Weekly Pour
Featuring a handpicked wine with tasting notes, pairing ideas, and a backstory.
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“Where food, family, and wine come together”
Nestled on the eastern edge of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, Merriam Vineyards is a family-owned estate where Old World traditions meet California’s vibrant energy. Since 2000, Peter and Diana Merriam have carried their New England roots to Healdsburg, creating wines guided by organic and sustainable farming and a spirit of hospitality.
Today, their son Evan leads the estate, working closely with winemaker William Weese, whose craft has been shaped by vintages in California, France, Chile, and New Zealand, as well as Property Manager Michael deRutte. Together, they steward the vineyards with a philosophy rooted in biodiversity, balance, and sustainability.
For Peter and Diana, wine has always been about more than what’s in the glass—it’s about family, place, and shared experience. First inspired during their honeymoon in France, they set out to create a California estate that reflects their New England heritage and the welcoming spirit of Sonoma. 25 years later, Merriam Vineyards has become a destination where sustainability, conservation, and a passion for food and wine come together.
Rooted in Sustainability
The Merriam estate's commitment to the land goes beyond certification. Constructed wetlands and a water reclamation pond serve as both filtration and irrigation systems, while biodiversity corridors support native wildlife. Every vineyard decision, from cover crops to pest management, is made with the long view in mind, ensuring the estate thrives for generations to come.
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Vineyard: The Merriam Estate is located on Los Amigos Road, just south of Healdsburg in the Russian River Valley appellation. The 12-acre estate is certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). Growing conditions include cool morning fog, hot sunny days and low overnight temperatures. The diverse ecosystem surrounding the vines features constructed wetlands and a water reclamation pond functioning as a filtration and storage system for the property’s irrigation. Planted in 2009, our south facing property is made up of single vineyards including Danielle’s Vineyard (Sauvignon Blanc), Diana’s Vineyard (Pinot Noir) and Evanthea’s Vineyard (Chardonnay). Diana’s Vineyard consists of Pinot Noir clones 667, 777, 115, and 23 and Pommard.
Tasting Notes: A vibrant expression of Russian River Valley fruit, this Pinot Noir opens with a dark, fragrant nose layered with wild blackberry, ripe plum, and subtle notes of black tea leaf. The palate is bright bursting with flavors of candied cherry, raspberry, and red currant, all anchored by the softness of strawberry shortcake. Elegant yet expressive, this vintage walks the line between structure and charm.
Technical Data:
The People Behind the Wines
Merriam Vineyards reflects Peter and Diana Merriam’s shared love of food, wine, and family, Peter with a conservationist’s eye for the land, and Diana with a passion for cooking, gardening, and community. Their son Evan carries the vision forward as Estate Manager, working alongside winemaker William Weese, who unites Old World tradition with New World energy, and Property Manager Michael deRutte, who oversees sustainable vineyard development with a focus on long-term stewardship.
Peter Merriam - Proprietor
Diana Merriam - Proprietor
Evan Merriam - Estate Manager
William Weese - Winemaker
Merriam Vineyards welcomes guests daily from 10 am to 5 pm, offering tastings by reservation or walk-in. Set among vineyards that balance rustic charm with refined elegance, it’s the perfect place to slow down and experience the warmth of Russian River Valley hospitality.
Address: 11650 Los Amigos Road, Healdsburg, CA
Website: https://www.merriamvineyards.com/
https://www.instagram.com/MerriamVineyards/
https://www.facebook.com/MerriamVineyards/
