Renée Ary the Winemaker at Duckhorn

PHILADELPHIA - Born and raised on the East Coast, Renee moved to California to attend Saint Mary’s College, where she earned a degree in chemistry and art. Fascinated by the intersection between science and art, winemaking quickly became Renee’s passion, career, and way of life.


In early 2014, Renee became the fourth name on the shortlist of Duckhorn Vineyards winemakers that began with Tom Rinaldi in 1978. As a winemaker, Renee works in small lots to preserve the rich complexity of the fruit in the Duckhorn wine growing program.

“From our own Estate vineyards to legendary sites like Three Palms, I am incredibly fortunate to work with some of Napa Valley’s most exceptional grapes,” says Renee. “When you work with fruit of this quality, there is no recipe or formula. My job is to let the vineyards speak and convey the soul of the wine.” In 2017, Renee’s debut 2014 vintage of the revered Three Palms Vineyard Merlot was named “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator, on its list of the “Top 100 Wines” in the world.

In honor of Women’s History Month, Fine Wine & Good Spirits is spotlighting trailblazers in the wine and spirits industries who are shattering glass ceilings, one bottle at a time