Tag Archives: Sonoma County

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

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Merriam Vineyards), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

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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/

Glancy Wine Education Foundation Names Ana Keller as President and Adds New Board Member Peter Andrews

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Sonoma vintner Ana Keller as its new board President and the addition of importer Peter Andrews as a new board member. Founding President Cheryl Halloran will remain on the board in her role as Fundraising Chair.

Keller brings more than 12 years of experience working on non-profit boards to the position, having served as President of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance, as well as continuing to serve as a board member of the Sonoma County Vintners. For the last 23 years, Keller has helped to run her family's winery, Keller Estate, where she has served as Estate Director since 1998.

"I'm extremely excited to join a mission-driven organization that has done such great work in furthering wine education for BIPOC and under-represented wine professionals," said Keller. "I believe we've only scratched the surface of what this foundation is capable of, and I look forward to being involved in the next stage of its evolution and growth."

Wine importer Peter Andrews, DipWSET, CSS, CSW, MBA, has also joined the board, offering his 13 years of experience as a wine educator, sales manager, and operational executive for a wine e-commerce retailer to the organization. Andrews recently launched Culture Wine Co., an importer, wholesaler, e-commerce retailer, and wine club focusing exclusively on the wines of South Africa.

"These are two stellar additions to an already strong volunteer board," said board Vice President, Alder Yarrow. "The combination of Ana's leadership track record and Peter's strong industry and operational experience will be invaluable."

Both Keller and Andrews have joined on the eve of the foundation's third anniversary. To date the organization has provided more than $220,000 in scholarships to more than 140 individuals representing a wide range of experience and backgrounds both inside and outside the wine and hospitality industries.

Professionals in need of financial aid are encourage to apply for scholarships year-round at https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/scholarships. Awards are made monthly.

About The Glancy Wine Education Foundation:

Established in 2020, The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is a registered a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting underserved and minority communities with scholarships to further their professional wine education, increase diversity, and raise earning power.

Find out more at https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/.

Learn more about the foundation's board at https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/board.

The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Sonoma vintner Ana Keller as its new board President and the addition of importer Peter Andrews as a new board member. Founding President Cheryl Halloran will remain on the board in her role as Fundraising Chair.

Tim Rowe named Vineyard Manager at Domaine Carneros

NAPA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- As harvest kicks off in Napa this week, Domaine Carneros Winery is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Rowe, seasoned viticultural expert with over a decade of impressive positions within the California wine industry, to the position of Vineyard Manager. Succeeding Alberto Zamora, who is retiring after a 40-year career in the wine industry, ten of which were spent transforming the vineyards at Domaine Carneros, Rowe states that his new position is a viticulturist's dream.

"With 400 acres in the Carneros AVA encompassing a diversity of clones and rootstocks, the estate vineyards are like a living laboratory," he notes. Rowe looks forward to working with the winemaking team to nuance the different clonal expressions in the wines. "The opportunity to manage six estate vineyards all within a few miles of the winery, which Alberto and the winery's dedicated team have cultivated with care and nurturing, is a labor of love and an incredible opportunity to go deep with my knowledge base."

During Zamora's tenure, he was instrumental in the acquisition of the Tula Vista (2012) and Las Amigas (2016) vineyards, and he also replanted 50% of the winery's vineyard holdings. Of retiring, he stated "I'm leaving the vineyards in a better, more sustainable place. I worked hard to achieve Napa Green, Fish Friendly Farming, and California Certified Sustainable Winegrowing certifications."

Rowe joins a team, under the leadership of CEO Remi Cohen, that is dedicated not only to sound environmental practices, but also to employee engagement and development. Of the new position, he shared that the dedicated vineyard team will allow him to nurture the career goals of the individuals who make up the crew. This aligns with the prevailing philosophy held by CEO Cohen and her management team which is to support, mentor, and cultivate from within the company. Commenting on Rowe's hire, she stated "We benefited so much from the contributions of Alberto over the past decade, and as we look ahead, Tim is the ideal fit to take us into the future, building on a superb foundation."

Prior to Domaine Carneros, Rowe, a native Kansan who graduated with an agricultural degree from the University of Missouri, worked with the vineyard management team run by Kirk Grace at the famed Stag's Leap Wine Cellars in the Napa Valley. Following that, he expanded his knowledge of California AVAs working for LVMH, focusing on the 2,000 acres of vineyards for the Domaine Chandon and Newton brands. Next, joining the innovative Monarch Tractor team as its tenth employee working to introduce the world's first electric self-driving tractor brought Rowe into the future of farming.

His well-rounded experience dovetails with the forward-thinking mentality of the team at Domaine Carneros. Of joining the team, he stated "I was always impressed by the iconic nature of this winery, and its reputation for producing among the best domestic sparkling wines preceded it. I look forward to taking the vineyards to the next level in quality and best practices."

ABOUT DOMAINE CARNEROS:

Founded in 1987, Domaine Carneros reflects the hallmark of its founder, Champagne Taittinger, in creating terroir-driven sparkling wine and preserving the quality tenets of the traditional method production. Located entirely within the Carneros AVA, between Napa and Sonoma counties, the six estate vineyards total approximately 400 acres with 125 acres planted to Chardonnay, 225 acres planted to Pinot Noir, with the remaining acres currently in development. The winery focuses on making ultra-premium Carneros sparkling wines and limited production Pinot Noirs.

Domaine Carneros' château has become a landmark and symbol of the region. The architecture and interior design were inspired by the 18th century Château de la Marquetterie, the historic Taittinger family residence in the Champagne region. Visitors to the chateau enjoy seated tastings of methode traditionelle sparkling wines and small-lot pinot noir in the elegant Jardin d'Hiver or on the broad terrace overlooking the rolling vineyards of Carneros. Domaine Carneros limited production wines are available onsite, via ecommerce, and are distributed nationally by Kobrand Corporation which, founded in 1944, remains one of the few family-owned wine and spirits companies in the United States.

The winery places a high value on preserving the environment and has taken on a vast array of environmental efforts. The roof of the pinot noir winery adjacent to the château hosts a solar array that was the largest on any winery in the world when it was installed and continues to be expanded with a state-of-the-art microgrid launching in 2022. The most recent award, one of many from federal, state and local government; was the California Green Medal for Domaine Carneros' demonstration of "Smart Business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices."

Learn more at: https://www.domainecarneros.com/

As harvest kicks off in Napa this week, Domaine Carneros Winery is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Rowe, seasoned viticultural expert with over a decade of impressive positions within the California wine industry, to the position of Vineyard Manager. Succeeding Alberto Zamora, who is retiring after a 40-year career in the wine industry, ten of which were spent transforming the vineyards at Domaine Carneros, Rowe states that his new position is a viticulturist's dream.

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

Direct-to-Consumer Boutique Bakery Brand COOKIE…take a bite! Launches Back to College Cookie Deliveries

SANTA ROSA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Direct-to-consumer Boutique Bakery brand COOKIE...take a bite! will expand its offerings to ship back to school college cookies to share love with the college kids who are facing a new normal.

"We always believe that making high quality cookies are time well spent and we want to be able to offer it as a feel -good option to send to college kids from friends and family who want to share their love with them and their understanding that 2020 hasn't been easy for them," said Tracy Mattson, owner of COOKIE...take a bite! "We want them to feel special and spread our message that everyone deserves a good cookie!"

This family owned bakery in Sonoma County, California hand craft these cookies daily. They use the best all-natural ingredients which include local eggs and honey as well as organic butter, milk and flour. "We are excited to bring cookies to another level and make them a tasty, decadent treat for any occasion". One of their best sellers is their signature award-winning Lemon Moon cookie which is a customer favorite and made with fresh lemons. It is a tangy cookie with a soft, chewy center.

Tracy Mattson is a professionally trained pastry chef with over ten years of experience working in fine dining restaurants. She trained at L'Academie de Cuisine in Washington, D.C. and started her career working in restaurants on the East Coast before settling in Sonoma County, California.

Her resume includes working as a Pastry Chef for esteemed chefs such as James Beard nominated Peter Pastan of Washington D.C. and Doug Keene of 2-star Michelin rated Cyrus in Healdsburg, Calif. To hone her craft and learn from the amazing talent in the pastry world, she has staged around the United States and abroad including Joel Robuchon in Las Vegas, Nev. and Le Bernardin in New York City, NY and Cafe Diglas, Vienna, Austria.

COOKIE...take a bite! will be offering 10% off purchases with the special code: ENJOY.

For more information, please visit https://www.cookietakeabite.com/

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Direct-to-consumer Boutique Bakery brand COOKIE...take a bite! will expand its offerings to ship back to school college cookies to share love with the college kids who are facing a new normal.

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