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How Three Sticks Elevates Sonoma’s Most Iconic Vineyards

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03/12/2025 By being fully estate-grown, the winery safeguards quality, preserves heritage, and delivers Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that speak with clarity, precision, and provenance

Three Sticks Wines stands its ground in today’s wine landscape with a commitment that is both rare and deeply meaningful, simply by being 100% estate-grown. In an industry where sourcing fruit is routine, Three Sticks chooses a more demanding and intentional path. And that is by owning, farming and stewarding every grape that goes into its wines. This complete control over the vineyards allows the team to focus over every detail, safeguard quality at every stage, and craft wines that faithfully express the character of the land.

At the heart of this philosophy are six extraordinary estate sites, including three of Sonoma’s most iconic heritage vineyards—Durell, Gap’s Crown, and Walala. These vineyards helped define Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and Three Sticks continues to build upon their legacy, farming them for the next generation with the same reverence that earned them their reputation. Complementing these storied parcels are three Monopole Vineyards—Alana, One Sky, and William James—special, small-scale sites planted and farmed exclusively for Three Sticks.

A Heritage Built on Sonoma’s Great Vineyards

Durell Vineyard — Sonoma Coast

The story of Three Sticks begins at Durell, a rocky, volcanic, 610-acre site that spans the Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Carneros AVAs. Planted primarily to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Durell is one of the most celebrated vineyards in California. It is the birthplace of Three Sticks Wines and continues to serve as a cornerstone of the brand’s identity, producing wines of tension, minerality and structure.

Gap’s Crown Vineyard — Sonoma Coast

Perched on the western slope of Sonoma Mountain within the famed Petaluma Gap, Gap’s Crown is widely recognized as one of the top vineyards for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Acquired by founder Bill Price in 2012, the 406-acre site benefits from persistent wind and fog that encourage slow, even ripening, ideal conditions for layered, expressive wines. Its reputation for distinction makes it one of Three Sticks’ most sought-after vineyard sources.

Walala Vineyard — “True” Sonoma Coast

Named after the Kashaya Pomo saying meaning “where the water flows down,” Walala sits along a ridge just miles from the Pacific Ocean. Its coastal elevation and proximity to the Gualala River bring cool nights, maritime breezes, and dramatic diurnal shifts. The result is fruit of incredible vibrancy and purity. Pinot Noirs that feel sculpted by the coast itself.

Monopole Vineyards

Three Sticks’ Monopole Vineyards were chosen with extreme care, selected for their soils, exposures, and the emotional resonance of the land. These sites are farmed solely for the estate, designed to produce the exact style of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay the winemaking team envisions.

Alana — Russian River Valley

Tucked among redwood trees, Alana is a vineyard that feels inseparable from the forest around it. Vibrant and energetic like its namesake—Bill Price’s youngest daughter—the site produces expressive fruit with a signature Russian River lushness.

One Sky — Sonoma Mountain
High atop Sonoma Mountain, One Sky offers panoramic views from San Francisco to the Sonoma Coast. Its elevated position lends itself to nuanced, multi-dimensional wines with a remarkable sense of lift. The vineyard’s name reflects the idea that we all live under one sky—a sentiment present in every bottle.

William James — Russian River Valley
Located in historic apple country near Gravenstein, this vineyard is home to Goldridge soils that are famously ideal for Pinot Noir. Named after Price’s son, William James yields complex, structured wines that speak to the deep agricultural roots of Sonoma County.

Estate-Grown Wines of Precision and Place

Three Sticks crafts a focused range of estate-grown Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, each a reflection of its vineyard of origin. Through the wholesale channel, the winery offers:

  • Durell Vineyard Chardonnay
  • Gap’s Crown Vineyard Chardonnay
  • Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir
  • Price Family Vineyards Pinot Noir (an estate winemaker’s blend)

Every wine emphasizes site expression over stylistic intervention—made with intention, patience, and “no shortcuts.

A Sense of Place: The Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe

The brand’s commitment to stewardship extends beyond its vineyards to its home: the Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe in downtown Sonoma. Built in 1842 and painstakingly restored, the Adobe is both a California landmark and the heart of the Three Sticks experience. Guests are welcomed by reservation for intimate tastings, guided vineyard-focused flights, and culinary pairings that celebrate local producers. The space reflects the same values found in the wines—respect for history, craftsmanship, and people.

A Producer Defined by Intentionality

For Three Sticks, being 100% estate-grown is not a marketing angle—it is the core of who they are. By controlling every step of the farming and winemaking process, the team ensures integrity from vine to bottle. This approach results in wines of authenticity, precision, and deep connection to Sonoma’s most treasured sites.

In an industry built on choices, Three Sticks chooses the path of total stewardship. The result? Wines that speak clearly of their origins and resonate with those who value craftsmanship, heritage, and an unwavering commitment to the land.

Header image sourced from Three Sticks Wine.

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