Three Perch Vineyard Experience

Owned by the Guidici family, and planted and farmed by the much-heralded Charlie Chenoweth, Three Perch is an exciting, cool-climate vineyard that has been a source of fruit for us since 2013. In our search for the best Pinot Noir sites on the Sonoma Coast, we came across this beautiful, sloping vineyard tucked away in the redwoods, west of the town of Occidental. While walking the rows, we noticed three black birds perched above the vineyard, watching over the vines—and the name of the vineyard was born. 

The Chenoweths came to Sonoma County by wagon train in 1847, making them fifth-generation Sonomans, and fourth-generation farmers. Charlie learned to farm from his parents, starting when he was just eight. By age 12, he was planting apple orchards on his own. Charlie rode the school bus with Steve and Joe Dutton, cementing a friendship and, later, a business relationship that launched Charlie’s winegrowing career and his work for the Duttons. Since then, he’s planted more than 50 vineyards and has worked with a number of wineries, including Kistler, Patz & Hall, Merry Edwards, Littorai, Kosta Browne, and Gary Farrell.  

Zardo will be joined by Charlie as they discuss the unique qualities of this terrific Sonoma Coast vineyard. The grapes will be nearing harvest and it will be a treat to see what Zardo and Charlie look for when they harvest. This will be a very hands-on experience and we’ll invite you to sample the grapes. In addition to Pinot Noir, we also source our Riesling from a small block in this vineyard and we’ll taste some of those wines amidst the handful of Pinot Noirs.