David “Merf” Merfeld introduces inaugural MERF Wines

Paterson, Wash.

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates launches a new range of wines inspired by the life story of their veteran Washington winemaker.

There’s an old saying in the wine industry: It takes a lot of beer to make good wine. Usually, this refers to the penchant for winemakers to enjoy a cold beer after a long day of tasting wine. In the case of veteran winemaker David “Merf” Merfeld, this saying rings true in more ways than one.

Merf began his career as a brewer, making his way from an Iowa farm to the Pacific Northwest during the original craft beer boom of the 1990s. After landing at Bert Grant’s, then owned by Ste. Michelle, Merf eventually extended his love of craft beer to wine in 2001, and he’s been making wine in Walla Walla, Washington, ever since.

Launching this month, consumers can now enjoy MERF Wines in select markets including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, New York, Minnesota, Maryland, Hawaii, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Georgia, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. The wines are also now available to order on Amazon Wine. Sourced from Washington state’s Columbia Valley, MERF includes a Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. In the summer of 2018, MERF will expand distribution nationally.

Over the course of his career, Merf has made everything from high-scoring, high-octane Cabernets and Merlots to terroir-driven, single-vineyard Syrahs, but with MERF his goal was simply to make delicious, approachable wines that pair equally well with everyday foods and everyday life. “These are my interpretations of approachable and casual drinking wines,” said Merf. “These are the wines I want to drink when I am firing up my barbeque and spending time with friends, it’s as simple as that.”

The MERF 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley is balanced, soft and approachable. With flavors of blackberry, vanilla and subtle spice notes this wine has silky tannins and a lasting finish. It is available for the suggested retail price of $13. The MERF 2015 Chardonnay Columbia Valley is smooth, rich and balanced. With flavors of fresh tropical fruits, honey, ripe citrus and vanilla, this wine has smooth oak notes with a crisp, complex finish. It is available for the suggested retail price of $11.

For more information: access the media kit linked here, view the brand video, visit our website or to join the conversation on our Facebook Page at facebook.com/merfthewinemaker and Instagram at instagram.com/merfthewinemaker/.

About MERF Wines
MERF Wines were inspired by the life story of veteran Washington winemaker, David “Merf” Merfeld. Sourced from Washington state’s Columbia Valley, MERF includes a Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The goal of these wines was to simply make delicious, approachable wines that pair equally well with everyday foods and everyday life. For more information visit merfwines.com or follow us on Facebook, facebook.com/merfthewinemaker and Instagram at instagram.com/merfthewinemaker/.

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For further information:
Megan Ayers
megan.ayers@smwe.com