THREE STICKS

An investor in many wine ventures over the past 20 years – including Chateau St. Jean, Kistler Vineyards, Kosta Browne and Gary Farrell – Bill founded Three Sticks in 2002 in his quest to create world class wines from his Durell Vineyard.

Today, that vision has expanded to other remarkable vineyard sites in the famed Sonoma Valley.

“I’ve always loved how at its best, wine is a hand crafted product, reflecting everything that goes into it, the type of grape, the vineyard, the weather and of course the people who create it."

Don Van Staaveren, our winemaker, has a relationship with Durell Vineyard that spans over twenty five years and a winemaking pedigree that includes helping to create Chateau St. Jean’s 1996 Cinq Cépages, Wine Spectator’s ‘No. 1 Wine in the World’ in 1999.

“We do not crush grapes. I have not crushed a single grape since 1990, deliberately. It’s simply about beginning with ripe grapes and gently guiding them into mouth-watering wines that show off the variety and the vineyard.”

Prema has been with Three Sticks since its first release in 2004 – selling wine, sorting grapes, producing events, drinking wine and warming hearts. Her experiences in private equity, non–profit endeavors and within the hospitality industry have proven to be invaluable assets in her stewardship of Three Sticks Wines.

“My enjoyment, understanding and obsession for fine wine and food has given me an innate sense for genuine, understated luxury – critical to understanding our clients needs.”

Growing up on a farm gave Todd a strong background in to the effort needed to grow produce and a sense of where his food came from.  After working in public school cafeterias, at the San Francisco Food Bank and back on the family farm, he realized the incredible power that food has to uplift people’s lives.   From basic nourishment to the pure sensual pleasure, food provides a daily opportunity to celebrate being alive.  When his life took him up to Sonoma County and he needed to change careers wine seemed the perfect intersection of food and pleasure, nourishment and craft. Todd had always loved to make things by hand and developed an enjoyment for cooking, homebrewing and fermenting things, so wine was a great fit.   He enjoyed the physical work from his first harvest at Clautiere in Paso Robles.  From there he has worked at a procession of premium wineries, honing his knowledge and skill.  A harvest at Kosta Browne, several years at Paul Hobbs Winery in the cellar and lab, and a year at Peay Vineyards have exposed Todd to some of the best pinot grapes and winemakers that California has. 

“I am grateful to continue to learn and craft exceptional wines at Three Sticks.”

After completing her degree in Chemistry, Jenny decided she wanted to combine her science knowledge with her love of wine.  This brought her  to California where she  earned her MS in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis.  Working harvests abroad in New Zealand and South Africa, as well as closer to home in both the Napa and Sonoma Valleys  has allowed Jenny to experience many winemaking styles and has ensured that her passion is in making elegantly expressive wines.

SCOTT FORREST
National Sales Manager

Scott brings well over two decades of food and wine industry insight to his role overseeing sales for Three Sticks. His extensive industry experience has enabled him to not only create standards for Three Sticks but to leverage important trade and wholesaler relationships throughout North America.

“It’s so gratifying to be a part of a project where the level of commitment to excellence is so heightened. Thanks to all the invaluable support we’ve received from our growing mailing list, discerning trade “partners” and our wholesalers”.
 

Following a career in hotel sales and marketing, raising 3 boys, and entertaining for years, Karin turned her focus to food and wine events for Three Sticks.  She has been with us since 2008 and remains our biggest fan and supporter. Karin takes care of our members and gives much attention to the wine needs of our consumers.

"I enjoy gathering people, preparing a delicious meal and pouring beautiful wines.  Being with Three Sticks allows me the opportunity to do this all the time.  The talent and commitment to making great wine the Three Sticks team reflects is inspirational.  It also makes my job easy because representing excellence is fun.”

DURELL VINEYARDS

Rob utilizes more than a dozen years of experience in multiple wine growing areas of California as he not only directs day-to-day vineyard activities, but also strategizes and long-term plans for Price Family Vineyards.

“It's awesome to work in a place where I can truly focus on quality. The history and success of Durell is something I wish to cultivate and establish for all our vineyard locations. I consider myself a lucky guy to be entrusted with caring for these vineyards and to be surrounded and supported by those around me who share the desire and passion.”

STEVE HILL
Vice President of Real Estate & Development
 

One of the most experienced growers in Sonoma County, Steve managed Durell Vineyard since the first vine was planted in 1979 through 2010 and continues to work with our team. He consistently cultivated exceptional grapes for iconic wineries such as Kistler, Patz & Hall, Chasseur, Chateau St. Jean, Loring, Tor, Lioco and Realm.

“I’ve always had a strong belief in cultivating wines with a minimalist approach. The volcanic rocky soil and cool climate of Durell are ideal for producing premium, luxury–brand wine grapes.”

Jackie has always had great interest for agriculture that she honed while earning a degree in Plant Science from CSU, Chico.  Since graduating in 2008, she has actively put her passion to work in the wine industry.  Through a commitment to hands-on management and close attention to every detail, Jackie works closely with Rob Harris and the entire vineyard staff to insure the highest level of quality vineyard management throughout all Price Family Vineyards’ properties.  She enjoys her role in the production of fine wines from exceptional vineyards.