About Us
At Merisi Wines, our intentionally small lot wines are made with a wildly big heart.
Our endless pursuit of quality begins in the vineyard, partnering with multi-generational family growers whose stewardship is reflected in their sustainable, organic, and thoughtful practices.
In the cellar, we seek to translate these beautiful truths and capture the nuance and personality of each site through minimal intervention winemaking, picking by taste and flavor, preserving a grape’s natural acidity, native fermentations, and minimal sulfur additions.
Our Wines
In wine, we refer to terroir and the honest interpretation of the vineyard. In art, curators describe it as passionate realism. Merisi Wines is named after the Italian painter Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, perhaps the most provocative painter of this style. His pursuit of authenticity and distinctiveness from his peers became our beacon of truth telling and excellence.
Shop all wines
Grenache Single Vineyard, 2018
Grenache
Grenache Single Vineyard, 2018
. Fresh strawberries, cured tobacco and white pepper aromatics circle like perfume; the length on the body give it a surprising strength and respect. Organically grown, the fruit was naturally fermented. Nothing added, just hand picked and aged for 18 months. Naturally beautiful.
Structure
- Tannin
- Body
- Acidity
- Sweetness
- Funkiness
Nerdy details
- What's in the bottle
-
Grenache
(100%)
ABV: 14.6%Acidity: Ph of Acidity ofResidual sugar: 0.25 g/l - Harvest
-
Grenache from 10 year old vines from Ceja Family Vineyards, Los Carneros (100%). Harvested at 23.6 brix .Press: gently in a bladder press
- Winemaking
-
Fermentation: naturally, no yeast addedMalolactic fermentation : 100%Clarification: no
- Aging
-
gently in 40% new French Oak
Bottled on: 2020-07-31
Food Pairing
Grilled Protein, Farro Salad, Cypress Grove Straight Up Goat Cheese, Carnitas
Tasting Notes
Tobacco, Black Pepper, Strawberry, Cedar
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Diener Ranch Petite Sirah, 2017
California Petite Sirah
Diener Ranch Petite Sirah, 2017
Spicy and warm, full bodied.
Structure
- Tannin
- Body
- Acidity
- Sweetness
- Funkiness
Nerdy details
- What's in the bottle
-
Petite Sirah
(100%)
ABV: 15.3%Acidity: Ph of Acidity of - Harvest
-
Petite Sirah from 15 year old vines from Diener Ranch, Lake (100%). Harvested on 2021-09-29 at 24.6 brix .Press: gently
- Winemaking
-
Fermentation: naturallyMalolactic fermentation : 100%Clarification: no fining or filtration
- Aging
-
sur-lie in mixed oak
Bottled on: 2019-09-30
Food Pairing
Barbecue, Grilled Steak, Classic Red Meats, Cured Meat, Intense Cheeses
Tasting Notes
Tobacco, Blueberry, Chocolate, Cherry Liqueur, Mint
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Manic White Pinot Gris Sour, 2020 (375 ml)
Other White
Manic White Pinot Gris Sour, 2020 (375 ml)
One of a kind! Pickled ginger, floral. Read about this winemaking process here https://www.sfchronicle.com/wine/article/Did-Mandy-Heldt-Donovan-just-ruin-her-wine-13595160.php
Structure
- Tannin
- Body
- Acidity
- Sweetness
- Funkiness
Nerdy details
- What's in the bottle
-
Pinot Gris
(100%)
ABV: 12.7%Acidity: Ph of Acidity ofResidual sugar: 0.2 g/l - Harvest
-
Pinot Gris from 15 year old vines from Los Carneros (100%). Harvested on 2020-08-14 at 21.4 brix .Press: gently in a bladder press
- Winemaking
-
Fermentation: with Brettanomyces yeastMalolactic fermentation : 100%Clarification: no
- Aging
-
bottled fresh
Bottled on: 2020-10-22
Food Pairing
Melon & Prosciutto, Asian Cuisine, Fatty Raw Seafood
Tasting Notes
Citrus Rind, Funky, Brine, Asian Spice
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Los Carneros Pinot Gris, 2021
Pinot Gris
Los Carneros Pinot Gris, 2021
Racy acidity; easy to drink; finishes dry.
Structure
- Tannin
- Body
- Acidity
- Sweetness
- Funkiness
Nerdy details
- What's in the bottle
-
Pinot Gris
(100%)
ABV: 12.3%Acidity: Ph of Acidity ofResidual sugar: -0.02 g/l - Harvest
-
Pinot Gris from 10 year old vines from Jenkins Family Vineyard, Los Carneros (100%). Harvested on 2021-08-16 at 21.0 brix .Press: gently in a bladder press
- Winemaking
-
Fermentation: in neutral oak barrelsClarification: cold settled
- Aging
-
in neutral oak barrels on its lees for 7 months
Bottled on: 2022-03-01
Food Pairing
Oysters, Bouillabaisse, Sushi, Asian Food, Seafood Risotto, Charcuterie, Salads
Tasting Notes
Lime, Anise, Seashell, Citrus Fruit, Ginger, Umami
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The Alt Red Bundle
California Petite Sirah, Grenache
The Alt Red Bundle
Add a little spice to your red wine selection with our Petite Sirah and Grenache.
The details
Shipping is included in bundle pricing.
The wines
California Petite Sirah
Diener Ranch Petite Sirah, 2017
Spicy and warm, full bodied.
Structure
- Tannin
- Body
- Acidity
- Sweetness
- Funkiness
Nerdy details
- What's in the bottle
-
Petite Sirah
(100%)
ABV: 15.3%Acidity: Ph of Acidity of - Harvest
-
Petite Sirah from 15 year old vines from Diener Ranch, Lake (100%). Harvested on 2021-09-29 at 24.6 brix .Press: gently
- Winemaking
-
Fermentation: naturallyMalolactic fermentation : 100%Clarification: no fining or filtration
- Aging
-
sur-lie in mixed oak
Bottled on: 2019-09-30
Food Pairing
Barbecue, Grilled Steak, Classic Red Meats, Cured Meat, Intense Cheeses
Tasting Notes
Tobacco, Blueberry, Chocolate, Cherry Liqueur, Mint
Sorry! Merisi Wines does not ship to
Grenache
Grenache Single Vineyard, 2018
. Fresh strawberries, cured tobacco and white pepper aromatics circle like perfume; the length on the body give it a surprising strength and respect. Organically grown, the fruit was naturally fermented. Nothing added, just hand picked and aged for 18 months. Naturally beautiful.
Structure
- Tannin
- Body
- Acidity
- Sweetness
- Funkiness
Nerdy details
- What's in the bottle
-
Grenache
(100%)
ABV: 14.6%Acidity: Ph of Acidity ofResidual sugar: 0.25 g/l - Harvest
-
Grenache from 10 year old vines from Ceja Family Vineyards, Los Carneros (100%). Harvested at 23.6 brix .Press: gently in a bladder press
- Winemaking
-
Fermentation: naturally, no yeast addedMalolactic fermentation : 100%Clarification: no
- Aging
-
gently in 40% new French Oak
Bottled on: 2020-07-31
Food Pairing
Grilled Protein, Farro Salad, Cypress Grove Straight Up Goat Cheese, Carnitas
Tasting Notes
Tobacco, Black Pepper, Strawberry, Cedar
Sorry! Merisi Wines does not ship to
Sorry! Merisi Wines does not ship this to
The Classic Bundle
Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon
The Classic Bundle
Classic. Special. Very limited availability (only 9 left in stock)!
The details
Straight from the winemaker's vault...
The re-release of our 2013 Oakville Cabernet.
Bold and beautifully aged
Paired with our 2020 Pinot Gris.
A great wine to start the evening. Or pair with those celebratory oysters on the half shell.
Shipping is included in bundle pricing.
The wines
Pinot Gris
Los Carneros Pinot Gris, 2020
Fresh and bright! Signature sea fennel, oolong tea and lime, finishes light and dry.
Structure
- Tannin
- Body
- Acidity
- Sweetness
- Funkiness
Nerdy details
- What's in the bottle
-
Pinot Gris
(100%)
ABV: 12.8%Acidity: Ph of Acidity of - Harvest
-
Pinot Gris from 10 year old vines from Jenkins Family Vineyard, Los Carneros (100%). Harvested on 2021-08-14 at 21.2 brix .Press: gently
- Winemaking
-
Fermentation: naturallyMalolactic fermentation : 100%Clarification: cold settled
- Aging
-
sur-lie in neutral oak
Bottled on: 2021-01-29
Food Pairing
Fresh Oysters, Sushi, Thai, Asian Food, Seafood Risotto
Tasting Notes
Lime, Fennel, Lemon Curd, Citrus Fruit
Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013
Dark fruit and sweet tobacco on the palate. This robust wine is for a full-bodied meal, or an alternative to a cocktail.
Structure
- Tannin
- Body
- Acidity
- Sweetness
- Funkiness
Nerdy details
- What's in the bottle
-
Cabernet Sauvignon
(100%)
ABV: 15.0%Acidity: Ph of Acidity ofResidual sugar: 0.7 g/l - Harvest
-
Cabernet Sauvignon from 10 year old vines from Oakville (100%). Harvested on 2013-10-24 at 26.0 brix .Press: gently in a bladder press
- Winemaking
-
Fermentation: naturally, no yeast addedMalolactic fermentation : 100%Clarification: no
- Aging
-
gently in 40% new French Oak
Bottled on: 2015-08-28
Food Pairing
Filet Mignon, Venison, Ribeye Steak
Tasting Notes
Dark Chocolate, Black Cherry, Anise, Marshmallow, Blueberry Pie
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The Red / White Bundle
Grenache, Pinot Gris
The Red / White Bundle
Start with our Pinot Gris, end with our Grenache.
The details
Pour our crisp 2020 Pinot Gris to set the mood. Then finish with our lustrous 2018 Grenache.
Shipping is included in bundle pricing.
The wines
Grenache
Grenache Single Vineyard, 2018
. Fresh strawberries, cured tobacco and white pepper aromatics circle like perfume; the length on the body give it a surprising strength and respect. Organically grown, the fruit was naturally fermented. Nothing added, just hand picked and aged for 18 months. Naturally beautiful.
Structure
- Tannin
- Body
- Acidity
- Sweetness
- Funkiness
Nerdy details
- What's in the bottle
-
Grenache
(100%)
ABV: 14.6%Acidity: Ph of Acidity ofResidual sugar: 0.25 g/l - Harvest
-
Grenache from 10 year old vines from Ceja Family Vineyards, Los Carneros (100%). Harvested at 23.6 brix .Press: gently in a bladder press
- Winemaking
-
Fermentation: naturally, no yeast addedMalolactic fermentation : 100%Clarification: no
- Aging
-
gently in 40% new French Oak
Bottled on: 2020-07-31
Food Pairing
Grilled Protein, Farro Salad, Cypress Grove Straight Up Goat Cheese, Carnitas
Tasting Notes
Tobacco, Black Pepper, Strawberry, Cedar
Sorry! Merisi Wines does not ship to
Pinot Gris
Los Carneros Pinot Gris, 2020
Fresh and bright! Signature sea fennel, oolong tea and lime, finishes light and dry.
Structure
- Tannin
- Body
- Acidity
- Sweetness
- Funkiness
Nerdy details
- What's in the bottle
-
Pinot Gris
(100%)
ABV: 12.8%Acidity: Ph of Acidity of - Harvest
-
Pinot Gris from 10 year old vines from Jenkins Family Vineyard, Los Carneros (100%). Harvested on 2021-08-14 at 21.2 brix .Press: gently
- Winemaking
-
Fermentation: naturallyMalolactic fermentation : 100%Clarification: cold settled
- Aging
-
sur-lie in neutral oak
Bottled on: 2021-01-29
Food Pairing
Fresh Oysters, Sushi, Thai, Asian Food, Seafood Risotto
Tasting Notes
Lime, Fennel, Lemon Curd, Citrus Fruit
Sorry! Merisi Wines does not ship this to
The Eno-Curious (aka The Geek Bundle)
Pinot Gris, Other White
The Eno-Curious (aka The Geek Bundle)
One vineyard. One grape. One vintage. Two yeasts (for two very different wines).
The details
Included is one bottle of our 2020 Pinot Gris, classically fermented using Saccharomyces. The other is one bottle of our 2018 Manic White, intentionally fermented using Brettanomyces (normally something winemakers do everything to avoid).
This Manic White wine is so unique, no descriptive vocabulary exists. But think "sour" wine (sort of like the sour beer craze). Truly unique, you will not find this anywhere else.
Read about our winemaker and her process for making this wine here:
https://www.sfchronicle.com/wine/article/Did-Mandy-Heldt-Donovan-just-ruin-her-wine-13595160.php
Shipping is included in the pricing of this bundle.
The wines
Pinot Gris
Los Carneros Pinot Gris, 2020
Fresh and bright! Signature sea fennel, oolong tea and lime, finishes light and dry.
Structure
- Tannin
- Body
- Acidity
- Sweetness
- Funkiness
Nerdy details
- What's in the bottle
-
Pinot Gris
(100%)
ABV: 12.8%Acidity: Ph of Acidity of - Harvest
-
Pinot Gris from 10 year old vines from Jenkins Family Vineyard, Los Carneros (100%). Harvested on 2021-08-14 at 21.2 brix .Press: gently
- Winemaking
-
Fermentation: naturallyMalolactic fermentation : 100%Clarification: cold settled
- Aging
-
sur-lie in neutral oak
Bottled on: 2021-01-29
Food Pairing
Fresh Oysters, Sushi, Thai, Asian Food, Seafood Risotto
Tasting Notes
Lime, Fennel, Lemon Curd, Citrus Fruit
Other White
Manic White Pinot Gris Sour, 2020 (375 ml)
One of a kind! Pickled ginger, floral. Read about this winemaking process here https://www.sfchronicle.com/wine/article/Did-Mandy-Heldt-Donovan-just-ruin-her-wine-13595160.php
Structure
- Tannin
- Body
- Acidity
- Sweetness
- Funkiness
Nerdy details
- What's in the bottle
-
Pinot Gris
(100%)
ABV: 12.7%Acidity: Ph of Acidity ofResidual sugar: 0.2 g/l - Harvest
-
Pinot Gris from 15 year old vines from Los Carneros (100%). Harvested on 2020-08-14 at 21.4 brix .Press: gently in a bladder press
- Winemaking
-
Fermentation: with Brettanomyces yeastMalolactic fermentation : 100%Clarification: no
- Aging
-
bottled fresh
Bottled on: 2020-10-22
Food Pairing
Melon & Prosciutto, Asian Cuisine, Fatty Raw Seafood
Tasting Notes
Citrus Rind, Funky, Brine, Asian Spice
Sorry! Merisi Wines does not ship to
Sorry! Merisi Wines does not ship this to
Located in
Napa, California
- Founded in:
- 2013
- Owned by:
- Mandy Heldt Donovan
- Winemaking by:
- Mandy Heldt Donovan
- Case produced per year:
- 500