MERRIAM VINEYARDS

MFLA began the collaboration with the Merriam’s in 2021. The 21-acre family estate, situated in the eastern Russian River Valley, is organically farmed and CCOF certified. The family’s sustainable farming and wine production practices formed the foundation of the renovation narrative and the selection of surface materials, finishes, plantings, and furnishings. Creating microclimates and comfortable exterior tasting environments was a priority.

TYPE

Hospitality / Winery

LOCATION

Healdsburg, CA

SCOPE

Master Plan, Full Design

TIMELINE

2021-2023

STATUS

Built

SIZE

21 acres

MFLA’s design objective in the master planning of the winery was to improve upon the guest experience, from the entry into the winery and wayfinding to the tasting environments. Reorientation of the guest and winery parking and deliveries enabled exterior tasting environments to be developed and orientated adjacent to their existing Tasting Room. The renovated Tasting Room, Tasting Terrace and new Garden Room now presents different spaces for guests experiencing the wine.

The winery’s entry drive is punctuated with a strong single row of columnar Hornbeams. Wayfinding from the gravel parking area to the Tasting Room is reinforced with a new allée of antique olives and a rich underplanting of ornamental grasses. Bay Laurel hedges define the outdoor rooms and provide a consistent horticultural language of “green walls” defining the guest environments as one can move from room to room.