Merry Edwards Winery was founded in 1997 and produces terroir-driven, single-vineyard wines from 80 acres of estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley. The winery is known for crafting Pinot Noirs of immense depth, elegant structure and exceptional longevity as well as its aromatic, barrel-aged Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc, which is among the most sought after made in California. A single-vineyard Chardonnay and Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc round out the portfolio.

In 1996, Merry purchased this 24-acre site, an abandoned apple orchard southwest of the Sebastopol city limits. Two years later, she converted the entire parcel to Pinot Noir. Meredith Estate vineyard grows in an area known locally as the Sebastopol Hills. On this cool southern edge of Russian River Valley, summer fog shrouds the area, typically until midday. Vine growth and crop load are carefully monitored and maintained, and irrigation requirements are precisely determined by measuring the moisture content of the grape leaves.

We are now farming all of Meredith Estate organically and intend to attain certification in the near future, but stewardship of this site has always included the use of sustainable, renewable farming practices. Cover crops are maintained between the vine rows, reducing erosion of the steep, sloping terrain and supporting beneficial insects. Natural amendments, including grape pomace and mushroom compost, replenish the soil with micronutrients. Owl boxes and hawk perches encourage natural control of rodents and other pests, and bluebird boxes are being installed to aid insect control.

Grapes for this bottling were harvested Sept. 30-Oct. 5, 2023. The Pinot Noir was handpicked and hand sorted in the field and at the winery. Berries were 100% destemmed, with whole berries placed in the fermenter. The fruit was cold soaked for six days prior to initiating fermentation. After fermentation finished, the grapes were gently pressed and the resulting wine was aged eight months in 54% new French oak barrels. Bottling was done on Aug. 14, 2024.

Our most important vineyard, Meredith Estate, has just been certified organic, and Winemaker Heidi von der Mehden is taking the lessons learned here and implementing them at all of our vineyard sites. Our 2023 Meredith Estate features a characteristically spicy, floral nose, with fragrances of sandalwood, tea, roses and vanilla. The layered entry is mouthwatering, revealing notes of strawberry and rhubarb that lead to a savory, spicy finish.

After many years of drought, we welcomed a full dose of rain in 2023. The rains lasted throughout the spring, providing the vines with plenty of moisture to grow a healthy canopy and full crop load. It also helped to moderate temperatures, keeping frost at bay. The summer was very typical for the Russian River Valley, with cool nights and coastal fog that came in every evening, barely burning off by noon. The growing season’s cooler temperatures led to a delayed and prolonged harvest, so patience was key. The resulting wines are elegant, with mouthwatering acidity and focused aromatics.