I know there are a lot of virtual tastings going on nowadays. It seems like every winery is trying to wiggle their way into a Facebook/Instagram Live and show you what you could be sipping on. But I came across this press release about a virtual tasting and music show put on by Three Sticks Wines here in Sonoma that benefits musical entertainers who have been effected by the COVID-crisis. The event is free to attend on Facebook with the option to donate whatever you can afford to give. Mark your calendars for 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 29. Details below.
The following is a formal press release from Three Sticks Wines
Sonoma, Calif.—On Wednesday, April 29th at 5:00pm PST, Founder, Bill Price III (aka Billy Three Sticks) and Director of Winemaking, Bob Cabral of Three Sticks Wines join for a conversation over wine and a special evening of performances by hand-picked, world-renowned musicians. Tim Hockenberry (America’s Got Talent, multi-instrumentalist), Billy Valentine (“Billy Vee” blues, R&B and jazz), Laurence Hobgood (jazz and contemporary) and special guest, Sammy Hagar (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), take the virtual stage to support musicians and the arts in a show called Three Sticks Together. The concert benefits PLUS1 Covid-19 Relief Fund, to provide immediate assistance to musicians and music industry workers affected by the pandemic. Bill and Eva Price are supporting the cause by matching donations up to $10,000.
The concert and conversation will take place on Facebook and is complimentary with the opportunity to donate.
Three Sticks Together is a celebration and a fundraising event conceived by Three Sticks Wines in honor of their Founder, Bill Price III, whose birthday was April 20. “Bill is a huge music fan and lover of the arts. In this challenging time, we wanted to find a way to celebrate Bill in a way that was authentic to him and to also give back” says Co-Founder and GM, Prema Behan. “Wine and music each have a unique ability to bring comfort and connection to people. Together, it’s a perfect combination, bringing conviviality and joy when we all need it.”
Director of Winemaking and natural co-host for the evening, Bob Cabral, attributes music to be a major factor in shaping his life. “Really, there’s such an overlap for me between music and wine. I want to craft wines that touch a person’s soul, much like a favorite song can. Everybody has a song they like to crank up and listen to—a song that just engulfs all of the senses.”
The current health crisis has catapulted many businesses, wineries and artists alike, into the virtual world. By utilizing social platforms, such as Zoom and Facebook, wineries and musicians continue to engage fans and create community over an internet connection. “While this evolution was born out of crisis, the positive reception from our customers encouraged us to continue our virtual experiences, even when the SIP order has been lifted,” says Bill Price. “We hope this virtual music show and benefit spurs more partnerships, more music, more wine, more giving, and possibly, more concerts to come.” The virtual aspect makes it in some ways easier to collaborate. “What else am I doing right now? What else are the musicians doing right now? We are all staying at home, with no foreseeable plans, other than trying to connect”, says Bob Cabral.
PLUS1 Covid-19 Relief Fund
In response to the devastating outbreak, PLUS1 has launched a PLUS1 COVID-19 Relief Fund to coordinate efforts to support those in our community most at risk from the pandemic. PLUS1 is working with leading non-profit organizations Sweet Relief, MusiCares, Center for Disaster Philanthropy, World Central Kitchen, Partners In Health, Trans Lifeline, Backline, and local homelessness organizations to provide immediate assistance to the following:
- Musicians and music industry workers affected. Funds raised will go towards medical expenses, lodging, clothing, food and other vital living expenses to those impacted due to sickness or loss of work
- Those whose physical health, mental health, safety and wellbeing are most at risk to the impacts of the pandemic
About Three Sticks Wines
Three Sticks Wines is a boutique, family-owned winery led by winemakers Bob Cabral and Ryan Prichard, along with investor, vineyard owner Bill Price. Three Sticks’ is characterized by commitment to site specific wines, stewardship of land, people and history, and a down to earth approach to business and life. They craft small-lot, artisanal wines from six Grand cru level Estate vineyards in Sonoma County, including Durell Vineyard, Gap’s Crown Vineyard and Walala Vineyard. Founded in 2002, the winery is named for owner William S. Price III’s surfing nickname, “Billy Three Sticks,” which was assigned to him in his youth as a reference to the three Roman numerals that follow his name. To learn more, please visit www.threestickswines.com.
The Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe (built in 1842 and current home to the hospitality of Three Sticks Wines), was constructed by Captain Salvador Vallejo, brother of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, the Commandante Générale of the northern territory of Mexico (modern day Sonoma). Bill and Eva Price purchased the property in 2012 and embarked on a two year preservation project. The Three Sticks team worked closely with Sonoma historians and the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation to restore and protect the historic fabric of the property. For more information on Three Sticks at The Adobe or to schedule a visit, please visit: www.threestickswines.com/visit-the-adobe/.