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Edwards, Merry Papers

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Collection Number: D-719

California winemaker Merry Edwards is a pioneer of Russian River Valley pinot noir and other varietals. Her research, expertise, and application of clonal selection produced a caliber of pinot noir that captured the character and texture now considered signature Russian River Valley style. During her time as winemaker at Mount Eden Vineyards, Edwards selected cuttings for Foundation Plant Services (FPS) at UC Davis to verify as virus-free and distinct. She collaborated with FPS to establish the UCD-37 clonal selection – also known as the Merry Edwards Selection or Mount Eden Selections – and UCD-37 was later planted at her own estate vineyards. Edwards began learning winemaking during her undergraduate years at UC Berkeley while earning her bachelor's degree in physiology (1970). In 1973, Edwards completed her master's degree from UC Davis in food science with an emphasis on enology.

Among other awards and recognition, she was awarded the James Beard Award for Best Wine, Beer, or Spirits; is a Culinary Institute of America’s Vintners Hall of Fame inductee; and was named American Wine Legend of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

The Merry Edwards Papers document Edwards' career between 1970-2019. The collection includes photographs, vintage release announcements, magazines and scrapbooks, marketing collateral, and 37 binders of wine production, analysis, and tasting notes.

This collection is not yet processed. Please contact Archives and Special Collections in advance to request access.

Inclusive Dates

1970-2021

Extent

18.6 linear feet

Subject

Viticulture and Enology

Additional Collection Info

Explore the Merry Edwards digital collection

Raise a Glass to Three Pioneering Women Winemakers During Women’s History Month

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