Washington’s Mercer Estates Continues U.S. Growth

Amber Drea
Posted: March 23, 2010

Mercer Estates winemaker and general David Forsyth stopped by the Market Watch editorial offices today to discuss the winery’s progress in the three years since opening in Prosser, Washington. A collaboration between the Hogue and Mercer families, which both have deep roots in Columbia Valley winemaking, Mercer Estates makes wines sourced predominantly from Yakima Valley and Horse Heaven Hills. Current releases include the 2008 Pinot Gris, 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, 2008 Riesling, 2008 Chardonnay, 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2007 Merlot. The whites range from $12 to $15 a 750-ml. bottle, while the reds are around $20. Originally, the price points were slightly higher, but Forsyth says the winery made adjustments for the economic downturn. In fact, the winemaker believes the lower pricing has helped get Mercer wines onto wine lists. “By the glass programs are particularly strong,” Forsyth notes. Also beneficial is the Hogue name recognition, as well as many restaurants’ desire to offer more Washington wines.

Distributed by Winebow, Mercer Estates wines are available in 20 markets. The Northeast is doing well, along with Florida and the Northwest, and the brand is soon expanding to the Midwest. Producing just 15,000 cases annually, the company plans to eventually reach the goal of 60,000 cases. That’s a far cry from the 500,000 cases Forsyth previously oversaw in his position at Hogue Cellars, which was sold to Vincor (now Constellation) in 2001. However, the winemaker is happy with the change. “It’s great to go from working with a staff of 50 to a staff of three,” Forsyth says.

With the tasting room open for a second season and new vineyards in the works, Mercer Estates is set for continued growth. The team recently hired a new assistant winemaker, a graduate of UC Davis and formerly with Gallo, and Forsyth is looking forward to using Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah grapes from the company’s prized Dead Canyon Vineyard, which has shown promise with recent crops. “We’re eager to share our unique wine with consumers,” Forsyth says.