The worlds of golf and wine might seem like two different leisure pursuits, but when combined, they create the perfect escape for travelers seeking refined experiences and scenic getaways. Across the globe, several hidden gems offer incredible opportunities to tee off on pristine fairways and toast to the day’s game with a locally crafted vintage. If you’re looking for golf and wine pairing trips that are far from the ordinary, here’s a curated selection of destinations that deliver both excellent play and exceptional pours.
Tuscany, Italy: Chianti and Championship Greens
Tuscany may be known for its rolling vineyards and Renaissance art, but it’s also quietly emerging as a golfer’s paradise. The Poggio dei Medici Golf Club, nestled in the Mugello Valley, offers panoramic views of the countryside. After your round, indulge in wine tastings at nearby Chianti estates, where Sangiovese grapes are transformed into bold and elegant wines. The unique pairing of golf in the serene Tuscan hills and sipping from rustic wine cellars creates a sensory experience that blends relaxation and sophistication.
Golf gadgets enhance the overall experience in such destinations, especially when courses include challenging terrain or digital scorecard integration. High-tech rangefinders and swing analyzers can be useful companions, especially when you want to keep your game sharp while enjoying the laid-back pace of a wine region.
Mendoza, Argentina: Andes Backdrops and Malbec Magic
Mendoza is Argentina’s wine capital, famous for its deep-bodied Malbecs and sun-soaked vineyards. What’s lesser known is that it’s also home to some spectacular golf. Courses like Club de Campo Mendoza offer scenic fairways with the majestic Andes Mountains as your backdrop. After your game, wine-tasting tours in nearby Luján de Cuyo or Uco Valley await, where boutique wineries provide private cellars, guided tastings, and even vineyard-side lunches.
To elevate your swing while abroad, bring along training aids like portable putting mats or resistance bands. These tools are great for keeping your skills sharp between rounds, especially in places where you may want to extend your stay to enjoy the full range of local flavors.
Stellenbosch, South Africa: Vineyard Valleys and Hidden Fairways
Located just outside Cape Town, Stellenbosch is a breathtaking destination that combines old-world winemaking with challenging golf. De Zalze Golf Club is set within a working wine estate, offering a rare opportunity to play through vineyards and over serene water features. After your round, head straight to the estate’s tasting room for a glass of Chenin Blanc or Pinotage. Stellenbosch also has an emerging gourmet food scene, adding an extra layer to your wine and golf pairing experience.
Golfers can explore local pro shops for regional golf balls, which sometimes include unique branding or materials suited to different climates. Not only do these make great souvenirs, but using them during your game can help adjust your play to the local environment.
Oregon Wine Country, USA: Pinot Noir and Forest Greens
While Napa Valley gets most of the attention, Oregon’s Willamette Valley is a wine region that is quickly gaining prestige, especially for its Pinot Noir. Tucked among these award-winning vineyards are courses like Chehalem Glenn Golf Course and The Reserve Vineyards & Golf Club. These venues offer challenging layouts shaded by towering pines and punctuated by vineyard views. Enjoy post-round wine tastings at nearby wineries like Domaine Drouhin or Elk Cove.
One of the standout features of Oregon’s wine and golf culture is its emphasis on sustainability. Many wineries and golf courses here prioritize eco-conscious practices, making this an ideal destination for travelers who value both luxury and responsibility.
Bordeaux, France: Grand Crus and Grand Courses
Bordeaux is synonymous with wine excellence, but it also hides a number of sophisticated golf courses. Golf du Médoc is a top choice, located just a short drive from some of the world’s most famous châteaux. Pair a morning on the links with an afternoon tour of prestigious wineries like Château Margaux or Château Lafite Rothschild. Many of these estates offer tastings paired with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, turning every visit into a gourmet journey.
You don’t need to be an expert golfer to enjoy the experience. Many of these locations offer golf clinics for beginners and even package deals that include vineyard tours and tee times. Whether you’re fine-tuning your swing or sipping a bold red, Bordeaux lets you do both in style.
Queenstown, New Zealand: Sauvignon Swings and Scenic Sips
Queenstown is renowned for its adventure tourism, but it also boasts some of the most spectacular golf-and-wine experiences in the Southern Hemisphere. Courses like Millbrook Resort and Jack’s Point are flanked by dramatic mountains and glacial lakes. Pair this with a visit to Central Otago’s award-winning wineries, and you have a getaway that balances adrenaline and elegance. Try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc after an invigorating 18 holes, or take a hot air balloon ride to toast the morning sun over the vineyards.
For a trip like this, packing the right golf gadgets can enhance the adventure. A solar-powered GPS watch or altitude-adaptive rangefinder can make a big difference when you’re playing courses at varying elevations.
Casablanca Valley, Chile: Coastal Breezes and Carmenère Notes
Located just outside Santiago, the Casablanca Valley is an emerging destination for both wine and golf. Known for its cool-climate white wines and signature Carmenère varietals, the region also features scenic coastal golf courses like Club de Golf La Foresta. This fusion of ocean views, vineyard tastings, and comfortable resorts is ideal for travelers seeking a laid-back yet enriching experience.
Since this region is still under the radar, it’s perfect for those who want to avoid crowds and discover hidden gems. Local guides often offer customized wine and golf itineraries, making it easier to enjoy the best of both worlds without the hassle of overplanning.
Final Thoughts
Golf and wine may seem like an unusual pairing at first glance, but the blend of elegant recreation and indulgent tasting experiences is a match made in travel heaven. Whether you’re navigating a course flanked by vineyards or savoring a vintage after a satisfying round, these lesser-known destinations invite you to enjoy both passions in tandem.
So next time you’re planning a golf getaway, think beyond the usual greens. Seek out a location where every tee-off is followed by a toast, and where the rolling fairways are mirrored by rows of ripening grapes. After all, the only thing better than a perfect swing is a perfect sip to follow.
