Golf and wine – a pairing that brings together two sophisticated pastimes for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Imagine rolling green fairways framed by vineyards, followed by a glass of world-class wine to celebrate your round. If this sounds like your ideal vacation, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re a wine lover, golf enthusiast, or both, this guide highlights some of the best destinations where golf meets great wine. From Portugal’s Douro Valley to France’s Bordeaux, here’s where to tee off and sip the best wines on your next luxury getaway.
Douro Valley, Portugal: Wine with a View
Golf Spotlight: Oporto Golf Club. While the Douro is primarily famous for its wine, you’ll also find hidden gems for golf, such as the Oporto Golf Club. One of the oldest golf courses in Portugal, It blends history and charm with the beauty of the Portuguese countryside. Playing here offers the perfect warm-up before indulging in some well-deserved wine tasting. Alternatively, Vidago Palacio Golf Course is another hidden gem worth considering on your trip here.
Winery: Quinta Nova. When it comes to wine, be sure to visit Quinta Nova. This historic estate features one of the oldest wine cellars in the Douro Valley dating back to 1756 and offers guided tours, wine tastings, wine & tapas pairing, and a complete, full-day immersive experience including a 3-course menu at their Terraçu Restaurant.
Personal Tip: Stay at the Six Senses Douro Valley for a luxurious blend of vineyard views and spa treatments.
Barcelona & Priorat, Spain: Golf and Bold Reds
Spain is no stranger to stunning golf courses, and when paired with the country’s burgeoning wine scene, it becomes the ultimate destination for a wine-loving golfer. Just a short drive from Barcelona lies the Priorat region, home to some of Spain’s most intense and complex red wines.
Golf Spotlight: Real Club de Golf El Prat. A short trip from Barcelona brings you to Real Club de Golf El Prat, a course renowned for its challenging design and championship status. Situated at the foot of Parc Natural de San Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac, it’s a visual treat for golfers looking to experience Spain’s best golf.
Winery: Clos Mogador. Once you’ve tackled the greens, stop and visit the Montserrat Monastery, before heading to the Priorat wine region. Among the top producers, Clos Mogador’s wines are bold, structured, and expressive, much like the landscape that surrounds the vineyards. The mix of Cabernet Sauvignon and local Garnacha grapes is perfect to savor as you unwind from your round.
Personal Tip: For a seamless luxury experience, stay at Terra Dominicata, a renovated monastery dating back to the 12th century, and indulge in the ultimate Priorat wine experience.
Rhine Valley, Germany: A White Wine Paradise
The Rhine Valley is one of Germany’s most famous wine regions, known for producing some of the best Rieslings in the world. The landscape is marked by medieval castles, steep vineyards, and the iconic river running through it all.
Golf Spotlight: Jakobsberg Golf Resort. Jakobsberg Golf Resort sits high above the Rhine River, offering panoramic views of the valley below. It’s a scenic course that blends seamlessly with the surrounding vineyards and offers a tranquil yet challenging round of golf while keeping wine on the mind.
Winery: Schloss Johannisberg. After your game, indulge in the crisp and refreshing wines of Schloss Johannisberg. Their Rieslings are renowned for their perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, making them the perfect post-golf refreshment.
Personal Tip: Take a river cruise down the Rhine for a unique way to explore the vineyards while sipping on the region’s finest wines. Alternatively, consider staying at one of the medieval castles overlooking the river; we have a few ideas where.
Tuscany, Italy: Gary Player’s Recent Favorite
Tuscany is the epitome of luxury when it comes to both golf and wine. The rolling hills, cypress trees, and vineyards are as much a part of the golfing experience as they are the wine tasting. Recently, golf legend Gary Player took a trip to Tuscany, which speaks volumes about its appeal to the world’s best golfers and experienced travelers.
Golf Spotlight: Castiglion del Bosco Golf Club. For an exclusive golf experience, head to Castiglion del Bosco, one of Italy’s premier courses. Set within a private estate, it offers both privacy and stunning views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside. This Tom Weiskopf-designed course is both beautiful and challenging.
Winery: Castiglion del Bosco Winery. No trip to Tuscany would be complete without sipping on some Brunello di Montalcino. This full-bodied red wine is among Italy’s most famous, and after a day on the course, you’ll want nothing more than to unwind with a glass (or two).
Personal Tip: Stay at Villa Le Prata, a lovely wine estate in the rolling hills of the Val d’Orcia, a classified UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece: A Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers
Greece’s Peloponnese Peninsula is not as widely known for its wine scene as some other regions, but it’s quickly becoming a hotspot for wine lovers. The rugged coastline and rolling vineyards make this area both scenic and serene.
Golf Spotlight: Costa Navarino. Costa Navarino is home to two of Greece’s best golf courses, The Dunes and The Bay Course. With spectacular views of the Ionian Sea, these courses combine history, culture, and sport, providing a golfing experience like no other.
Winery: Seméli Estate. After your game, explore the Nemea wine region, home to Greece’s famous Agiorgitiko grape. This bold red wine pairs perfectly with the local cuisine, which is a blend of fresh Mediterranean flavors that you will not be able to find anywhere else in the world.
Personal Tip: The Westin Resort Costa Navarino offers a luxurious stay right next to the golf courses, making it easy to combine golf and wine seamlessly.
Bordeaux, France: Cabot Bordeaux and Matthieu Pavon’s Legacy
Bordeaux needs no introduction when it comes to wine. It’s the world capital of wine, and now, it’s also becoming a noteworthy destination for golfers. Cabot Bordeaux, a new luxury golf destination owned by the same company as Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Citrus Frams, is adding to the appeal, especially with French PGA player Matthieu Pavon’s deep connection to the club — his mother was a pro here for years. With Pavon’s successful season on the PGA Tour in 2024 it has drawn more people to travel to see where the young pro grew-up and refined his game.
Golf Spotlight: Cabot Bordeaux. Recently part of the Cabot Collection, Cabot Bordeaux offers the perfect blend of top-tier golf and French elegance. This remarkable championship course designed by Bill Coore meanders among the pine trees on sandy soil with holes bordered by heather, gorse, and broom; a dream come true if you ask us. Note, that you could also combine your trip with Grand St Emilionnais GC, a “Grand Cru” designed by Tom Doak.
Winery: Château Margaux. No visit to Bordeaux is complete without a stop at Château Margaux. This legendary estate produces some of the most sought-after wines in the world. After a round of golf, there’s nothing like sipping on one of their velvety reds to cap off the day while sitting around a fire and telling stories.
Personal Tip: Stay at La Maison d’Estournel in the middle of the vineyards for a relaxing escape. Our team recently visited the domain and we can’t stop daydreaming about this place…that’s usually a good sign.
Final Thoughts
Golf and wine — two passions that are perfectly paired, like a bold Cabernet with a filet mignon or a crisp Pinot Grigio alongside fresh trout. A memorable round of golf followed by a rich, complex glass of wine creates a harmony that’s hard to beat.
These destinations offer the perfect blend of world-class golf and exceptional wines, creating the ultimate luxury travel experience in Europe. Whether you’re teeing off in the Douro Valley or sipping fine Bordeaux, your next vacation could be the best of both worlds. We are firm believers that great minds attract, so if you love great golf courses, amazing food and delicious wines like we do, let’s chat…oh and this is coming from a Bordeaux gal here!!. We’ll design an amazing golf trip with curated wine experiences upon your budget requirements and preferences.
Let’s CHASEGOLF & WINE adventures together ⛳️🍷💚
