Winemaking

Guided by the Land, Inspired by Tradition

Founded in 1977, Matanzas Creek Winery’s reputation for creating captivating Sauvignon Blanc goes back nearly 50 years, when founding winemaker Merry Edwards developed her signature style. Today, the aromatic expertise of winemaker Marcia Torres Forno shines through in each bottle, reflecting her deep respect for and knowledge of each vineyard.

Winemaker, Marcia Torres Forno

Marcia Torres Forno, winemaker at Matanzas Creek since 2010, brings her artistry to every bottle she crafts. With a deep understanding of aromatics, Marcia times the harvest based on aromatic potential, picking each block in phases to build complexity. With our Sauvignon Blancs, she harvests early to capture lemon, grapefruit, and thyme notes and later to highlight peach and mango characters. In the winery, she uses specific yeast strains and fermentation vessels— be it oak barrels, concrete eggs, or stainless steel tanks—to cultivate these intricate aromas and layer texture into her wines. Her dedication to this nuanced process reflects her belief that wine is more than just a beverage. It’s a celebration of life, meant to spark joy and connection.

Born in Chile and inspired by the magic of her family’s wine cellar, Marcia earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering, with an emphasis in Fruiticulture and Enology, at Catholic University in Santiago. With over 20 years of professional winemaking experience, she honed her craft at Cardinale in Napa Valley and Kendall-Jackson in Sonoma County before joining Matanzas Creek. In 2021, Marcia earned her Master of Business Administration from Sonoma State University.

Marcia’s Vineyard & Winemaking Techniques

Achieving the signature delicacy and complexity of Matanzas Creek’s Sauvignon Blancs requires strict attention to detail from the vineyard—where timing of the pick is determined by precursor aromas of the fruit—to the cellar—where a range of different fermentation vessels are used in order to best cultivate the aromas. These exacting winemaking practices also shape the winery’s elegant Chardonnays and Merlots.

Planting

We plant each vineyard to reflect its natural terroir. We conduct detailed soil analyses using aerial photography and soil pits to carefully match the grape varieties, clones, and rootstocks to each site. Our low-impact soil preparation enhances drainage for the vines. Additionally, we tailor the vine row direction, spacing, and trellising to each site to ensure even ripening and balanced flavors that embody their origin.

Farming

Sustainable farming practices protect the land while enhancing wine quality. Each vine is hand-pruned to manage yields and encourage balanced growth. Irrigation is used only when necessary, promoting smaller berries with concentrated flavors and lower sugar levels. Thoughtful canopy management ensures even ripening and minimizes green, herbal notes, resulting in wines that express clarity, purity, and a true sense of place.

Winemaking

Each wine is crafted to express its vineyard block. Fermentation vessels, including oak, concrete, or stainless steel, are selected to highlight aroma and texture. Barrel origin and toast are chosen for seamless oak integration, while larger formats or concrete enhance mouthfeel. Stainless steel preserves freshness, and each wine is refined through blending trials to achieve Matanzas Creek’s signature balance and complexity.