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Three Sticks Wines

Three Sticks Wines is a boutique Sonoma County estate producing site-specific Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from six Grand Cru vineyards. Founded in 2002 by Bill Price III, the winery farms approximately 130 hectares organically across some of Sonoma's most prestigious appellations.

Key Facts
  • Founded in 2002 by Bill Price III, whose surfing nickname 'Billy Three Sticks' references the Roman numeral III
  • Six Grand Cru vineyards: Heritage sites Durell, Gap's Crown, and Walala; Monopole sites One Sky, Alana, and William James
  • Durell Vineyard spans 610 acres across Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Carneros AVAs
  • Gap's Crown is 406 acres in the Petaluma Gap AVA
  • Organic farming across all vineyard properties; approximately 120,000 bottles produced annually
  • Tastings by appointment at the historic Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe (built 1842, restored 2012) in downtown Sonoma
  • Also produces the Head High label as a separate production line

🏡Origins and Founding

Three Sticks Wines was founded in 2002 by Bill Price III, a Sonoma County native whose surfing nickname, 'Billy Three Sticks,' references the Roman numeral III in his name. Price had already established deep roots in the region, purchasing Durell Vineyard between 1996 and 1998. Co-founder and General Manager Prema Kerollis helped shape the winery's identity from the outset, while Ryan Prichard serves as Director of Winemaking. The tasting experience is hosted at the Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe, a landmark building constructed in 1842 and purchased and restored by the Price family in 2012; the interior was designed by renowned designer Ken Fulk.

  • Founded 2002 by Bill Price III; name derived from his surfing nickname referencing Roman numeral III
  • Price purchased Durell Vineyard in 1996-1998, predating the winery's founding
  • Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe hospitality center dates to 1842; restored by Price family in 2012
  • Ryan Prichard leads winemaking; Prema Kerollis serves as Co-founder and General Manager

🍇Vineyards and Estate Model

Three Sticks operates a strict 100% estate-grown model across six vineyards it designates at Grand Cru level, totaling approximately 130 hectares. The portfolio divides into Heritage vineyards, which are shared with partner growers, and Monopole vineyards, which Three Sticks farms exclusively. The Heritage sites include Durell, Gap's Crown, and Walala, while the Monopole sites are One Sky, Alana, and William James. Durell is the flagship, a 610-acre vineyard that spans three AVAs: Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Carneros. Gap's Crown covers 406 acres within the Petaluma Gap. All properties are farmed organically.

  • Three Heritage vineyards: Durell (610 acres), Gap's Crown (406 acres), and Walala
  • Three Monopole vineyards farmed exclusively by Three Sticks: One Sky, Alana, William James
  • Organic farming practices across all six vineyard properties
  • Vineyards span six appellations: Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Coast, Carneros, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma Mountain, and Russian River Valley
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🌫️Climate and Soils

The estate vineyards sit within some of Sonoma County's coolest growing zones, shaped by persistent marine fog and wind that funnel in from the Pacific Ocean. This cool-climate influence extends the ripening window, building complexity and preserving natural acidity in the fruit. Soils across the estate vary by site and include rocky volcanic types, Goldridge sandy loam, clay-loam, and volcanic and clay-loam combinations. This diversity of soil and microclimate underpins the winery's focus on site-specific, terroir-driven wines.

  • Persistent marine fog and wind create cool-climate conditions throughout the estate
  • Extended ripening window preserves acidity and builds structural complexity
  • Soils include rocky volcanic, Goldridge sandy loam, and clay-loam, varying by vineyard
  • Diversity of terroir supports the winery's single-vineyard, site-specific approach
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🍷Wines and Style

Three Sticks focuses almost exclusively on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, producing small-lot, single-vineyard wines that emphasize minerality, structure, and individual site expression. A small amount of Rhône varieties rounds out the portfolio. Annual production reaches approximately 120,000 bottles across the estate range. The winery also produces the Head High label as a separate, more approachable production line. Tastings are offered by appointment only at the Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe in downtown Sonoma. Three Sticks is a member of both the West Sonoma Coast Vintners and Russian River Valley Winegrowers associations.

  • Primary focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; small amounts of Rhône varieties produced
  • Approximately 120,000 bottles produced annually across all estate wines
  • Head High is a separate label produced alongside the flagship estate range
  • Tastings by appointment only at historic Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe in downtown Sonoma
Flavor Profile

Three Sticks Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are defined by cool-climate restraint, with prominent minerality, bright natural acidity, and a fine structural backbone. The wines reflect individual vineyard character rather than a single house style, with Goldridge and volcanic soils lending precision and tension.

Food Pairings
Roasted salmon with herb butterDuck breast with cherry reductionMushroom risottoGrilled halibut with citrusAged Gruyère and soft-rind cheesesRoast chicken with root vegetables
Wines to Try
  • Head High Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast$18-22
    Three Sticks' approachable second label, sourced from cool Sonoma Coast vineyards with the same organic farming ethos.Find →
  • Three Sticks Walala Vineyard Chardonnay$40-50
    Heritage vineyard Chardonnay showcasing cool-climate minerality and structure from Sonoma County's marine-influenced sites.Find →
  • Three Sticks Durell Vineyard Pinot Noir$65-85
    Flagship single-vineyard Pinot from the 610-acre estate spanning three AVAs; benchmark for terroir-driven Sonoma Pinot Noir.Find →
  • Three Sticks Gap's Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir$70-90
    Petaluma Gap Heritage site covering 406 acres; intense marine influence produces structured, site-specific Pinot Noir.Find →
📝Exam Study NotesWSET / CMS
  • Founded 2002; Bill Price III purchased Durell Vineyard 1996-1998 before founding the winery
  • Six Grand Cru vineyards split into Heritage (Durell, Gap's Crown, Walala) and Monopole (One Sky, Alana, William James) designations
  • 100% estate-grown, organically farmed; approximately 130 hectares across six Sonoma County appellations
  • Durell Vineyard covers 610 acres spanning Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Carneros AVAs
  • Production approximately 120,000 bottles annually; Head High is a separate second label