R. Merlo Estate Vineyards

About

Tucked away in the far reaches of rugged Northern California lies Hyampom Valley - a remote river valley hidden amongst the inter-coastal mountains of Southern Trinity County. The word Hyampom comes from the northern Wintu Indian word "Hien-pom". The actual meaning is not clear, but there have been many speculations. According to anthropologist, A.L. Kroeber, the term "pom" means "land" or "place" but the meaning of the balance of the word is unknown. "High Valley," "Low Valley," "Pleasant Valley," "Place of Plenty," and "Place at the Base of the Mountain" are some of the speculations of the actual meaning of the word, Hyampom. The Indians of long ago, so the story goes, would come to Hyampom for the winters. "Hy," they would say,"is there enough to share with us?" "Hy," would answer the natives of Hyampom, "there is always plenty here for all." Hyampom is a fitting name for one of the most remote, and perhaps most ideal, winemaking regions in California.