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Merry Edwards Winery
Sebastopol, CA 95472
(707) 823-7466
- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Freemark Abbey Winery
- 19 reviews
- Location:
- Saint Helena, CA
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15 reviews for Merry Edwards Winery
I had no idea that Merry Edwards was now open for drop in wine tastings until I blew passed it along Hwy 116. I eventually doubled back.
It is very corporate in feel as you have to wait in front of people sitting at desks, answering phone and fiddling with computers. But, the wines are worth the wait.
They're long sold out of their high scoring famous Sauv Blanc and the tasting consisted of three Pinot Noirs ranging in price from $36-54. Each was special in its own way. Even if this is outside your budget, stop in for the taste of something special.
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This winery has wonderful pinots.
Tasting by reservations only. There was a mix up on dates for our tasting but they accommodated my party of eight. Each tasting is held in a private room with an experience staff. I believe that the tasting is paired with cheese but due to the mix up, we didn't get to experience it. There are picnic tables outside so you have set up lunch after your tasting.
can't really give a winery less than 3 stars if they offer free tasting.
the sign at the door said that tastings are only done at set times with reservations, but LUCKY US, one was just about to start. we were added to a group of 3 and gathered around a large table. our host definitely looked like she'd been guzzling wine all morning, but she was still able to tell us about the region, pour 3 tastes (2 pinots & 1 sauvignon blanc), and answer a few questions.
overall it was good (free!), but i wasn't tempted to buy any wines.
Our first stop of the day.
An RSVP, opened up the VIP room. We tasted one Russian River Valley Pinot noirs, and four estate Pinots. My favorite was the Klopp Ranch, but Merry does make elegant pinot that will grace anyone's palate.
They were so accommodating they poured their Napaish chardonnay and the most amazing liquidgasmic Sauvignon Blanc. This baby put an entire fruit platter in my mouth with well-balanced acid and just a splash of minerals.
The Pinots were $45-55, Chardonnay $50, but the Sauvignon Blanc was decently priced at $30.
Cha-Ching.
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I had a good experience. The elaborate tasting of 6 wines and explanation of each and every nuance was great. Wine was a but pricey but after all we were in the Russian River Valley so I came with a group of 10. We split up into 2 groups which they did not seem to appreciate all of us a once. I thought they was rude and felt bad when it ruined the flow of our day. They want to cater to small small intimate groups nothing big at all and nothing to mar their pristine decor or outdoors. So be it.
We've enjoyed Merry Edwards wines for several years via her mailing list so were excited to see her winery that she has recently opened. We reserved a spot for the two of us and were treated to a brief presentation of the Russian River Valley and its wines, and then served up an assortment of Pinot and of course the awesome Sauvignon Blanc. Beautiful grounds, wonderful wine, gracious hospitality. Having grown up on a family farm, I like that her family is involved in growing, greeting, and basically doing whatever needs doing around the winery. Highly recommend visiting this place.
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A little bit pretentious but with good reason. Interesting to taste wines the "European way" - reds first, whites second. Merry's wines are solid, and if I could've afforded a pinot I would have. I left with a sauv blanc that I immediately chilled and inhaled upon returning home. It would've been fun to take a tour, but they were totally booked when I tried to arrange one for us.
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***My winery/tasting room reviews are rated based upon many factors. First is QPR or quality to price ratio of the wine. In other words, is the wine priced according to how good it is. The second factor is the tasting room experience. This involves the staff, grounds and anything unique about the winery.***
Tasting room fee: FREE
Wine price range: $29-$58
Setting the gold standard for tasting rooms in California is Merry Edwards.
We made an appointment with Ron for a tasting. Upon arrival, we are ushered to a private room for a sit down tasting with Ron. It is just him and us. In front of us is a cheese plate, notepad and pen and six crystal glasses.
Ron starts off with a history of the winery. He then goes to an easel with a large map and explains about the terrior. He talks about and points out the specific vineyards they source from. I feel like I am in a board meeting, but a fun one dealing with wine.
Ron then proceeds to pour six different pinot noirs into each glass. He talks about each one as he pours. We taste and take notes. I do this without looking at the price sheet, I do not want this to influence my thoughts.
We go through all the wines. I choose my favorite, then look at the price sheet. Damn palette, I choose the most expensive one as my favorite. I opt for purchasing a couple bottles, though I wanted to buy many more.
This was a wonderful experience. For those learning about wine, this is a wonderful way to see how the same grape can differ so much when farmed from different vineyards. It is truly a unique experience. Ron is first class all the way, he is someone who loves what he does and loves sharing it with everyone. Why can't all tasting room experiences be like this?
If you are in a large party, going from winery to winery to get buzzed, please avoid Merry Edwards. This place is intended for people looking to learn and discover. Sorry to sound like a snob, but oh well. This was the highlight of our tasting experience in the region.
Their wines are limited in distribution, I have rarely seen them at select stores. They are also available at finer restaurants. This is one reason to buy what you can afford while you are here.
They have a few picnic tables outside around a fountain. They are surrounded by flowers and their vineyards. A true A+ experience!
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Great tiny little free tasting. The lady knew exactly what she was talking about and although I did feel a little pressure to buy a bottle, there was no need for pressure b/c I did end up buying a bottle. Very professional and well-presented. More of a history/viticulture lesson rather than a wine tasting, so depends on what you like.
Small, intimate tasting. Make reservations in advance (up to 8 people) for a complete tasting, or drop in for an abbreviated taste. I dropped in for a visit and was treated to 2 Pinot noirs and a Sauvignon blanc. Truly elegant wines - if I could afford it, I'd join their mailing list.
2008 Merry Edwards Russian River Sauvignon Blanc is a Renior landscape of voluptuous, citrus-scented, grassy hills.
I found Merry Edwards at MC2 and fell in love with their Pinot. I combed my neighborhood wine shops in search of this spectacular bouquet to find that they only distribute to local restaurants, online or at the Vineyard.
My love affair began and shall continue.. with every harvest the complexity of her vintage only increases this passion. Like all fine wines, with age you blossom, cultivate depth and define perfection.
Congratulations on your success...
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By far the best pinot noirs in Sonoma county.
Also, you CAN buy her wine at the office.
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Good wines, if you are not going to get Oregon Pinots, this is some of the best to be had in California, and the prices are in line with the best Pinots from California. Also, if you enjoy sitting down and really talking about the wines with the winery, they do a great job. Cheers!
I don't think Merry Edwards sells retail and there isn't really a winery, so you have to go to her site at: http://www.merryedward.... There is a section called fine dining that tells you what restaurants carry her wines. You will not be disappointed.
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