'Duck Dynasty' Clan Joins Napa Valley Family For Wine Label Launch

PHOTOS BY ROBERT PEEBLES JR.

Cast members from the wildly successfuly A&E reality television series "Duck Dynasty" and principals of the sprawling Trinchero Family Estates winery toasted  their new joint wine label Tuesday at a launch party in St. Helena.

The new label is  "a great opportunity to join with a tremendous success story -- the Robertson family," said Roger Trinchero, the winery's chief executive officer, at the party with about 75 staff and family members, local distributors and guests.

Trinchero said while the business aspect of the new label was attractive, it was the chemistry between the two families that was compelling for him.

"They come from the same sort of background that we did -- plus they are really great people," Trinchero said.  "it's a perfect fit.

"We share the same values," Trinchero added. "Not to mention that the brand itself has tremendous potential."

The label, Duck Commander, by Robertson Family Wines, features a Red Blend, a Chardonnay and a Pink Moscato. The wines, which sell at a mid-range price point of around $10 per bottle, are currently available at Walmart, and will be at stores nationally by January.

Bob Torkelson, Trinchero's chief operating officer, said a representative from the Robertson clan approached him about the possibility of producing their wine label.

Torkelson said the Trinchero family was "thrilled" to be associated with the project -- both for business reasons and because they resonated with the Robertsons. The two families shared a private dinner Monday night at the Trinchero estate north of St. Helena.

"To be associated with the most popular reality TV show ever, plus to be with a great family group, really makes it a win-win for us," Torkelson said.

"Duck Dynasty" is the Number 1 reality show on cable television in the U.S., with an estimated 11.8 million viewers per season and 4 million viewers for the premiere show.

"Duck Dynasty" shows the lives of the Robertson family, who became wealthy from their family-operated business, Duck Commander, operated in West Monroe, Louisiana, which makes products for duck hunters, primarily the duck call named Duck Commander.

The Robertson men -- brothers Phil, Si, and Phil's sons Jase, Willie, and Jep -- are known for their long beards. The business began in a family shed, where Phil Robertson spent 25 years making duck calls from Louisiana cedar trees. His son Willie, who was in Napa Valley this week with his wife Korie, is now the CEO of the company.