September is prime season for harvesting ruby reds in North America. Here are three superb courses you can play in and among the vines, and three great wines from three golf legends turned vintners.
The Courses
SILVERADO RESORT & SPA
NAPA, CALIF. $99-$195
Home to the PGA Tour’s Safeway Open, in the heart of Napa’s wine country, this venerable 36-hole property (where you’ve gotta stay to play) is co-owned by Johnny Miller. Snap hook your opening tee shot on the tournament North course and you could wind up in the tasting room at William Hill Estate Winery, where the bold, fruity cabs will make you forget about double-bogeys.
CORDEVALLE
SAN MARTIN, CALIF. $295-$415
A 30-minute drive south of San Jose puts you—resort guests only—at the four-time host of the PGA Tour (from 2010-2013) and home to the 2016 U.S. Women’s Open. Liberally dotted with oaks and sycamores that contrast attractively with the straw-colored ridges, the 1999 Robert Trent Jones Jr. design features ravines and streams, artfully sculpted bunkers, and views of the adjacent Clos LaChance wine vineyards.
THE COURSE AT WENTE VINEYARDS
LIVERMORE, CALIF. $69-$ 149
This 20-year-old Greg Norman design has matured as nicely as the fine wines that share the acreage. Hay-colored hills, working vineyards in play and Melbourne Sandbelt–style bunkering add beauty and menace to the proceedings, while the wildly sloping fairways rarely provide a flat lie. The amphitheater-like par-5 fifth, framed by mountains and grape vines, is a standout.
The Wines
JACK’S HOUSE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015
BY JACK NICKLAUS/ TERLATO
This velvety Napa Valley cab bursts with rich, inky-dark fruit color and flavor. A percentage of net proceeds from every bottle sold benefits Jack’s House Foundation, which supports healthcare and education efforts. $17.99
GREG NORMAN ESTATES LIMESTONE COAST CABERNET MERLOT 2014
BY GREG NORMAN TREASURY WINE ESTATES
A consistent favorite in the Norman wine portfolio, the easy drinkability stems from its blend (11 percent is Merlot), its vibrant, fruity flavors of mulberry and cherry, and its hint of vanilla on the nose. $13.99
THE CALLING DUTTON RANCH VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY 2015
BY JIM NANTZ PETER DEUTSCH DEUTSCH FAMILY WINE & SPIRITS
With 91 points, this crisply acidic white was one of Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2017. From the vineyards of western Sonoma County, its taste and aroma of citrus refreshes in any season. $29.99
