BILL PRICE
Proprietor

An investor in many wine ventures over the past 20 years – including Chateau St. Jean, Kistler Vineyards and Kosta Browne – 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 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
Head Winemaker

Don Van Staaveren, our head 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.”
TRACEY BLEDSOE
Winemaker & Enologist

Tracey Bledsoe approaches winemaking from a scientific viewpoint, having earned her MS in Microbiology from UC Davis and refining her craft at Artesa Winery
where her primary focus was on the production of world-class Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. The creation of small lot, premium wines is her passion.

“I became familiar with the Viticulture and Enology program through my graduate students. They eventually convinced me to attend some seminars and tastings. I was hooked! This was the first time I connected the sensory experience with the science behind it.”
STEVE HILL
Head Vineyard Manager

One of the most experienced growers in Sonoma County, Steve has managed Durell Vineyard since the first vine was planted in 1979. He has 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.”
ROB HARRIS
Vineyard Manager

After earning his B.S. in Agricultural Economics at UC Davis and spending years in corporate wine growing, Rob came to Durell in 2009. As the newest
member of the family, his goal is to
intertwine new technologies and hard science with the history and tradition that make Durell Vineyard so precious.

“As it applies to agriculture and
viticulture, I believe sustainability is defined by an intersection of three
elements, known as the ‘Three E’s’ –
Environmentally Sound, Economic
Feasibility and Socially Equitable.”
PREMA BEHAN
Chief Operating Officer

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.

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