Merriam Vineyards Celebrates Earth Day 2025 With Quarter-Century Legacy of Environmental StewardshipFamily's Multi-Generational Commitment to Land Conservation Highlighted During 25th Anniversary Year  April 2025 -- Healdsburg, CA -- 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. "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. For more information, please visit 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.

Merriam Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years of Winegrowing Excellence in Russian River ValleyQuarter-Century Milestone Marked by Special Releases and Enhanced Visitor Experience February 2025 -- Healdsburg, CA-- 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. "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. 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: 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 interviews, images, or more information, contact Kimberly Noelle Charles of Charles Communications Associates at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415-701-9463.  

Merriam Vineyards Achieves Fish Friendly Farming Certification, Advancing Watershed Conservation EffortsWinery Demonstrates Commitment to Ecological Stewardship in California's Russian River AVA December 2024 -- Healdsburg, CA Merriam Vineyards has earned the prestigious Fish Friendly Farming (FFF) certification for its Eastside Estate Vineyard in the Russian River Valley AVA, marking a significant milestone in the winery's ongoing commitment to sustainable and organic agricultural practices. This certification recognizes the vineyard's comprehensive approach to environmental preservation, with a specific focus on protecting critical fish habitats and improving water quality in the Russian River watershed. Winemaker William Weese notes the certification aligns perfectly with the winery's holistic approach to viticulture. "Our commitment to sustainable practices goes beyond the vineyard," Weese explains. "The Fish Friendly Farming certification validates our efforts to manage our estate in a way that protects and enhances the delicate ecosystem surrounding our vineyards, particularly the habitats of steelhead trout and coho salmon." The certification, administered by the California Land Stewardship Institute, involves a rigorous process of site-specific farm planning and compliance with stringent environmental standards. For Merriam Vineyards, this means implementing comprehensive strategies for erosion control, soil conservation, and water quality improvement at the Eastside Estate Vineyard.  The specific waterway on the property is the Mark West Creek, a tributary of the Russian River.  Estate Manager Evan Merriam emphasizes the natural progression of this achievement. "We've always viewed our vineyard as part of a larger ecosystem," he says. "This certification is a natural extension of our existing sustainable practices, from our CCOF organic certification to our innovative use of Babydoll sheep for natural vineyard management." The FFF certification builds upon Merriam Vineyards' existing environmental initiatives, including the recent landscape redesign with Munden Fry Landscape Associates that prioritizes ecological harmony. The winery's approach demonstrates how agricultural operations can coexist with—and actively support—local wildlife habitats. Peter Merriam, an avid fly fisherman raised in Maine with a deeply ingrained conservationist philosophy, reflects on the broader significance of the certification: "Growing up in Maine, I learned early about the delicate balance between human activity and natural ecosystems. My passion for fly fishing and organic gardening taught me to respect and protect waterways, a philosophy that now extends directly to how we manage our vineyards. Our work goes beyond producing exceptional wines. We're stewards of this land, committed to preserving its natural beauty and ecological integrity for future generations." With this certification, Merriam Vineyards is joining a select group of agricultural operations recognized for their environmental leadership. With over 200,000 acres certified statewide, the Fish Friendly Farming program represents a critical initiative in sustainable California agriculture. About Fish Friendly Farming The Fish Friendly Farming certification is a sustainable program designed to restore fish and wildlife habitats, improve water quality, and promote environmentally responsible agricultural practices. Administered by the California Land Stewardship Institute, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the program provides farmers with detailed guidance on ecological preservation while maintaining agricultural productivity. 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' Fish Friendly Farming certification, visit www.merriamvineyards.com or for interviews, images or more information, contact Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET of Charles Communications Associates at kcharles@charlescom.com or 415-701-9463.