O’Hara described Duckhorn Wine Co. as “one of the most respected wine portfolios in the world.”

“Our goal is to support the company’s vision and to use our consumer expertise to bring the Duckhorn portfolio of wines to an even broader global audience,” said O’Hara.

In 1978, Dan and Margaret Duckhorn “changed the face of the U.S. wine industry” when they made 800 cases each of their inaugural Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon and merlot.

Beginning in the late 1980s, the Duckhorns began leading Duckhorn Vineyards through a period of growth, expanding its estate program and diversifying its parent company, Duckhorn Wine Co.

When Duckhorn Wine Co. was sold to GI Partners of San Francisco in 2007, the Duckhorns stayed on, and worked closely with Ryan to write the next chapter of the winery.

While many wineries consolidated production and sold assets during the Great Recession, GI Partners invested more than $60 million in the company’s future.

It expanded its estate vineyard portfolio by 350 vine acres, built and acquired state-of-the-art winemaking facilities and unveiled several new wines.

The company just had its most profitable fiscal year to date, said the release.