Pairing Golf with Wine

Written by Rick Stedman

Monday, 29 December 2008 13:52

Northern California’s Tri-Valley area—about 40 minutes east of San Francisco—has been affectionately likened to the Napa region of 40 years ago. It’s laid back, and features nearly 50 wineries, along with several quality golf courses. One of the top attractions of the region is The Course at Wente Vineyards. This is a one-stop entertainment venue that features wine tasting, excellent dining, outdoor concerts, and an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course. What more could a visitor want?

The course has played host to the Livermore Valley Wine Country Championship, which is part of the PGA’s Nationwide Tour. This picturesque par-72, daily-fee course measures 7,181 yards from the tips. This summer, it celebrated its 10th anniversary.

The Course at Wente Vineyards meanders through scenic rolling hills, vineyards, and natural grasslands of the Livermore Valley. Nestled up against the cliffs of Cresta Blanca, the course is lined with native woodlands that include sycamore, oak and cottonwood trees. It’s hard not to appreciate its sheer beauty, especially when teeing off from an elevated tee, like the very first hole. On the back nine, you’re also treated to several elevated tee boxes, and beautiful vistas of Mount Diablo. Do not forget your camera.

Wente Vineyards Estate Winery & Tasting Room is the other moniker this Livermore establishment uses. The winery has been around for 125 years, and even continued operation during Prohibition by making sacramental wine. This historic estate also offers local olive oils.

The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards has been an area favorite since it opened in 1986. The menu changes daily, and focuses on the season’s freshest produce. The open architecture is inviting, and you sense a touch of class when entering through the classic French doors.

Another excellent dining option is the more casual Grill Terrace, where you can sip a glass of wine and watch golfers finish on the nearby 18th green. In addition to good food, the grill also offers golfers and non-golfers exceptional views of the vineyards. Of note, the grill was modeled after an Australian station house, reminiscent of Greg Norman’s childhood in the Outback.

If this isn’t enough enjoyment, you might want to check out the entertainment lineup. Featured performers have included Crosby, Stills & Young; Earth, Wind and Fire; Chris Isaak; Lynyrd Skynyrd; Clint Black; Boz Scaggs; Chicago; Willie Nelson; Foreigner, and many others.

For more information on the many offerings at Wente Vineyards and Golf Course in Livermore, visit www.wentegolf.com .

The Bridges Golf Club
Another Tri-Valley area course that garners lots of attention is The Bridges Golf Club in San Ramon. Named after its 11 curving wooden bridges that make their way over creeks and foliage, The Bridges Golf Club was rated by the Northern California Golf Club as one of the most challenging courses in the region. This 18-hole championship course is a par 72, and measures 6,861 yards.

According to assistant general manager Stacy Pickavance, “The Bridges Golf Club features a blend of narrowly sloped fairways, vast bunkers, quick greens, and heavily landscaped hillsides that’s sure to offer the ultimate public golf experience.”

One of the most challenging and exciting holes is the horseshoe-shaped 557-yard, par-5 sixth. This elongated dogleg right features a set of bunkers anchoring the fairway at around 200 yards. The downhill terrain leads you to a deep, no recovery creek, and one of those aforementioned bridges. You’ll want to stay below the hole on this monster green that’s curvy, slanted and fast.

There are a bevy of bunkers featured on many of the fairways in this Johnny Miller-designed course. The foliage is especially colorful in the spring and summer, featuring an explosion of wildflowers in brilliant greens, golds and purples.

Another exciting and challenging aspect of The Bridges is its par 3s, with three out of four measuring more than 200 yards. The longest is the 232-yard fifth. This hole usually plays into a breeze, so an added club is suggested. Try avoiding the deep bunker on the left side of the green; the safe shot is right of the green.

The entire course is not only challenging but aesthetically appealing as well. You won’t get tired of the scenery that shows off the visual splendor of Mount Diablo and the surrounding Dougherty Valley Hills. Like clockwork, you can expect the afternoon west winds to roll over the East Bay Hills en route to the Tri-Valley. A few other distinguishing features of the course include two split fairways, numerous elevation changes, and the 85-yard-long 18th green.

Last summer, The Bridges Golf Club received certification in Environmental Planning from the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses (ACSP). The ACSP is an international program administered by Audubon International and designed to help landowners preserve and enhance the environmental quality of their property.

After your round, relax in The Bridges Golf Club Restaurant & Bar. Overlooking the first six fairways, the clubhouse offers an indoor restaurant and bar, casual outdoor patios, and a Mediterranean-style Garden Pavilion for banquets and events. The fabulous view is available year-round. For more information on The Bridges, visit www.thebridgesgolf.com or call (925) 735-4253.

The 19th Hole (and a few chip shots) —In case Santa didn’t bring you everything on your list, here’s a new GPS navigation tool you might want to consider. Bushnell Outdoor Products offers its BackTrack GPS system that’s ultra easy to use. A simple user interface and two buttons lets you find and save three key locations. When it is time to return to a location, just select the location you saved, push a button, and the BackTrack will provide distance and direction in either yards, miles, meters or kilometers. Simply follow the arrow. In the compass mode, it will indicate the direction of travel in compass degrees and a reference to magnetic north. The BackTrack, which fits in the palm of your hand, is powered by two AAA batteries, and will run for more than 100 uses. One use is equal to 10 minutes or less. Suggested retail is $69. For more information, visit www.bushnell.com .

Rick Stedman is an avid RVer, golfer, and writer who lives in Yakima, Washington. He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .