Russian River Valley
Forest Oasis of Distinctive Grapes
Nestled in the redwood trees of the Russian River Valley, Alana feels like a part of the forest around it. Working with its surroundings versus against, this vineyard is small but mighty and produces grapes of distinction. Alana is named after Bill’s youngest daughter and like Alana herself, these youthful vines are vibrant and full of energy. View the in-depth vineyard book here.
Location
Chosen in part for its temperate climate, the Alana Vineyard is situated between Occidental, Graton, and Sebastopol. Sitting roughly 600 feet above sea level, Alana is largely influenced by the Pacific Ocean, just 8 miles to the west. Winding valleys in the area trap fog and cool air, while the individual hillside location also provides warmth and plenty of sunshine. All work together harmoniously to maintain a near-perfect climate for quality grape growing.
History
Alana is special because it was the first vineyard of ours designed and built from the ground up exclusively for Three Sticks. The land was purchased in 2008, and the vineyard was planted in 2010, the year Alana (Bill’s daughter) was born. While it was our first venture into West County grape growing, it has not been our last. It will forever remain physically small, but the beauty and quality of the vineyard continue to grow with each passing season.
Terroir
The vines of the Alana Vineyard sit exclusively in Goldridge soil. This light-colored soil of moon dust consistency is the predominant soil type found in the Russian River Valley. It is highly influential to vines that use it as their growing medium, most notably in the resulting wines’ flavor and texture profiles.
Chardonnay
The Alana Vineyard’s cool climate helps create a chardonnay exhibiting bright, crisp flavors of apple, pear, and citrus, along with a subtle hint of oak and a creamy, full-bodied texture on the palate. The specific characteristics of the vineyard’s terroir, climate, and soil result in a wine with bright fruit flavors, subtle oak, and a full-bodied texture.
Pinot Noir
The Alana Vineyard Pinot Noir is known for its complexity, elegance, and depth of flavor. The unique climate and soil of the region, combined with the use of specific clones, such as the Swan, Calera, and 943 clones, contribute to the distinct characteristics of the wine. These clones, known for producing smaller berries with concentrated flavors, make a wine that showcases bright red fruits from the Russian River Valley and darker fruit profiles from the Sonoma Coast.
Stats
AVA: Russian River Valley, Green Valley
Elevation: 520’ – 670’
Soils: Goldridge Fine Sandy Loam
Varietals: Pinot Noir 3.82 acres | Chardonnay 1.71 acres
Pinot Noir Clones: Swan, Calera, 943
Chardonnay Clones: Wente
Acres: 20 total; 5.53 planted
Wine List
- Alana Vineyard Chardonnay | Russian River Valley
- Alana Vineyard Pinot Noir | Russian River Valley
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