Merry Edwards Winery: Wines from the Iconic Russian River Valley
Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, Merry Edwards Winery stands as a testament to exceptional winemaking and sustainable practices. Known for its rich Pinot Noirs and aromatic Sauvignon Blancs, the winery has garnered acclaim and loyal followers worldwide. Today, we take you behind the scenes with Winemaker Heidi von der Mehden, exploring the philosophies, practices, and future of this iconic estate winery.
The Winemaking Philosophy at Merry Edwards Winery
At Merry Edwards Winery, the winemaking philosophy revolves around the belief that great wines start in the vineyard. Heidi von der Mehden, who joined the winery in 2015, emphasizes the importance of estate vineyards and meticulous farming practices. “We believe great wines are grown in the vineyard, and I am very fortunate to have 80 acres of Russian River Valley estate vineyards that we farm ourselves,” Heidi explains. By controlling the quality of the fruit from vine to bottle, the winery ensures that each wine truly represents its unique terroir.
Exploring the Vineyards of Merry Edwards Winery
Merry Edwards Winery’s 80 estate acres spread across several unique parcels within the Russian River Valley. Each contributes distinctive characteristics to the wines. Here’s a closer look at some of these special vineyards:
- Georganne Vineyard: Located in the “middle reach” area of the Russian River valley, this northernmost vineyard is the warmest. This area produces wines with ripe fruit, floral aromas, and robust tannins.
- Coopersmith Vineyard: This vineyard surrounds the winery in the Laguna Ridge area. It imparts dark fruit flavors and a lush, round mouthfeel.
- Warrens’ Hill Vineyard: Situated in Green Valley, this vineyard tends to produce spicy notes and dark fruit. These spicy notes and dark fruit add complexity to the wines.
- Sebastopol Hills: This cooler area has a strong coastal influence. It produces fruit with floral, Bing cherry, and plum notes, along with a signature dried herb component. These wines are highly structured and expressive.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is woven into the fabric of operations at Merry Edwards Winery’s. The legacy of sustainable practices started by Merry Edwards herself continues under Heidi’s stewardship. “We weave sustainability into our farming practices and our daily lives,” says Heidi. Some of these notable sustainable practices include:
- Composting: The winery produces its own compost to enrich the vineyards.
- Energy efficiency: Retrofitting the winery with energy-efficient LED lights and installing solar panels even before the winery’s construction was complete.
- Organic farming: The flagship Meredith Estate vineyard is in its third year of organic farming, on its way to certification. They also maintain native plantings around the property.
Winemakers -Sharing Passion and Transitioning Roles
The transition from Merry Edwards to Heidi von der Mehden as the lead winemaker was seamless. It is a relationship of mutual respect and a shared passion for winemaking. Heidi recalls, “When I was hired by Merry in 2015, it was with the understanding that I would be her successor.” She was a “clean slate” eager to learn from Merry, and their strong working relationship ensured a smooth handover. Heidi continues to honor Merry’s legacy while bringing her own touch to the wines.
The Journey to Winemaking
Heidi’s journey into winemaking was fueled by a love for the excitement of harvest and the camaraderie of working as a team. “Initially, I was drawn to the excitement of harvest. I loved the fast-paced environment, the camaraderie of working hard as a team, and the fact that every day held a new challenge,” she says. Over the years, this passion has only grown, and the evolving challenges of climate change and the constant pursuit of excellence further drive this passion.
Timeless Wines: Balancing Tradition and Trends
Merry Edwards Winery has a reputation for timeless wines rather than chasing trends. Heidi explains, “Merry Edwards wines have never been trendy since we have always been more about evolution than revolution.” By participating in competitive tastings and focusing on the terroir, the winery continues to produce distinctive wines that stand the test of time.
Looking to the Future
The acquisition by Champagne Louis Roederer in 2019 opened new avenues for Merry Edwards Winery. “Our acquisition has opened up new, exciting vineyard sources to us, and I love that we have branched out into the Anderson Valley,” Heidi shares. The winery has released new Anderson Valley wines. These include Pinot Noirs and a Chardonnay, adding fresh, bright options to their portfolio. This evolution reflects the winery’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Commonly Asked Questions About Merry Edwards Winery.
Q: What makes Merry Edwards Winery’s wines unique?
A: Merry Edwards Winery’s wines are unique due to their focus on estate-grown fruit. This is due to meticulous farming practices, and a commitment to showcasing the terroir of each vineyard.
Q: How does Merry Edwards Winery practice sustainability?
A: The winery practices sustainability through organic farming, energy-efficient measures, composting, and maintaining native plantings around the property.
Q: What are some of the standout wines from Merry Edwards Winery?
A: Standout wines include their rich Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs, aromatic Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc. The new Anderson Valley offerings of Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay are also standout options.
Merry Edwards Winery continues to be a beacon of excellence in the Russian River Valley. They are known for producing wines that truly reflect their vineyards and the dedication of the winemaking team. With a strong commitment to sustainability, a seamless transition of winemakers, and an eye toward the future, Merry Edwards Winery remains an iconic name in the world of wine. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a new enthusiast, a visit to Merry Edwards Winery is a must. A visit to Merry Edwards promises an unforgettable experience of exceptional wines and inspiring stories.