It-Girl Merlot St. Pierre Puts It All Out There
Merlot St. Pierre has ambition in her blood. Her father, Xavier, parlayed the success of his immigrant father’s Prohibition-era grape-growing venture into one of the world’s most celebrated wineries, producing both fine estate wines and Grand Cru–quality blends.
Her eldest sister, Sauvignon, is rapidly making a name for herself in Napa County as a take-no-prisoners attorney, while Xavier’s middle child, Chardonnay, started a foundation to facilitate the academic success of Mexican immigrants.
Last fall, Merlot teamed up with Mark Newman, grandson of Michael Harrington, to debut A Taste of Merlot, a collection of artisan gold jewelry with a grapevine theme. Every piece features a hidden peridot, said to help clear the heart and attract love. The artist herself is never seen without her trademark stack of peridot-studded bracelets.
Who’s to say? Maybe they really are magic. She and Mark are a couple in love as well as in business.
The collection sold out at the revamped Harrington’s chain within days of its release.
“Plans are under way for an expanded line of luxury lifestyle goods and a fragrance,” said Newman.
A self-assured Merlot picked up where he left off. “Mark pointed me in the direction of various merchandising concepts. I selected those that rang true to my artistic sensibilities, and I will have final say over every aspect of the design and production process.”
Gates College of Art and Design recently invited Merlot to be an honorary celebrity judge for this year’s prestigious Purchase Prize award.