Three Sticks Wines
Summary
143 W Spain Street
Sonoma
,CA
95476
United States
(707) 996-3328
threestickswines.comThree Sticks Wines
Description
Three Sticks Wines is a remarkable winery nestled in the idyllic town of Sonoma in California. With a rich history spanning back to 1853, this family-owned and operated winery has become synonymous with producing exceptional, handcrafted wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. The name "Three Sticks" pays homage to the founder, William Thomas, who used three sticks tied together to preview the size of his 17,000-acre land purchase. This act of pioneering spirit sets the tone for the winery's commitment to innovation and excellence.
The winemaking philosophy at Three Sticks Wines revolves around minimal intervention, allowing the vineyards to truly express themselves. With a focus on cool-climate, coastal vineyards, the winery produces small-lot Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines that capture the essence of the region. These wines reflect the distinct character of each vineyard site, showcasing the richness and complexity of Sonoma's diverse microclimates.
Three Sticks Wines goes above and beyond to create an authentic and memorable experience for its visitors. The winery's historic Adobe building, which dates back to the mid-1800s, serves as a welcoming and picturesque tasting room. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, guests can savor the wines while taking in the breathtaking views of the estate vineyards. With a commitment to hospitality and personalized attention, the knowledgeable staff ensures that every visit to Three Sticks Wines is memorable and informative.
In addition to their tasting experiences, Three Sticks Wines hosts a variety of unique events throughout the year, including winemaker dinners and educational seminars. These events provide guests with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the winemaking process and indulge in the exceptional wines alongside exquisite food pairings. Whether you are a wine enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking an unforgettable experience in the heart of Sonoma, Three Sticks Wines offers a truly remarkable destination for wine lovers to explore.
What Makes Three Sticks Wines
Different From Other Nearby Wineries?
Three Sticks Wines stands out from other wineries in the region for several reasons, making it a unique and exceptional destination for wine enthusiasts. Here are some key factors that set Three Sticks Wines apart:
1. Heritage and History: Established in 2002, Three Sticks Wines draws upon a rich heritage deeply rooted in California's wine history. The winery is located in Sonoma, a region renowned for its winemaking tradition, and its historic Adobe home, which dates back to the mid-1800s, embodies the essence of the area's wine culture. This historical connection allows visitors to experience a blend of tradition and innovation in every sip.
2. Commitment to Sustainable Practices: Three Sticks Wines is dedicated to sustainable winemaking practices, which is another aspect that differentiates it from other wineries in the region. The winery embraces environmentally friendly techniques, such as organic farming, natural pest control, and water conservation, to ensure the preservation of the land for future generations. This commitment to sustainability not only helps protect the environment but also promotes the production of high-quality, terroir-driven wines.
3. Small-Lot Production: One aspect that makes Three Sticks Wines truly exceptional is their focus on small-lot production. Unlike larger wineries that produce wines on a larger scale, Three Sticks Wines opts for a more intimate approach, allowing them to pay meticulous attention to every detail of the winemaking process. This commitment to small-lot production ensures that each bottle reflects the unique characteristics of the vineyard and showcases the vineyard's identity to its fullest potential.
4. Estate Vineyards: Three Sticks Wines possesses several esteemed estate vineyards, including the iconic Durell Vineyard and Gap's Crown Vineyard. These vineyards are meticulously maintained and carefully cultivated under the watchful eye of an experienced team. By owning and managing their vineyards, Three Sticks Wines has total control over the grape-growing process, enabling them to craft wines that truly reflect the distinct terroir of each site.
5. Exceptional Wine Portfolio: Three Sticks Wines prides itself on producing exceptional wines across a range of varietals, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their winemaker, Ryan Prichard, employs his expertise and passion to craft wines with depth, complexity, and elegance. Whether it's a silky, fruit-forward Pinot Noir or a rich, well-structured Chardonnay, Three Sticks Wines consistently delivers high-quality wines that captivate the palate.
6. Unique Wine Experiences: In addition to its outstanding wine portfolio, Three Sticks Wines offers unique and immersive wine experiences. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy tastings in the historic Adobe home or explore the vineyards and Winery House. These intimate settings allow guests to connect with the winemaking process on a deeper level and gain a comprehensive understanding of the winery's philosophy and craftsmanship.
In summary, Three Sticks Wines distinguishes itself from other wineries in the region through its rich heritage, commitment to sustainable practices, small-lot production, esteemed estate vineyards, exceptional wine portfolio, and unique wine experiences. These factors all contribute to making Three Sticks Wines a truly memorable and remarkable winery to explore in California's flourishing wine country.
What Some Possible Concerns About Three Sticks Wines
?
While I don't have specific information about any negative aspects related to Three Sticks Wines, some common complaints that people may have about wineries in general include:
1. Pricing: Some visitors may feel that the prices of wines and wine tastings at Three Sticks Wines are too high or not justified by the quality of the wine.
2. Crowds or limited seating: Wineries can sometimes become overcrowded, especially during peak visiting times, leading to longer wait times and a less intimate experience. Limited seating arrangements might also restrict comfort and relaxation.
3. Limited wine selection: If Three Sticks Wines offers a relatively small selection of wines, some visitors may find this to be a drawback, especially if they prefer a wider variety of options to choose from.
4. Inconsistent service: If guests encounter inconsistent or poor customer service, it can leave a negative impression on their overall experience.
Remember, these points are in general and may not specifically apply to Three Sticks Wines. It's always suggested to read specific reviews or gather direct feedback on the winery to get more accurate and up-to-date information.
Three Sticks Wines
History
Three Sticks Wines is a renowned California winery with a rich and captivating history that dates back decades. Founded in 2002 by Bill Price, a passionate wine enthusiast and philanthropist, Three Sticks has become emblematic of the Sonoma Valley's winemaking excellence.
Bill Price's deep love for wine began during his college years, where he discovered his appreciation for the artistry of winemaking and the allure of vineyards. This passion propelled him to pursue his dream of establishing his own winery, one that would honor the unique terroir of Sonoma Valley and create exceptional wines.
Price acquired the winery's first vineyard, Durell Vineyard, with its distinctive terroir characterized by volcanic soils, in 1998. This pivotal acquisition marked the beginning of Price's journey into the world of winemaking, setting the stage for the creation of Three Sticks Wines.
In 2002, Price solidified his commitment to winemaking by launching Three Sticks Wines, drawing its name from the expression "Three Sticks," which refers to the French adage, "C'est le ton qui fait la musique," meaning "It's the touch that makes the music." This phrase encapsulates the winery's philosophy of respectfully handling every detail along the winemaking journey, from the vineyards to the cellar.
Three Sticks Wines quickly gained recognition for its dedication to crafting small-lot, artisanal wines that express the unique characteristics of each vineyard site. The winery's focus on single-vineyard wines allows them to showcase the distinct nuances of some of Sonoma's most renowned vineyard sites, including Gap's Crown, Walala, and One Sky.
To ensure the best expression of each vineyard, Three Sticks works with renowned viticulturist Steve Matthiasson and a team of skilled vineyard managers, adopting sustainable farming practices to preserve the health of the land and the quality of the grapes. The winery's commitment to sustainable practices has earned them several certifications, including the Sonoma Green Business certification and Napa Green Land and Winery certifications.
The winery also places great emphasis on preserving historic architecture. In 2012, Three Sticks Wines acquired the historic Vallejo-CasteƱada Adobe, considered one of California's oldest remaining residences. This iconic adobe, situated in downtown Sonoma, has since become the winery's picturesque home and tasting room, offering visitors an unforgettable experience steeped in history and exceptional wines.
Three Sticks' winemaking team, led by acclaimed winemaker Ryan Prichard, employs traditional techniques combined with modern advancements to create wines of outstanding elegance and complexity. Prichard's meticulous approach and deep understanding of Sonoma Valley further contribute to the exceptional reputation that Three Sticks Wines enjoys today.
Throughout its journey, Three Sticks Wines has garnered widespread acclaim and numerous accolades, including high ratings from notable wine critics and publications. This recognition only reinforces the winery's commitment to creating world-class wines that truly reflect the unique character of Sonoma Valley.
As Three Sticks Wines continues to evolve and push boundaries in winemaking, their unwavering dedication to excellence, sustainable practices, and showcasing the incredible vineyards of Sonoma Valley remains at the heart of their success. With each bottle produced, Three Sticks Wines encapsulates the magic and artistry of winemaking, presenting a testament to the region's remarkable viticultural heritage.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel