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Tri-Valley/Livermore Wine Country is a great wine and golf destination for many visitors and is also surprisingly affordable with a wide array of golf course selections to meet every skills level. The Tri-Valley golf scene offers 13 courses, many of which wind through vineyards and rolling hills. Golf-minded visitors have plenty of options.

The Bridges is a stunning golf club that hosts a large destination restaurant and accompanying new wine bar. The newest addition, Callippe Preserve, earned the "Most Worth The Green Fee" award for all of Northern California in 2010 by Greenskeeper.org. In sync with tightening budgets, but scenic and beautiful, this challenging course provides a restaurant with views over the Tri-Valley and of Mt. Diablo.

Corporate visitors may opt to play at the Greg Norman-designed Course at Wente Vineyards, which was designated as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" by the Audobon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses in 2010 for maintaining a high degree of environmental quality. Or watch the sun set over rolling hills at Poppy Ridge Golf Course. 

Wine tasting, incredible food and breathtaking scenery . . . what more can you ask for when you head to Napa Valley? From girlfriend getaways and guy-only vacays to weekend escapes and family retreats, Napa has something for everyone. Read five ways to live it up and enjoy Napa Valley: 

(1) Walk this Way
Whether Napa is a weekend excursion or a vacation you planned six months ago, wine tasting is at the top of everyone's list. To avoid needing a "DD" or renting a party bus for the day, grab a $25 Taste Napa Downtown card to explore 12 different tasting rooms and wine bars within walking distance of each other. Park your car, take your time, and enjoy the vino without worrying about the next stop on your tour.

(2) Ladies Night! (and Daytime too)
Napa Valley is one destination that beckons girlfriends who love to gather, celebrate their sisterhood and sample the grape without the shame and guilt of a Vegas girls getaway. By day, indulge in a soothing spa treatment at many of the spas and wellness centers nearby. Spa Terra located at the Meritage Resort is a perfect choice with their 22,000 square foot Estate Cave spa sanctuary. By night, head to Bistro Sabor for Salsa Saturdays co-hosted by Ceja Vineyards where you can shake what your mama gave you--no cover charge and no partner needed. Just show up!

(3) Just for the Bro's
Trust us, it's not always about MMA Fighting or Nascar when the fellas get together for a guys-only vacay. With more men channeling their inner Anthony Bourdain, food has become the focus for "man-scapes" near and far. Napa Valley is home to more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere in the world and the culinary talents of superstars such as Thomas Keller (French Laundry ring a bell, anyone?). To work off the decadent meals and wine-induced calories, head to Napa Golf Course at Kennedy Park for a few rounds of golf. Or paddle your way through the valley by kayaking on the Napa River.

Show Dad you appreciate him with the gift of GOLF!


*Dudes' or Dads' Retreat at Silverado Resort and Spa!
This Ultimate Gentleman's Getaway package offers unlimited* golf for groups of two or four, with accommodations in a deluxe one- or two-bedroom fireplace suite. (Available June 1 - Nov. 17, 2012). Package also includes:

• Callaway Razr X Rentals
• 6 Callaway golf balls
•  Silverado golf hat and shirt
• $100 spa credit per person for any 50-minute men's treatment (Go Golf Facial, Golfers Massage, or Golfers Reflexology)
• 100 credit per person for resort dining

CLICK HERE for more details.

MARCH INTO NAPA VALLEY... 

RECHARGE . . . your mind & body with scores of activities that will revive the senses in Wine Country. Whether it's the exhilarating rush of the wind in your face as you bike ride through the vineyards, the majestic views of Napa Valley as you soar above the clouds on a balloon ride, the blooming spring wild mustard fields and budding vines on a hike, or even a kayak adventure - we are sure you'll find something to happily distract yourself for a couple of hours as you rediscover and unleash your inner child!

By Robert Farmer

Pebble Beach is a special golf course built on a special piece of earth - pushed up against the edge of the continent on a dramatic stretch of coastline that would inspire awe whether it was manicured to within an inch of its life, or left to evolve in its own natural course. It was the most impossibly beautiful setting for the 2010 U.S. Open where Graeme McDowell claimed victory. The golf course is hallowed ground for golfers. Pros aim to tame it, amateurs endeavor to experience it. Tales of lore and weekend warrior stretch as far out as the great Pacific Ocean along the 18th fairway.  Alas, not everyone has $500 in green fees burning a hole in the pocket of their golf pants to play at Pebble Beach.  If you fall into that category, read through my suggestions for golf clubs and courses along the coast or in Carmel/Monterey.

By Robert P. Farmer

Spring has sprung and the grass is green and getting greener. Time to hit the greens--and fairways, and the 19th holes. This is one of my favorite times of year. When days stretch longer and temperatures reach higher. Plenty of time and favorable weather to grind out a few holes of golf from among your daily grind. Napa and Sonoma valleys, while known for their obvious Viticultural attributes, are perhaps lesser appreciated for their golf courses. But the valleys are excellent places to pursue your golf passion. And there's always time to enjoy the world class wines as you count up your score.

Napa Golf Guide
Sonoma Golf Guide

*updated March 2012

by Robert P. Farmer

NAPA, CA - Whether you're after the country club afternoon, the relaxation of a resort, or the challenge of one of the toughest public course in the region, Napa Valley offers a golf experience to suit all tastes - and skill levels for that matter. The valley known for its vineyards is also home to an assortment of golf courses on par with its assortment of wines. Public, private, and semi-private, all the courses take advantage of their eye-catching natural surroundings - rolling oak-studded hillsides, lakes and creeks, mountain views and valley vistas. Napa golf has it all. If they could put it in a bottle, they would.

by Robert P. Farmer

SONOMA COUNTY, CA - Sonoma County offers a wide-ranging mix of golf courses, both public and private. The moderate climate and proximity to the California coastline means conditions are near-ideal from Spring to Fall. Course types vary throughout the length of the valley, from windswept links-style tracks to hilly, verdant testers. Whatever your preference, the most difficult part of the round may be trying to select a course. Here are some Sonoma favorites.

There's more to love than meets the eye, as a trip to Livermore and the Tri-Valley will quickly reveal. Locals adore the area for its authentic, charming and unspoiled terrain and ambiance.

Amidst the rolling hills is a golfer and wine lovers paradise and indulgent spa escapes. This not-to-be- missed region also boasts some of the best hotels and resorts, shopping, and fine and affordable dining available. Thinking of a place to get married? Gorgeous vineyard backdrops and venues to make for a memorable wedding all can be found in Tri-Valley. And of course, a host of activities for guests.

In essence, it's the perfect getaway spot for anyone and everyone. So whether you're seeking a romantic, family, girls getaway or man-cation destination, day or night, look no further than the Tri-Valley. 

And just in case you need one more  reason to visit, the Tri-Valley locals are offering a chance to enter their "Win a Spring Break Getaway to Wine Country" giveaway. Winners will receive a 2 night stay at a local hotel, a $100 gas card, two tickets to Livermore Valley Wine Country's Barrel Tasting Weekend, March 20-21, and a welcome bottle of wine. CLICK HERE for more details and to enter.

 

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know why Monterey ranks as one of the top golf destinations in the world. It's home to Pebble Beach and is a favorite for the U.S. Open Championship. In fact, it will be hosting the championship a fifth time in a row in 2010.

But with so many golf courses to choose from, let alone figuring out lodging and dining if you are planning a weekend getaway, where does one begin?

No worries. Monterey County CVB has it all worked out for you with a golf weekend itinerary. Each day by hour is completely detailed out for you. For full itinerary, CLICK HERE.

Monterey.Winecountry.com is your resource for more lodging and dining choices. And of course if you are traveling with the Mrs. or family in tow, be sure to check out other activities for them to do while you are golfing!