Women in Wine: Prema Behan, Three Sticks Wines
Welcome to our new series, Women in Wine! We’ll be featuring inspiring women in the wine industry here in wine country, most from wineries you may not be familiar with (yet).
We’re thrilled to introduce you to our first featured guest, Prema Behan of Three Sticks Wines. Hailing from Marin, this Bay Area native and Sonoma resident has been with Three Sticks since its founding, working closely with the family owners to manage operations. She also oversaw the preservation efforts and design work that went into the acquisition and renovation of Three Sticks’ home, the Vallejo Casteñada in downtown Sonoma. And somehow Prema finds time to be a mother of two and serve as the President of the Board of the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation and as a member of the Board of the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance. We are beyond honored she also made the time to give us a view into her busy winery life and journey.
Why wine, what got you started in the wine industry?
I got started in wine by luck. Starting Three Sticks was a side project of mine 20 years ago for Bill. Then as it grew, I fell in love with the people and lifestyle of wine. The passion and fun was infectious.
What are some highlights and challenges to this journey?
Highlights: Renovating the historic Adobe in Sonoma, seeing a Three Sticks Durell Pinot Noir on the cover of Wine Spectator, having the best team in the business, making killer wine every single year,
Challenges: Overcoming insane issues around the fires and pandemic! Competition is a challenge, intensely competitive business environment, climate change.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
Bill Price, my partner, has been an immense influence. He's smart and driven and it keeps me looking beyond the norm and in action. My teachers and cohort from my MBA program were a tremendous influence on me and my leadership style. Bob Cabral, our consulting winemaker has also been a big influence. He's a perfectionist and incredibly smart. KEeps me on my toes!
How do you personally define business success? Is it money? Freedom? Influence? Creative expression and innovation? Something else?
Business success is a cashflow positive business, that allows for creativity and operates smoothly enough that you have time to imagine new directions and visions for the future. A business that gives back too!!
What is a daily ritual you live by?
Yoga, supplements and reading. Every single day.
What do you do for encouragement or to be motivated?
Exercise - Peloton with an amazing group of women. Go to the Adobe and watch my amazing team give GREAT HOSPITALITY to people.
What is a typical day like for you?
I wake up at 6, do yoga, eat breakfast, shower and then get on zoom for hours and hours....until my eyes cross.
What are you most excited about at work right now? What keeps you up at night?
It's ROSÉ season! And we're all getting vaccinated and people are coming out!! What keeps me up is personnel development and having the right people in the right seats for our future growth.
What do you suggest is the best way to experience your wine locally or from a far? What are your offerings?
Locally: The Adobe - our amazing tasting room.
From afar: Virtual Tastings and Ambassador Events.
What are some of the environmental impacts of winemaking in the Valley?
It depends on your methods. We are committed to having minimal impact. There are impacts of growing grapes, making wine and the tourism industry that supports us.
What is it like being a smaller winery in an industry saturated with winemakers?
It's great. I think we've done a great job differentiating ourselves and standing out amongst the crowds. That's what we are always focusing on, raising the bar of quality in all areas, every single day.
What is next for your company?
World domination
Amazing, we love it! Thank you Prema! Be sure to check out all that Three Sticks is offering as they open back up for the season!
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