Looking for Sonoma County Merlot?

Merlot, once the king of everyday drinking wines, fell on hard times. People have been told they shouldn't drink Merlot anymore, just as they've been told not to like buttery, oaky Chardonnay. I mention Chard because I have had people tell me they don't like that style any more as they are sipping on one while saying how great it is. The moral is, don't believe the experts, the movies, or anyone else. Just believe your own palate.

After the vast San Joaquin Valley, Napa is number next in Merlot acreage, with Sonoma just behind. Merlot grapes are a relative bargain in Sonoma County when compared to the likes of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet, so the wines are often a relative bargain, too.

If you're coming to Sonoma County and would like to try some top-notch Merlot, here are some places to go. Or if you're just shopping for a bottle, these are wineries to look for on the store shelf. This is just a sampling, as there are many more available. Most are reasonably priced and available at your local wine shop. Prices listed are winery retail so you can find them for less at many stores. Multiple prices mean they have more than one Merlot available.


Decoy  $20
Sonoma County grapes made under a second label of Duckhorn Winery in Napa Valley. Considered a great value wine. Being part of a Napa winery there is no tasting available in Sonoma County. Duckhorn produces what is considered by many to be the best California Merlot, the Three Palms that retails for $110.

Dry Creek Vineyard  $40
If you know Dry Creek Vyd you probably think about Fume Blanc or Zinfandel, but their Merlot is highly-regarded, also.

Ferrari-Carano  $30
A wine that scores well with the writers and wine judges. Often found for $20 or less.

Gundlach-Bundschu  $35
In the "old days" Merlot was their premier wine. It's still might be their best wine.

Matanzas Creek  $40-$70
Making several high-quality Merlots from both Sonoma and Napa Counties. Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot have been the strongest products of this winery.

Merriam  $34, $38
Low production wines mostly from their own vineyards, so not likely to be found in your nearby wine shop.

Mill Creek  $40
They've been making Merlot for as long as the winery has been around.

St Francis  $20, $40
Pretty much the granddaddy of Merlot in Sonoma County, as this winery was built on that grape.


Don't forget the Bordeaux-type blends, sometimes called Meritage, that are often Merlot-based.

Gundlach Bundschu's blend of primarily
Merlot & Cab Sauv. $20