Author Archives: Merriam Vineyards

Merriam Vineyards Celebrates Earth Day 2025 With Quarter-Century Legacy of Environmental Stewardship

Family's Multi-Generational Commitment to Land Conservation Highlighted During 25th Anniversary Year

HEALDSBURG, Calif., April 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As the world marks the 55th annual Earth Day, Merriam Vineyards showcases its 25-year journey of sustainable winegrowing in the Russian River Valley AVA, where environmental stewardship has been woven into the fabric of their operation since inception. The winery’s anniversary year coincides with this global celebration of environmental action, highlighting how their conservation practices are deeply rooted in family traditions predating the vineyard’s establishment.

Image caption: (L to R) William Weese, Diana Merriam, Peter Merriam, Evan Merriam. Photo credit Alexander Rubin.

“Our commitment to the land isn’t just a business decision—it’s a family philosophy spanning generations,” explains Peter Merriam, who, along with his wife Diana, founded the winery in 2000. “Growing up in Maine, I learned organic farming methods from my father, spent countless hours fly fishing in our watersheds, and developed a deep appreciation for nature. These early experiences shaped our approach to viticulture long before sustainability became an industry buzzword.”

This Earth Day, Merriam Vineyards celebrates significant environmental milestones achieved across its three distinct estate properties totaling 45 acres. The winery recently completed organic certification for its production facility through CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers), complementing the organic certification held by its Los Amigos Estate since 2012. Additionally, the Eastside Estate Vineyard earned Fish Friendly Farming certification in December 2024, recognizing the winery’s efforts to protect the Mark West Creek watershed and critical habitats for steelhead trout and coho salmon.

“Our environmental practices aren’t compartmentalized—they form a comprehensive ecosystem approach,” notes Estate Manager Evan Merriam, representing the next generation of family leadership. “From our Babydoll sheep providing natural vineyard management to our cattle grazing for fire protection, we’re implementing solutions that honor the interconnectedness of all life on our estate.”

Diana Merriam’s Greek heritage has further influenced the property’s Mediterranean-inspired design and ecological philosophy. “Mediterranean culture has always emphasized living in harmony with the natural world,” she explains. “Our landscape redesign, completed with Munden Fry Landscape Associates, creates outdoor spaces that connect visitors directly with our vineyards and natural surroundings, emphasizing the relationship between sustainable farming and exceptional wines.”

The winery’s Earth Day initiatives build upon a foundation of environmental practices that include:

Comprehensive watershed protection strategies at the Eastside Estate, particularly for the Mark West Creek tributary of the Russian River
Introduction of Babydoll sheep for natural vineyard management, reducing reliance on machinery and improving soil health
Cattle grazing for range management and fire protection on outlying hills
Progression toward no-till farming methods to minimize carbon emissions
Installation of hedgerows to prevent erosion along riparian corridors
Rigorous organic and sustainable certifications across all properties, including CCOF, CCSW (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing), and Sonoma Sustainable designations
Using 100% of the wastewater at the winery as part of its water reclamation efforts

William Weese, Merriam’s winemaker, sees direct connections between these environmental practices and wine quality, influenced by his formative training under renowned Chilean organic pioneer Alvaro Espinoza. “Working with Alvaro in Chile shaped my understanding of how organic farming creates vineyard resilience and wine authenticity,” Weese notes. “Our minimal intervention approach in the vineyard translates to minimal intervention in the cellar. By nurturing healthy soils and ecosystems the way Alvaro taught, we’re able to produce wines that genuinely express the terroir of this special place, with vibrant natural acidity and balanced flavors that don’t require manipulation.”

“As we mark both Earth Day and our 25th anniversary, we’re looking forward to the next quarter-century of environmental stewardship,” Peter Merriam reflects. “The work we do today—enhancing soil health, protecting watersheds, reducing our carbon footprint—creates a legacy for future generations. That’s always been the heart of our mission at Merriam Vineyards.”

About Merriam Vineyards:

Established in 2000 in Sonoma, CA’s Russian River AVA by husband-and-wife Peter and Diana Merriam, Merriam Vineyards specializes in Bordeaux and Burgundy varieties and was born from the couple’s love of Old-World wines and extensive European travels. Recognizing the immense potential for producing distinctive single-vineyard wines in Sonoma, the Merriam’s acquired what would become known as the Windacre Vineyard in 2000, adding Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec plantings beyond its existing Merlot vines and establishing the quality of Bordeaux varieties in a region primarily known for cool-climate wines.

The couple expanded its estate into Burgundian varieties with the planting of its Los Amigos property in 2008 and in 2022, purchased the Eastside Estate, with a focus on cool-climate Pinot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery’s rigorous, decades-long commitment to sustainable viticulture and production resulted in the prestigious CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) certification for its Los Amigos estate (2012) and winery (2023), as well as CCSW (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing) certification for its Eastside Estate and Windacre vineyard. Son Evan Merriam represents the Merriam’s next generation as estate manager.

Learn more: https://www.merriamvineyards.com/

For interviews, images, or more information, contact Kimberly Noelle Charles of Charles Communications Associates at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463.

NEWS SOURCE: Merriam Vineyards

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Merriam Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years of Winegrowing Excellence in Russian River Valley

Quarter-Century Milestone Marked by Special Releases and Enhanced Visitor Experience

HEALDSBURG, Calif., Feb. 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Merriam Vineyards, a pioneering force in Russian River Valley’s diverse winegrowing landscape, announces the commencement of its 25th anniversary celebration. Founded in 2000 by Peter and Diana Merriam, the winery has evolved from its initial 12-acre purchase into a distinguished estate encompassing three distinct vineyard properties, each expressing the unique terroir of the Russian River Valley AVA.

Image Caption: Team at Merriam Vineyards. Photo credit Alexander Rubin.

“When we acquired Windacre Vineyard in 2000, we envisioned creating wines that would honor both the Old-World traditions we loved, and the unique character of the Russian River Valley AVA” reflects Peter Merriam. “Twenty-five years later, that vision has been realized, encompassing not just exceptional wines but a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and an enhanced visitor experience. It has been a great way to walk the walk of appreciating fine wine, by owning and managing very special vineyards.”

The anniversary year will feature special commemorative releases, including a limited-edition sparkling Blanc de Noirs, alongside a series of celebratory events throughout 2025. These offerings will showcase the winery’s evolution from its origins as a Bordeaux-focused producer, uncommon at the founding, to its current diverse portfolio spanning both Bordeaux and Burgundian varieties.

The milestone coincides with significant achievements in sustainable practices across the estate. The winery recently completed its organic certification process through CCOF, building upon the organic certification of its Los Amigos estate property. The Windacre and Eastside properties maintain rigorous sustainable certifications through CCSW and Sonoma Sustainable programs, with Eastside Estate additionally achieving Fish Friendly Farming certification in 2024.

Image caption: Merriam Vineyards. Photo credit Will Bucquoy.

The anniversary celebration follows the 2023 transformation of the winery’s landscape, designed in partnership with Munden Fry Landscape Associates (MFLA). This reimagining created an array of outdoor tasting environments that bring visitors closer to the vineyards and highlight the estate’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Features include antique olive trees, garden rooms under shade trees, and a distinctive water wall feature that complements the natural surroundings. Co-proprietor Diana Merriam hails from Greek heritage, and the property’s design and aesthetic represent the elegant ease of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Estate Manager Evan Merriam, representing the next generation of family leadership, emphasizes the forward-looking nature of the anniversary: “While we’re celebrating our past achievements, we’re equally focused on the future. Our recent initiatives in organic farming, watershed protection, and enhanced visitor experiences set the stage for our next quarter century.”

Co-proprietor Peter Merriam adds, “When Diana and I first visited Sonoma County decades ago, we knew that a dream could be realized. I was selling fine European wine to discerning clients in New England and having grown up farming organically with my father in Maine, I wanted to merge two passions, fine wine and organic farming, and we’ve achieved that at Merriam Vineyards. Now as we look forward to our next goals, we want to reflect on the achievements, my family and team have accomplished.”

The winery will announce specific anniversary events and releases throughout the year. For more information about Merriam Vineyards’ 25th anniversary celebration, visit www.merriamvineyards.com or follow on Instagram @merriamvineyards.

About Merriam Vineyards:

The couple expanded its estate into Burgundian varieties with the acquisition of its Los Amigos property in 2009 and in 2022, purchased the hillside Eastside Estate, with a focus on core col-climate Pinot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery’s rigorous, decades-long commitment to sustainable viticulture and production resulted in the prestigious CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) certification for its Los Amigos estate (2012) and winery (2023), as well as CCSW (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing) certification for its Windacre property and Sonoma Sustainable for its Eastside Estate. Son Evan Merriam represents the Merriam’s next generation as estate manager.

For interviews, images, or more information, contact Kimberly Noelle Charles of Charles Communications Associates at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463.

MULTIMEDIA:

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Caption: Team at Merriam Vineyards. Photo credit Alexander Rubin

NEWS SOURCE: Merriam Vineyards

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/merriam-vineyards-celebrates-25-years-of-winegrowing-excellence-in-russian-river-valley/

Merriam Vineyards declares 2023 a ‘first class’ vintage – concludes inaugural harvest in newly California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) Certified Winery

SONOMA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Merriam Vineyards, located in California's Russian River AVA, wrapped up the 2023 harvest with much to celebrate. Winemaker William Weese states that this year is poised to produce a "great and first-class vintage" for Merriam's award-winning cool-climate varieties, especially its Pinot Noir. Throughout Sonoma County and many AVAs within California, the 2023 vintage is already anticipated to be one of the best in decades.

"Being a cooler year with long hangtime was extremely beneficial," Weese says. "We were getting phenolic ripeness on fruit without having to deal with high Brix. The acid was there, too. I never felt like I needed to pick or press a wine off earlier than I wanted to, to make room for the next wine, so all the wines we made got all the attention they deserved." Weese adds that the excellent conditions also resulted in minimal intervention in winemaking, resulting in a direct expression of the vineyard and a chance for the "fruit to speak for itself."

This harvest marks the first for Merriam as a fully CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers)-certified winery, following decades of commitment to organic and sustainable practices in their vineyards and beyond. Founded in 2000 by husband-and-wife Peter and Diana Merriam and focusing on estate-grown Bordeaux and Burgundy varieties, Merriam previously achieved CCOF vineyard certification for its Los Amigos estate property in 2012. Purchased in 2022, the Eastside estate is currently certified sustainable through the CSWA California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and the Windacre vineyard-

the first vineyard purchased by the Merriams in 2000-is currently certified sustainable with the Sonoma Sustainable designation. The 2023 vintage of several vineyard designates from the Los Amigos property, named after three generations of Merriam women including Diana's Pinot Noir, Danielle's Fumé Blanc, and Evanthea's Chardonnay, will include "made with organic grapes" on the label.

"The CCOF certification has been a nice progression through our sustainable journey," says Peter, adding that they "immediately" began pursuing certification after founding the winery. "Its arduous nature means we must abide by strict rules and materials, and everything must be planned, proactive and approved. On the winery side, that includes strict regulations inside the facilities such as keeping the organic materials isolated, triple rinsed, sanitized, and sterilized, and documenting everything along the way."

"My family has been farming organically since 2012 because we believe it produces world-class wines, and with this newest certification we are able to continue to educate consumers on the quality that comes from holding ourselves to higher standards and practices," adds estate manager Evan Merriam.

An extension of its ongoing commitment to sustainable farming, the winery also introduced 800 Babydoll sheep into the estate vineyards last spring to mow down clover and other cover crop. Too small to damage vines, the sheep improve vineyard soil health by providing natural fertilizer and reducing the need for heavy machinery, which means less soil compaction and improved soil fertility and structure. Merriam also has 25 head of cattle grazing the outlying hills above the vineyard for range management and fire protection.

Outdoor design expansion of its 21-acre estate has been an additional project for Merriam this year, in partnership with Munden Fry Landscape Associates (MFLA). The project elevates guest experience while respecting and showcasing the property's natural environs. "A connection to the vineyard and the sustainable farming practices provided the foundation for the renovations of the tasting terrace, new Garden Rooms and a reorientation of the visitors experience when entering the property," says MFLA Partner James Munden.

Begun in 2021, the plan includes a row of antique olive trees with a rich underplanting of ornamental grasses, leading visitors to the various tasting areas. Hedges create green walls defining the outdoor tasting rooms under a bosque of plane trees for shade from the summer heat. A stone water wall feature mitigates sound from nearby Hwy 101 and encloses one side of the Tasting Terrace. Creating a more enjoyable and immersive winery experience aligns with the Merriam family's early vision of bringing visitors outside, emphasizing the vineyards, views and natural habitats that are the focus of the winery's environmentally progressive efforts.

About CCOF:

Founded in 1973, the non-profit CCOF is a leader in the organic agricultural movement and specializes in education, advocacy, promotion and certification for California farms, livestock, operations, retailers, restaurants and more. The CCOF is globally recognized for its comprehensive and strict standards and is USDA accredited. The rigorous certification process for wineries includes review of soil quality, pest and weed control, the use of input materials and animal husbandry, among other focuses. For more information visit https://www.ccof.org/page/about-ccof.

About MFLA:

Munden Fry Landscape Associates is a landscape and urban design studio established in 1990 that blurs the boundaries between land, architecture and art. Led by British transplant, James Munden and original studio founder, Marta Fry, MFLA strives to create vibrant, enduring, and compelling environments that consider both the built & natural ecologies equally. With an established reputation for delivering high quality private and public works across a diverse portfolio, James and Marta share a common-sense approach. The result is environmentally grounded designs with integrity, substance, and an inherent sense of timelessness. For more information, visit https://mflastudio.com/ or contact Amber Munden at ambermunden@mflasf.com.

About Merriam Vineyards:

Established in 2000 in Sonoma, CA's Russian River AVA by husband-and-wife Peter and Diana Merriam, Merriam Vineyards specializes in Bordeaux and Burgundy varieties and was born from the couple's love of Old World wines and extensive European travels. Recognizing the immense potential for producing distinctive single-vineyard wines in Sonoma, the Merriam's acquired what would become known as the Windacre Vineyard in 2000, adding Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec plantings beyond its existing Merlot vines and establishing the quality of Bordeaux varieties in a region primarily known for cool-climate wines.

The couple expanded its estate into Burgundian varieties with the acquisition of its Los Amigos property in 2009 and in 2022, purchased the hillside Eastside Estate, with a focus on core col-climate Pinot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery's rigorous, decades-long commitment to sustainable viticulture and production resulted in the prestigious CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) certification for its Los Amigos estate (2012) and winery (2023), as well as CCSW (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing) certification for its Windacre property and Sonoma Sustainable for its Eastside Estate. Son Evan Merriam represents the Merriam's next generation as estate manager.

For more information about Merriam Vineyards, visit https://www.merriamvineyards.com/ or on Instagram @merriamvineyards.

Merriam Vineyards, located in California's Russian River AVA, wrapped up the 2023 harvest with much to celebrate. Winemaker William Weese states that this year is poised to produce a "great and first-class vintage" for Merriam's award-winning cool-climate varieties, especially its Pinot Noir. Throughout Sonoma County and many AVAs within California, the 2023 vintage is already anticipated to be one of the best in decades.

Related link: https://www.merriamvineyards.com/