Located on benchland in the Santa Rosa Plain area of Russian River Valley,the Pellegrini Family’s Olivet Lane Vineyard produces Pinot Noir grapes that are coveted by the finest winemakers in Sonoma County. This heritage vineyard, one of the oldest in the appellation, has been widely recognized as the source of exalted Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.
In 1973 the Pellegrini family purchased sixty-five acres of apple, prune and olive orchards on West Olivet Lane, with the intention of planting a vineyard. At the recommendation of Dr. A. N. Kasimatis at the University of California Davis, the Pellegrinis planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, developing one of the first vineyards in the Russian River Valley devoted to these two varieties.
The vineyard has well-drained gravelly, clay loam soil and a cool, Region I climate. The Martini clone of Pinot Noir selected for the planting is recognized today as reflecting classic characteristics of the appellation’s terroir. Merry says, “I rely on Olivet Lane Vineyard to produce hallmark Russian River Valley Pinot Noir with focused Bing cherry flavors and plush texture.” She has produced a vineyard designate from Olivet Lane every year since founding Merry Edwards Wines in 1997.