Anderson Valley Estate Vineyard Portfolio
In the 1990s, as their passion for Pinot Noir deepened, Dan and Margaret Duckhorn recognized that the variety’s greatest expressions—across both in the Old World and the New—thrived under conditions distinct from Merlot. Between 1990 and 1996, they explored fruit from across California, including the Russian River Valley, Sonoma, and Carneros, in search of a place that could fully express Pinot Noir. That search ultimately led them to Anderson Valley.
Defined by clay soils and a marine-influenced climate of long, temperate days shaped by cooling fog and coastal winds, Anderson Valley offered ideal conditions for exceptional Pinot Noir. Goldeneye was founded here in 1996, with its first estate vineyard carefully selected to establish a lasting connection between place, purpose, and craft.
To steward these distinctive vineyards, Goldeneye built a thoughtfully designed, Pinot Noir focused winery, one of only a few in California to achieve LEED Gold certification. These thoughtful investments have helped elevate the profile of Anderson Valley while solidifying Goldeneye’s reputation as a leading expression of California Pinot Noir.
Goldeneye's early efforts quickly began to establish new standards of viticultural excellence and winemaking quality for the Anderson Valley. And while these early wines met with acclaim, they were nonetheless thoughtful works in progress. In the years since, this progress has been shaped by new estate vineyards, new plantings of elite clones, the adoption of the most rigorous farming practices and constant winemaking refinements. Today, Goldeneye features the appellation’s preeminent Pinot Noir estate program, which spans the valley and includes three estate vineyards and more than 200 vine acres and more than 20 distinctive clones.
In the 1990s, as their passion for Pinot Noir deepened, Dan and Margaret Duckhorn recognized that the variety’s greatest expressions—across both in the Old World and the New—thrived under conditions distinct from Merlot. Between 1990 and 1996, they explored fruit from across California, including the Russian River Valley, Sonoma, and Carneros, in search of a place that could fully express Pinot Noir. That search ultimately led them to Anderson Valley.
Defined by clay soils and a marine-influenced climate of long, temperate days shaped by cooling fog and coastal winds, Anderson Valley offered ideal conditions for exceptional Pinot Noir. Goldeneye was founded here in 1996, with its first estate vineyard carefully selected to establish a lasting connection between place, purpose, and craft.
To steward these distinctive vineyards, Goldeneye built a thoughtfully designed, Pinot Noir focused winery, one of only a few in California to achieve LEED Gold certification. These thoughtful investments have helped elevate the profile of Anderson Valley while solidifying Goldeneye’s reputation as a leading expression of California Pinot Noir.
Goldeneye's early efforts quickly began to establish new standards of viticultural excellence and winemaking quality for the Anderson Valley. And while these early wines met with acclaim, they were nonetheless thoughtful works in progress. In the years since, this progress has been shaped by new estate vineyards, new plantings of elite clones, the adoption of the most rigorous farming practices and constant winemaking refinements. Today, Goldeneye features the appellation’s preeminent Pinot Noir estate program, which spans the valley and includes three estate vineyards and more than 200 vine acres and more than 20 distinctive clones.
LEED Gold Certification
Commited to Sustainability
We proudly recognize that our Goldeneye winery has earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council®.
The result of years of deliberate, thoughtful effort. As one of only three wineries in California to achieve this distinction, the certification reflects a thoughtful relationship with Anderson Valley and a deep respect for its resources. It underscores Goldeneye’s ongoing commitment to responsible winegrowing—caring for the land today to ensure its vitality for generations to come.
Anderson Valley Estate Vineyard Portfolio
Confluence Vineyard
Confluence Vineyard (1996) Located in the heart of the Anderson Valley, adjacent to the headwaters of the Navarro River, Confluence vineyard offers a unique range of soils, from benchland to gravel strata, as well as varying exposures including hillside slopes and protected pockets. This natural diversity allowed us to choose clones ideally suited to each specific vineyard block, ultimately yielding grapes possessing a variety of expressive flavors and characteristics. The opulent Pinot Noir produced from this valley floor vineyard displays voluptuous red fruit components and plush, supple tannins.
