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The History of Merlot in Napa Valley

From Old World Roots to a Napa Valley Icon
Grapes hanging from a grapevine

From its Bordeaux beginnings to its flourishing role in California wine culture, the history of Merlot in Napa Valley is a story of adaptation and excellence.

Few grape varieties are as closely tied to the story of modern Napa Valley wine as Merlot. Known for its plush texture, vibrant fruit, and remarkable ability to express place, Napa Valley Merlot has evolved from a supporting player into a varietal of distinction—one that tells a story of innovation, perseverance, and terroir-driven winemaking.

Merlot’s Old World Origins

The history of Merlot begins in Bordeaux, where the grape was first documented in the late 18th century. Prized for its early-ripening nature and affinity for clay-rich soils, Merlot became the cornerstone of the Right Bank wines of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. As French vignerons migrated west during the 19th century, they carried Merlot cuttings—and knowledge—across the Atlantic, laying the groundwork for what would become the Napa Merlot origin story.

The Early Days of Napa Merlot

While Mission grapes dominated early California viticulture, Napa Valley pioneers quickly realized that Bordeaux varieties thrived in the region’s Mediterranean climate. By the late 1960s and 1970s, a small but visionary group of winemakers began bottling varietal Merlot, marking the true beginning of Napa Merlot history.

Merlot proved especially well suited to Napa’s diverse soils and microclimates. From the cooler southern reaches to the warmer northern districts, the grape delivered wines with generous fruit, polished tannins, and a distinct sense of place—traits that helped Merlot gain rapid popularity with American wine lovers.

Markham Vineyards and the Rise of Napa Valley Merlot

Among the pioneers who helped define the history of Merlot in Napa Valley, Markham Vineyards holds a singular place. In 1980, Markham became just the fourth winery to produce a Napa Valley Merlot, signaling a deep commitment to the grape at a time when Cabernet Sauvignon dominated headlines.

That commitment paid off. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Markham Merlot earned widespread acclaim, culminating in the winery’s 1990 Merlot being named “Merlot of the Year” by Wine Spectator. This milestone helped cement Napa Merlot’s reputation as a world-class wine, capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the great reds of Bordeaux.

Vineyard Expression: Merlot and Terroir

One of Merlot’s greatest strengths is its transparency to site. At Markham, this philosophy comes to life through vineyard-designated and small-lot wines that showcase Napa Valley’s diversity.

  • Hopper House Vineyard Merlot – Located in the heart of Yountville, this historic site produces Merlot with lifted aromatics, supple tannins, and a refined structure shaped by Bale loam soils and cool evening breezes.

  • Yountville Ranch Vineyard Merlot – Planted on well-drained alluvial soils, these vines yield wines of depth and elegance, balancing rich fruit with freshness and age-worthy complexity.

These single-vineyard Merlot bottlings demonstrate why Napa Valley remains one of the world’s most compelling places to grow Merlot: long growing seasons, dramatic diurnal shifts, and an unmatched range of terroirs.

Merlot Today: A Napa Valley Classic Reimagined

Today, Napa Valley Merlot is enjoying a renaissance. Modern viticulture, precision farming, and small-lot winemaking have elevated the grape to new heights. At Markham Vineyards, our longtime winemaker, Kimberlee Nicholls, oversees dozens of individual Merlot fermentations each year, crafting wines that range from approachable Napa Valley Merlot to site-specific expressions that celebrate individual vineyards and appellations.

The result is a portfolio that honors tradition while embracing innovation—proof that Merlot remains one of Napa Valley’s most expressive and versatile red wines.

A Lasting Legacy

From its Bordeaux beginnings to its flourishing role in California wine culture, the history of Merlot in Napa Valley is a story of adaptation and excellence. As one of the region’s early champions, here at Markham Vineyards we continue to shape that story, crafting Merlots that reflect both heritage and place.

Whether enjoyed young for its lush fruit or cellared to reveal layers of nuance, Napa Valley Merlot endures as a timeless expression of the valley itself—elegant, generous, and deeply rooted in history.