Mark McWilliams of Arista Winery approached his friend Rod Berglund of Joseph Swan Vineyards and explained that the Pinot Noir wines produced by their respective vineyards have never been made by anyone than their two estate wineries. Arista did not make a Pinot Noir from the Laguna Ridge neighborhood and Joseph Swan did not make one from the Middle Reach Neighborhood. What if the two wineries swapped a small amount of fruit? Expecting instant rejection, Mark was shocked with Rod’s tentative “yes.” They walked each other’s vineyards and the deal was done. Arista Two Bird’s Vineyard is named after the founders (Mark’s parents) nickname. The Joseph Swan Trenton Estate Vineyard is named after the former community of Trenton where the winery and vineyard are located. The house was also the town’s post office and general store. The first Pinot Noir was planted by Joseph Swan in 1969 to what became known as the Swan Clone of Pinot Noir.

This unique lot is the first (and only) time Mark McWilliams and Rod Berglund have combined not only each of their own respective Estate Vineyard lots but also the wines they have made from each other’s estates. However, they needed a name for the project and “Three Birds Squared” was born. A swan, from the name Joseph Swan, is one real type of bird and Arista’s vineyard is named Two Birds! Expect classic Russian River Valley red fruits with hints of wood spice and floral perfume. “Three Birds Squared” shows depth, balance, and elegance while being complex and complete.