The cool thing about golf is that you often have common interests with golfing friends. For example, I discovered a gal in my weekly golf league that loves wine as much as I do. Our biggest gripe? The beverage cart doesn’t carry wine. I mean… it’s a rolling bar with a jug of vodka bigger than my head, yet they can’t muster up a few mini bottles.  The airlines can do it; why not golf courses? 

Because of this dilemma facing many wine-loving golfers, my mission is to find as many ways possible to pair wine and golf… both on and off the course. So if your motto is also “Fairway & Rosé,” read on for ideas about bringing your love of wine to your game and golfing friends.

  1. Wine Tasting Weekend.  Let’s face it, guys have been going away on golf weekends for years, now it’s your turn.  Get your best gals together and arrange for a weekend of wine tasting. Maybe you can work it out so that the wineries are close to a course so you can also play a round.  This way, you can tell the guys you’re “on a golf weekend” and have the bonus of a great vino experience. Take it to the next level; stay at a place with a spa, and you can golf, relax, drink, and laugh to your heart’s content.  There are plenty of opportunities for fun wine & golf getaways… start talking about the idea with your friends, then start searching online for your perfect getaway. 
  2. Explore wine-tasting opportunities near home. When you can’t get away, become a (wine) tourist in your town and seek out wine tastings, or talk to a local restaurant to see if you can set up a private tasting in a restaurant’s party room. Another idea – stop by a local wine shop and see if they offer tastings or private parties. Finally, if none of these ideas pan out, create a casual tasting with your friends, and ask each to bring a bottle or two favorites. It’s a great way to get together and explore new wines. 
  3. Meet your golfing friends for wine after golfing or even on non-golf days. Pick a spot to become regular, or work the circuit searching for new spots that offer great wine. Need to be efficient with your time? Save yourself a drive and build in “stop at the clubhouse” time after each round.  Then get friendly with the bartender to learn more about the wine and/or request wines to try. 
  4. See how you can incorporate your love of wine into activities at your home course.  Ask the bar or restaurant manager about having a wine-tasting night. Not only will this give you a chance to meet your friends for some great wine and fun, but it’ll also introduce you to other wine and golf lovers. It can be an opportunity to connect with like-minded peeps and maybe even find more golfing partners. Plus, you can bring your spouse or partner – a chance for them to meet the people you’re always talking about. 
  5. Geek out about wine with your golfing friends online.   Now that you’ve got new wine friends, thanks to your country club’s wine tasting start a Facebook group or text chain (or whatever method is easiest for you) and start sharing fun wines you love. This way, you can stay connected off the course, get to know each other better, learn about new wines to try, and/or sneak in your bag… if your country club’s beverage cart continues to be as disappointing as mine. Bonus – use the group to set up golf dates and meet new golfers. 

Even if you can get the beverage cart to carry your favorite red, there are still many ways to blend wine and golf. That’s the great thing about wine and golf… both get better with age. As you and your friends grow with the sport, so can your relationships (and love of wine). 

Cheers to many years of golf and vino!