Merry Edwards Winery is proud to announce that its founder, Merry Edwards, has been named American Wine Legend of the Year in Wine Enthusiast’s 2026 Wine Star Awards, honoring her lasting contributions to California winemaking.

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“I’m so excited to see Merry recognized for a career that has shaped our winery and impacted California’s wine industry,” said Heidi von der Mehden, who Edwards personally selected as her successor. “Merry’s curiosity and intuition are grounded in an unwavering commitment to quality. From pioneering research on lead in wine capsules to groundbreaking clonal selection and her work as a sought-after consultant, she continually challenged convention and raised expectations. She built a winery around her own vision and values. She is truly a legend.”

One of California’s pioneering women winemakers, Merry began her career in 1974 at Mount Eden Vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains. In 1977, she became founding winemaker at Matanzas Creek, where she remained until 1984. She then built a consulting practice, working with small and large wineries in Oregon and California and earning a reputation for her technical expertise and innovative approach.

Throughout her career, Merry advanced the industry through research, viticulture expertise and clonal selection, helping growers better match vine material to specific vineyard sites. Her influence extended beyond the cellar, establishing her as a respected mentor, consultant and trailblazer for both men and women in wine.

In 1997, Merry founded her namesake winery with family and friends, realizing her vision of being a true vigneron overseeing the winemaking process from vineyard to bottle. The winery became known for its acclaimed Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs, alongside Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. In 2008, she and her husband, Ken Coopersmith, completed the winery at Coopersmith Vineyard in Sebastopol.

In 2013, her 40th year as a winemaker, Edwards was inducted into the Culinary Institute of America’s Vintners Hall of Fame and received the James Beard Award for Best Wine, Beer or Spirits Professional. At the time, she was one of only three women to receive both honors. She sold the winery to Champagne Louis Roederer in 2019 and retired in February 2020 following a year-long transition.

“We are deeply proud to see Merry recognized with this well-deserved honor,” said Nicole Carter, president of Merry Edwards Winery. “She built an exceptional winery and brand when women faced significant barriers to leadership in winemaking. Every step was done with determination, vision and an uncompromising commitment to quality. Her accomplishments are remarkable and paved the way for many of us in the industry. We are honored to carry her legacy forward.”

Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Star Awards Gala
Monday, January 25, 2027
Fairmont San Francisco
950 Mason St., San Francisco, CA 94108

About Merry Edwards Winery

Founded in 1997 by pioneering California winemaker Merry Edwards, Merry Edwards Winery produces terroir-driven, single-vineyard Pinot Noir, alongside Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The winery farms more than 80 acres of estate vineyards across the Russian River Valley and Anderson Valley. Acquired by Champagne Louis Roederer in 2019, Merry Edwards Winery is part of Roederer Collection USA, the domestic portfolio of Maison Louis Roederer.

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