RAY DUNCAN grows his Centennial State legacy in California vineyards
By Lexi Reich
Photography Courtesy of Silver Oak Cellars
IMAGINE a journey that begins with oil fields in Colorado and culminates in the sun-drenched vineyards of Napa Valley, producing some of the most celebrated cabernet sauvignon in the world. This is the story of Raymond Twomey Duncan, known as Ray Duncan, the visionary founder of Silver Oak Cellars, whose entrepreneurial spirit and love for the land forged a legacy that his family continues to honor and expand.
Originally involved in oil entrepreneurship in Colorado, Ray Duncan, alongside his friend and winemaker Justin Meyer, established Silver Oak Cellars in a modest dairy barn in Napa Valley. Their venture focused on producing premium cabernet sauvignon aged exclusively in American oak barrels, a decision that set Silver Oak apart and laid the foundation for its celebrated quality. The debut vintage of 1,000 cases in 1972 was just the beginning, with Silver Oak quickly gaining prominence on restaurant wine lists across the nation.
After choosing Daniel Baron to succeed him as winemaker in 1994, Meyer retired in 2001 and sold his share of Silver Oak to the Duncan family. Today, Ray Duncan’s sons David and Tim continue to uphold their father’s vision, steering the winery with the same dedication and innovative spirit.
But the journey wasn’t without its trials. A devastating fire in 2006 razed Silver Oak’s historic Oakville winery. Undeterred, Ray Duncan and his team rebuilt, creating the world’s first LEED Platinum–certified winery for existing buildings. This commitment to sustainability was further exemplified by the brand’s Alexander Valley winery, also achieving LEED Platinum status. Under CEO David Duncan’s leadership, Silver Oak is now a pioneer in sustainable viticulture, striving towards net-zero water and energy use across its 400 acres of vineyards.
While vacationing in Colorado, David Duncan reflected on his late father’s legacy during a phone interview.
“I had the opportunity to write my vision for Silver Oak in 1994 while at the University of Denver,” he shares. “Eight years later, Ray said, ‘Go do it.’”
David Duncan cherishes his early memories in Colorado, especially summers spent in Durango during the development of Purgatory Ski Resort.
“My dad was the founder of Purgatory Ski Resort. It opened in 1965, about three or four weeks after I was born,” he recalls. “My dad and I were both skiers, hunters, fishermen and Colorado boys at heart.”
Ray Duncan served as chairman of the board for Colorado Ski Country USA and was honored with induction into the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame in 2006.
David Duncan shared how his father’s entrepreneurial spirit and love for the land have guided his leadership at Silver Oak. “All his entrepreneurial ideas were in Mother Nature–related businesses,” he shares. “He started the ski area, started a winery, was in ranching. He was also very generous, and we carry on a lot of philanthropy for our community in Napa and other causes around the country.”
As for future goals, David Duncan highlighted the upcoming release of their 2020 Alexander Valley vintage and the launch of a new brand called Prince Hill from Oregon, which will feature chardonnay and pinot noir. This marks the Duncan family’s first official chardonnay, set to debut in September.
Ray Duncan’s love for the land was palpable and his passion for growing grapes led the family into the wine business, as he had a keen eye for properties suitable for planting vineyards, grazing buffalo or skiing. “We used to own a beautiful ranch in northern Colorado called Diamond Tail,” David Duncan says. “Dad was never happier than driving around in his Jeep or riding a horse. He had a love of the land and was passionate about using it to its best purpose.”
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