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ST. HELENA -- Duckhorn Wine Company started as a family company in 1976, but that legacy endures even under different ownership and a much larger organization.
"The family of dedicated Duckhorn employees is what makes this company great -- nothing more," said Alex Ryan, president and CEO.
Though the workforce now numbers more than 225 at several locations in Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties and is owned by GI Partners, employees continue to have concern for each other's challenges. Several employees noted the company's paid-time-off policy. When there is a personal or family emergency, executives and staff often step up to donate PTO hours.
"I recently needed major surgery requiring more time off than allowed by law, and my immediate managers and senior executives sat me down and informed me that I have given to the company and now the company would like to give back to me," an employee said. "'Take the needed time off, and come back to us healthy! Your colleagues have even inquired about donating their vacation time for you.' What a huge relief to hear that from management and peers -- a tremendous feeling, which validates working in this environment."
That understanding of life events, and the sacrifice for families during the bustle and long hours during harvest, extends to the routine too.
"My direct supervisor is very understanding when I need to leave early or call in within an hour of [my] having to be at work, if something comes up with the kids," an employee said. "I am not reprimanded or treated differently for having family responsibilities. The company has parties that are open to our families so they get to feel like a part of my work culture as well."
While the wine business has been booming in the past few years, during tough years after the economic recession, Duckhorn continued holding events for employees and offering benefits as well as years-of-service and one-off awards.
Community philanthropic efforts include an annual wine sale among employees to raise money for food banks, and the company buys livestock raised by children in 4-H clubs to boost college funds.
