Vineyards

In 1975, when Merry was winemaker at Mount Eden Vineyards, clonal selections were not considered to be important. Nonetheless, she took cuttings of a cultivar she had identified as particularly promising, and propagated the “Merry Edwards selection” Pinot Noir clone, UCD 37, also known as “Merry’s Clone.” Two years later, as winemaker at Matanzas Creek Winery, Edwards traveled to the University of Beaune to study clonal selections. Her research upon her return changed the American wine industry’s understanding of the importance of matching clone to site. In 1985, Merry and Dr. Harold Olmo presented the first clonal seminar at UC Davis, where clonal selection has played an important role in the curriculum ever since.