Decoy
Decoy is a California wine label produced by Duckhorn Vineyards, one of Napa Valley's established wineries. Positioned as an approachable, everyday range, Decoy offers a broad portfolio of varietal wines sourced primarily from California vineyards, giving drinkers a taste of the Duckhorn winemaking pedigree at a more accessible price point.
The collection spans reds, whites, rosé and sparkling wines, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay among the most widely available bottlings. Known for a fruit-forward, balanced style, Decoy has become a popular choice for both casual sipping and food-friendly pairings.
Decoy is a California wine label produced by Duckhorn Vineyards, one of Napa Valley's established wineries.
Read more about Decoy
Decoy is a California wine label produced by Duckhorn Vineyards, one of Napa Valley's established wineries. Positioned as an approachable, everyday range, Decoy offers a broad portfolio of varietal wines sourced primarily from California vineyards, giving drinkers a taste of the Duckhorn winemaking pedigree at a more accessible price point.
The collection spans reds, whites, rosé and sparkling wines, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay among the most widely available bottlings. Known for a fruit-forward, balanced style, Decoy has become a popular choice for both casual sipping and food-friendly pairings.
Background & House Style
Decoy was created by Duckhorn Vineyards, a Napa Valley winery founded in 1976 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn. The Decoy name and its distinctive mallard duck imagery tie back to the parent brand's heritage, and the label was developed to offer wines with the quality of Duckhorn's approach at a value-oriented tier.
Stylistically, Decoy wines aim for accessibility and consistency. The reds tend to be ripe and approachable with soft tannins, while the whites emphasize freshness and varietal character. Fruit is sourced from a range of California appellations, allowing the winemaking team to blend for balance and drinkability across vintages.
Over time the range has expanded to include a premium 'Decoy Limited' series, which showcases more focused, higher-tier bottlings while retaining the label's approachable identity.
The Range & What to Expect
The core Decoy lineup covers popular varietals designed for versatility. On the red side you'll typically find Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and red blends. Whites and rosé include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and a dry rosé, with sparkling options rounding out the collection.
Decoy Limited expressions offer a step up, with wines that reflect more specific sourcing and a richer, more concentrated profile. These bottles are worth seeking out for buyers who want more depth while staying within the Decoy family.
Because the range is broad, Decoy is a reliable option for stocking a versatile home cellar — there's a bottle suited to weeknight meals, casual gatherings and gifting alike.
Buying & Serving
When buying Decoy, match the varietal to your occasion: Cabernet Sauvignon and red blends pair well with grilled meats and hearty dishes, while Pinot Noir and Merlot suit roasted poultry, pork and salmon. Sauvignon Blanc and rosé shine with lighter fare, salads and seafood.
Serve the reds slightly below room temperature, around 60–65°F, and consider decanting the Cabernet for a short time to open up the aromatics. Whites, rosé and sparkling are best chilled, roughly 45–55°F depending on the style.
Decoy wines are generally meant to be enjoyed young for their fresh fruit character, though the more structured reds can benefit from a few years of cellaring. We ship nationwide, so you can order individual bottles or mixed cases to explore the range.