabernet while bringing some of the fruit-forward character and spice that makes Washington wines so appealing.

Finer Things

Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley

Now we get to one of the stars of the lineup.

Duckhorn Vineyards was founded in 1976 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, and Cabernet Sauvignon has long been an important part of the winery’s Napa Valley identity. The winery’s estate vineyards span several of Napa Valley’s distinct growing regions, giving its winemaking team access to fruit with different expressions of structure, fruit, and character.

What you’ll taste: Dark berries, black currant, blueberry, boysenberry, baking spice, cedar, cassis, and hints of graham cracker and slate. The wine is structured and layered, with sculpted tannins and a long finish.

Pair it with: Filet mignon, prime rib, grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb, steak au poivre, or a rich mushroom dish.

Why we love it: This is the bottle to reach for when dinner calls for something substantial. It has the fruit, structure, and depth to make a meal feel like an occasion.

Migration Pinot Noir | Sonoma Coast

Our final Finer Things selection brings us back to Pinot Noir, this time with Migration’s Sonoma Coast expression.

Migration specializes in cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with the Sonoma Coast playing an important role in the winery’s identity. The region’s fog and Goldridge sandy loam soils help create Pinot Noir with bright acidity, vibrant fruit, and balanced oak.

What you’ll taste: Cherry, cranberry, strawberry, raspberry, cedar, forest floor, vanilla, French oak, and orange-cinnamon spice. It is lush and polished while maintaining the brightness and acidity that make Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir so food-friendly.

Pair it with: Duck, roasted chicken, grilled salmon, pork tenderloin, wild mushrooms, creamy pasta, or a cheese board with Brie and other soft-ripened cheeses.

Why we love it: It is the kind of Pinot Noir that invites another sip. Bright enough for summer, layered enough for a beautiful dinner, and elegant enough to save for a special night.

A Little Duckhorn Portfolio Love

One of the fun parts of this month’s selections is getting to taste wines from several different members of The Duckhorn Portfolio side by side.

Duckhorn Vineyards is the original family name behind the portfolio. Founded in Napa Valley in 1976, the winery built its reputation on distinctive Napa Valley wines, particularly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Greenwing is another member of The Duckhorn Portfolio, bringing the focus to Washington State and Oregon. Its wines are designed to highlight regional character, with the Willamette Valley Pinot Noir showcasing Oregon and the Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon showcasing Washington.

Migration is also part of the Duckhorn family, with a focus on cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from California. Its Sonoma Coast wines are particularly known for combining lush fruit, bright acidity, and balanced oak.

So while these bottles come from different vineyards, regions, and winemaking programs, they are connected through The Duckhorn Portfolio. Think of them as sister wineries under the same larger family, each with its own personality and sense of place.

And honestly, that is what makes this month’s Wine Club selections so much fun.

You can taste the family resemblance while still seeing what makes each winery, varietal, and growing region unique.

Did You Miss the Dinner?

If you missed our August Cellar Society Wine Dinner featuring Duckhorn Winery, consider this your chance to recreate a little piece of the experience at home.

Open a bottle. Invite a few friends. Make something delicious. Pour another glass.

Because wine is at its best when it is part of the meal, part of the conversation, and part of the memories being made around the table.

And if this month’s selections have you thinking, “I need to be at the next one,” we have good news.

Save the Date: September 14

Our next Cellar Society Wine Dinner is September 14th.

It is another evening of thoughtfully selected wines, food and wine pairings, and a menu created to make every pour shine.

Not a Cellar Society member yet? Sign up today and join us for the next dinner.

The bottles are ready. The table is waiting. And there is always another wine to discover.