Interview with René Schlatter of Merryvale Family of Wine

Did you know that Merryvale Vineyards — a landmark in St. Helena – was the first winery built in the valley after the Prohibition? What about the fact that California winemaking luminaries like Peter and Robert Mondavi honed their skills there in the 1940’s? While some things have changed on the property, once known as Sunnyhill Winery/Sunny St. Helena, Merryvale Vineyards remains one of the most historic and significant wineries in Napa Valley — thanks to the vision of the leaders throughout the years, and of course to the current CEO, René Schlatter.

René, who followed in his father Jack’s footsteps, became the CEO of Merryvale in 2008, which still remains a family-run business.  Since then, he has expanded Merryvale Family of Wines, which now includes Starmont Winery and Vineyards, and Forward Kidd, a tribute to the versatile soils in Napa, which launched with the 2012 vintage — and he was even named Person of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine in 2011.

While he does run a busy schedule, Schlatter does frequent the Sunshine State and on his last trip, we were able sit down for an interview — and of course enjoy his excellent portfolio of wine.

Savor Tonight: Your family has been in the industry for awhile now. How did you get started?

René Schlatter: I was born and raised in Switzerland. In 1987, I moved to the United States to start my undergrad and in 1991, my father partnered with the original founder, a real estate developer from San Francisco. In 1995, after grad school, I wanted to go in a different direction and that’s when I came to Merryvale, and began by working in the different departments. I worked in in production, then retail, regional and national sales, before taking taking the helm.

ST: Tell us the difference between Merryvale and Starmont.

RS: Merryvale is more Cabernet-centric. The portfolio includes wines that are complex and rich while still remaining true to classic styles and the estate’s flagship proprietary blend Profile. The wines from Starmont, on the other hand, are more like everyday drinking wines, and we try to make them very approachable. People know Starmont for the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but we also produce some excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé from Pinot Noir.

ST: Do you have a go-to wine in your portfolio?

RS: I tend to drink more of the 2012 Starmont Cabernet. It’s easy drinking and young — an outstanding vintage.

ST: Do you have that one moment, one sip or one wine experience that stands out from the rest?

RS: I could be drinking the same wine at two different times and it could be entirely different. It really depends on the experience and some things just click together.

ST: During your time at Merryvale, what changes have you seen in the company and for the industry as a whole and what do you see coming up?

RS: Our brand has expanded and will continue to do so. At one point, Starmont used to be a tier of Merryvale. It has since expanded and now includes a full-fledged tasting room that opened in July 2015. As for what’s coming up — What’s good enough today will not be good enough tomorrow. You are always trying to improve because you can always do better.

At one point, Starmont used to be a tier of Merryvale.

As for what’s coming up — What’s good enough today will not be good enough tomorrow. You are always trying to improve because you can always do better.

ST: Are there any fun facts that you’d like to share?

RS: There is story on how the wineries were named. Merryvale was named after a antique shop, with the same name, in San Francisco. Starmont is an acronym for the founders last names — Peter Stocker, Bill Harlan and John Montgomery.

ST: Outside of work, what do you like to do in your free time? 

RT: Play tennis and ski

Merryvale is located at 1001 Main Street in St. Helena; 707 963 7777; merryvale.com

Starmont Winery & Vineyards  is located at 1451 Stanly Lane in Napa; 707 252 8001; starmontwinery.com