CALIFORNIA GROWN
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.
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.
Merry Edwards Winery's 80 estate acres spread across several unique parcels within the Russian River Valley. Each contributes distinctive characteristics to the wines. Swipe up for a closer look at some of these special vineyards!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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To help consumers recognize California's role in food production and to connect them with the farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers that grow over 400 specialty crops in the Golden State. And since California produces over 50% of the nation's produce, we have lots of stories to tell.