Merk Family Vineyards Welcomes You
From our Family to Yours!
Welcome to our family ranch in the beautiful Carmel Valley.
Less than 2 hours from the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley is our own private sanctuary with gorgeous views and wonderful vineyards.
Weddings and Special Events
With sweeping views reminiscent of the landscapes of southern France, the hillside vineyards provide a simple and elegant backdrop as a wedding venue. Sprinkled among majestic ancient oaks, the views are simply breathtaking.
The rustic beauty of the 5000 square foot barn, combined with a state of the art kitchen for catering use create an unforgettable venue for a banquet dinner for up to 150 guests.
Wedding and special event space will be ready in 2019. Please sign up for our email list so we can notify you when tours and bookings are available.
About Our Vineyards
Wineries are Lining up for our Grapes
It is no secret that the best wines in the world come from the world's best grapes!
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At Merk Family Vineyards, we are deeply committed to producing superior quality grapes for premium wine production at our boutique vineyard.
The on-going expansion of the vineyard comprises 16 planted acres right in the middle of the Carmel Valley AVA, high up in the sun-drenched hillsides of Cachagua. Based on the particular micro climates within our ranch presenting a wide temperature range and varied air flow patterns, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were chosen as the varietals that would most accurately reflect this unique and elegant terroir. In addition, estate produces a small amount of exceptional Merlot.
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We offer private tours and tasting sessions, as well as frequent events and parties.
Contact us to learn more about all our offerings.
Vacation Rentals
A Magical Family Getaway
Welcome to our magical place for your next vacation. The rolling vineyards studded by ancient oaks provide the perfect setting for a romantic weekend, while the well-appointed and spacious vineyard home also lends itself for a longer vacation to explore the beautiful region. The cherry on top is the pool with a top-of-the-world view!
For availability, rates and booking, please visit our listing on Airbnb.
You can find it easily by typing Merk Family Vineyards airbnb in your browser's search field.
The Merk Family Team
Who We Are
Merk Family Vineyards is a family venture, or should we say adventure!
We believe that working together, tending the vineyards, protecting the nature and its wildlife and building a business together helps build character and create a bond that spans generations.
Hanna Tikkanen Merk
CEO and Founder
It all starts with the beautiful fruit we harvest at Merk Family Vineyards. Add to that Hanna's business savvy, combined with her passion for the land and commitment for excellence, and you have quite the blend. Hanna grew up in Finland, but has made the Bay Area her home for the past 20 years. After a successful career as a business executive and a mother of 4, she is now turning her attention to building the Merk Family Vineyards and sharing the beautiful land that we call home, so that it can prosper for generations to come.
Axel Merk
Gentleman Farmer and CFO
Axel's day job is to run a market leading investment management firm. At the family farm, he is the lead engineer of farm equipment, as well as the master of all things technical. And of course, he keeps the numbers in check. While Axel is world renown for his economic analysis and investment acumen, what most do not know is that he hails from an old German beer family and his ancestors actually initiated the little party known as Oktoberfest. You will find Axel and a selection of the Merk offspring at the vineyard on most weekends.
Matt Oetinger
Winemaker
Matt Oetinger, founder of Fernwood Cellars, is a second generation winemaker with over 20 years of winemaking and vineyard development experience. To boot, Matt is a graduate of UC Davis, ranked #1 viticulture program in the US. Matt taught us that every decision we make from barrel choice to pruning regime to equipment purchasing is driven by the question, "What will make the absolute best wine?" Matt is overseeing the Merk Family Vineyards new vineyard development and we all look forward to it bearing fruit in the years to come.
Opening Hours
by appointment only!
Contact
We’d love to hear from you! Send us an email and we are happy to get back to you.
