Spotlight on Merlo Family Vineyards, Quality Wine Grown From A Family Run Vineyard at 815 Sutter Street

Last Updated 1/20/2022In Spotlight, Videos

We're pleased to include Merlo Family Vineyards in our Business Spotlight Series.

We're spotlighting long-time favorites, new arrivals, and hidden gems alike. We encourage you to share these local stories and visit with merchants to get to know them firsthand.

We connected with Raymond Merlo to learn more about Merlo Family Vineyards at 815 Sutter Street.

What is Merlo Family Vineyards, how would you describe it to a friend?

Merlo Family Vineyards is located along the banks of the wild and scenic South Fork of the Trinity River and at the base of South Fork Mountain, the longest contiguous ridge in the continental United States. This wholly unique setting helps create wines that speak to the power and beauty that is Hyampom Valley.

Influenced by the idyllic growing season and climate of this small pocket valley, the fruit produced in the Merlo Family Vineyards expresses a strong sense of place.

Based on the concept that quality wine is grown in the vineyard, a minimalist approach is taken in the cellar, allowing the wines to clearly reflect the varietal character and distinct terroir of Hyampom Valley.

Merlo Family Vineyards produces a rare collection of richly flavored and expressive wines. Unlike many California wines, these deep, complex wines are not high in alcohol, nor overripe in flavors. Rather, the wines are naturally big and bold, yet refined and beautiful.

Why did you start the business? What do you hope to accomplish?

Merlo Family Vineyards was founded on the concept that quality wine is grown in the vineyard.

“We are committed to making wines that are true expressions of the varietal fruit from which they are made.” ~ Ray Merlo

The unique growing season of the Hyampom Valley produces exceptional fruit with a high natural acidity resulting in very structured wines with deep, elegant, and yet, fresh, fruit flavors.

A minimalist approach is taken in the wine cellar, allowing the wines to clearly reflect the varietal character and distinct terroir of Hyampom Valley.

We believe that the only way to truly make great wine is to grow great fruit.

What's something you wish people knew about your business?

We are a truly family run business. Our mission is to create truly honest, sustainable, handmade wines.

What is a common question you get?

Is Merlo really the name of your family? 

The answer is yes, Merlo is really our last name.

Our family originates from Northern Italy where our family has grown grapes for generations.

Our last name translates to Blackbird in Italian.

Coincidentally, our most popular wine is our blend appropriately named ‘Blackbird’.

What's the biggest compliment you've received?

That our wine is of exceptional quality and is reasonably low priced.

Are you involved with or do you support any local nonprofits, community organizations or causes?

We support the Sacramento Children’s Home and have done so for 5 years.

Why did you choose to be in the Historic District?

Folsom Historic District is a dynamic and diverse community with great restaurants, shops, and activities. We felt Merlo Family Vineyards could add to that diversity.

Are you a member of the chamber or any other networking organizations?

Not yet, but we plan to.

Do you have any upcoming events, specials or new product that people should know about?

Our 2016 vintages have just been released and our most current Wine Club release was on November 10th and 11th.


Want to browse merchants in the Historic District?

Click over to Find It In Historic Folsom


Emma Eldridge is the Community Manager of Folsom-based technology company Locable and is excited to be working with the Historic District to share stories that make Folsom unique, and pretty much all-things-local.

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