Merry Edwards Winery
The Russian River Valley pioneer whose single-vineyard Pinot Noirs helped define California's cool-climate benchmark, now stewarded by Roederer Collection USA.
Merry Edwards Winery is a benchmark Russian River Valley producer specializing in terroir-driven, single-vineyard Pinot Noir. Founded in 1997 by Merry Edwards, one of California's first women winemakers, the winery draws on 11 vineyard sites across the Russian River Valley and Anderson Valley. Maison Louis Roederer acquired the winery in 2019.
- Founded in 1997 by Merry Edwards, one of California's pioneering women winemakers
- Located in the Sebastopol Hills region of the Russian River Valley AVA
- Merry Edwards developed the UCD 37 clone, widely known as the Merry Edwards selection
- Winery facility completed in 2008 at Coopersmith Vineyard
- Acquired by Maison Louis Roederer in 2019; now part of Roederer Collection USA
- Merry Edwards retired as winemaker in 2020; Heidi von der Mehden succeeded her
- Inducted into the Culinary Institute of America's Vintners Hall of Fame in 2013
Founding and Legacy
Merry Edwards began her winemaking career at Mount Eden Vineyards in 1974, moving to the Russian River Valley in 1977. She founded Merry Edwards Winery in 1997, establishing it as one of the region's most respected names. Edwards is widely credited with helping put Russian River Valley Pinot Noir on the map, and her development of the UCD 37 clone, known as the Merry Edwards selection, stands as one of her most lasting contributions to California viticulture. In 2013, she was inducted into the Culinary Institute of America's Vintners Hall of Fame.
- Career began at Mount Eden Vineyards in 1974
- Moved to Russian River Valley in 1977, founded winery in 1997
- Developed the UCD 37 Pinot Noir clone, the Merry Edwards selection
- Inducted into the CIA Vintners Hall of Fame in 2013
Vineyards and Terroir
The winery draws on 11 vineyard sites across the Russian River Valley, including Green Valley of Russian River Valley, and Anderson Valley. The Sebastopol Hills location places the estate in a cool-climate zone shaped by coastal fog influence from the Pacific Ocean. This combination of cool temperatures and well-timed fog creates the long, even growing season that defines the region's expressive, terroir-driven Pinot Noir. The winery facility was completed in 2008 at Coopersmith Vineyard.
- 11 vineyard sites across the Russian River Valley and Anderson Valley
- Cool climate with coastal fog influence from the Pacific
- Sebastopol Hills location provides consistent, long growing season
- Winery facility at Coopersmith Vineyard, completed in 2008
Wines and Portfolio
Pinot Noir is the cornerstone of the portfolio, produced as terroir-driven, single-vineyard wines that express the distinct character of individual sites across the Russian River Valley. Sauvignon Blanc was added to the portfolio in 2001 and has become a signature offering alongside Pinot Noir. Chardonnay from the Olivet Lane vineyard rounds out the lineup, reflecting the winery's commitment to cool-climate varieties suited to Sonoma County.
- Pinot Noir is the primary focus, offered as single-vineyard bottlings
- Sauvignon Blanc added to the portfolio in 2001
- Chardonnay sourced from Olivet Lane vineyard
- All wines reflect the cool, fog-influenced Russian River Valley terroir
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Maison Louis Roederer acquired Merry Edwards Winery in 2019, integrating it into Roederer Collection USA. Merry Edwards retired from her role as winemaker in 2020, with Heidi von der Mehden stepping in as her successor. Nicole Carter serves as President. The transition preserved the winery's commitment to single-vineyard Pinot Noir while providing the resources of one of Champagne's most prominent houses.
- Acquired by Maison Louis Roederer in 2019
- Merry Edwards retired as winemaker in 2020
- Heidi von der Mehden is current winemaker
- Nicole Carter serves as President
Single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from Russian River Valley showing red cherry, raspberry, and cranberry fruit, supported by earthy undertones, fine-grained tannins, and bright natural acidity shaped by cool coastal growing conditions. Sauvignon Blanc shows citrus and stone fruit with textural depth.
- Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley$30-40Signature Sauvignon Blanc added to the portfolio in 2001, showcasing cool Russian River Valley character.Find →
- Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Russian River Valley$55-65The estate's flagship appellation-level Pinot Noir, reflecting terroir across the winery's Russian River Valley vineyard sites.Find →
- Merry Edwards Coopersmith Pinot Noir$70-85Single-vineyard Pinot Noir from the home estate site in the Sebastopol Hills.Find →
- Founded 1997 by Merry Edwards; acquired by Maison Louis Roederer in 2019
- Located in Sebastopol Hills, Russian River Valley AVA; also sources from Anderson Valley AVA
- Merry Edwards developed UCD 37 Pinot Noir clone, the Merry Edwards selection
- Draws on 11 vineyard sites across Russian River Valley and Anderson Valley; facility at Coopersmith Vineyard completed 2008
- Heidi von der Mehden succeeded Merry Edwards as winemaker following her 2020 retirement