By Cori Brett

Nurturing fragile wine grapes to maturity is a measured process that can't be rushed, much like a good golf swing. Golfers of discerning taste know all about the perfect pairing of fine wine and great golf that defines California.

When the Oscar-winning film "Sideways" premiered in fall 2004, Pinot Noir achieved almost cult-like status. Fans flocked to the wineries in Santa Barbara Wine Country, crowding out locals at the Hitching Post and other hot spots. One scene highlighted golf at Alisal Guest Ranch, where the actors engaged in an unlikely brawl on the fairways. Originally a dude ranch operating within a 10,000-acre working cattle ranch, Alisal built two golf courses to expand its recreational choices: The River Course, a pleasant layout with wide fairways that occasionally border peaceful ranches where horses graze and the more challenging Ranch Course that only guests can play.

Alisal lies within the city limits of Solvang, the "Danish Capital of America." Colorful hanging flowerpots complement the architecturally themed buildings, while Danish bakeries serve traditional pastries and mouthwatering butter cookies. Wine bars like Wandering Dog pour for small production wineries lacking visitor facilities. Director di Vino Charles Williams says, "Our motto is 'leave your leash behind.'" It's the place to try something new. Many comfortable inns are within walking distance, like the upscale Hadsten House, where suites come with deep whirlpool baths.

Alisal's not the only game in town. Out near Lompoc, La Purisima claims to be "pure golf." Golf Digest named La Purisima to its list of toughest golf courses in America. Rancho San Marcos near Santa Barbara will be a kinder and gentler experience.

Pebble Beach gets all the attention, but the Monterey Peninsula also encompasses Carmel Valley, where farms, nurseries, wineries and golf courses flourish in a gentler inland climate. Rancho Canada Golf Club provides a fun round of golf at either of its two public courses along the Carmel River. Quail Lodge Resort's classic course runs along the valley floor with a well-manicured look reflected in the colorful landscaping of surrounding homes. As Quail Lodge President Lawson Little says of Carmel Valley, "We call it country next to town on the sunny side of Carmel." Overlooking the valley from its secluded forested setting, posh Carmel Valley Ranch has restored its Pete Dye course to the original design. Several wine tasting rooms are clustered in Carmel Valley Village, eleven miles inland from Highway 1. Winemaker Walter Georis' intimate Corkscrew Bistro resembles a restaurant you might find in the French countryside. The Georis tasting room adjoins the Bistro's shaded backyard. Bunches of fragrant fresh lavender stalks just in from the vineyard spill over the entrance table. Wine country fosters a laid-back lifestyle in tune with the seasons and rhythms of nature. Just an hour south of Los Angeles' snarled freeways, Temecula Valley emerges as southern California's premier wine region, thanks in part to golf legend Ely Callaway. When he founded Callaway Winery in 1969, it marked the beginning of winemaking in Temecula Valley. Now there are close to 20 wineries. Fancy South Coast Winery Resort and Spa is the largest, named California State Golden Bear Winery of the Year for the past two years. Golf architect Arthur Hills made his mark in Temecula with remote CrossCreek and the new Journey at Pechanga, on historic lands of the Pechanga Tribe. The green on Hole #6 is 175 feet below the tee box, indicative of dramatic elevation changes elsewhere on the course. Temecula Creek Inn offers a relaxing getaway and 27 holes of golf. In the best of both worlds, wine and golf exist on the same property. At CordeValle, a Rosewood Resort originally designed as a private club in San Martin, Clos LaChance winery and vineyard sits alongside the sixth fairway of the championship golf course. In deference to Silicon Valley movers and shakers who frequent CordeValle, cell phones are OK on the course.

California grapes Golf cart among the vines Wine Trail sign

Player-vintner Greg Norman designed the Course at Wente Vineyards so close to the vineyards that players can retrieve errant golf shots. It climbs to the highest point at #10 tee box via a steep Lombard Street-like cart path that yields sweeping views of the Livermore Valley. Wente Vineyards is a community landmark with its award-winning golf, wine, restaurant and summer concerts. Fifth-generation winemaker Karl Wente says it was "a great experience" partnering with Annika Sorenstam to produce the inaugural vintage for her own wine label, Annika. The 2006 Syrah was introduced in 2009.

Typically considered the laid-back neighbor of glamorous Napa Valley, Sonoma County is home to many prestigious wineries. They range from the state's oldest winery, Buena Vista (1857), to innovative Benziger Family Winery, a leader in organic and biodynamic winegrowing practices. Located in the heart of wine country, Sonoma Golf Club was designed in1928 by Sam Whiting, architect of Olympic Club Lake Course. It's a classic walking course with mountain and vineyard views, reserved for members and guests of Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.

North Sonoma County spans a diverse region that includes wineries and golf courses on the way to the rugged coast. Original architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., recently renovated the Links at Bodega Harbour, where the front and back nines are like night and day, from high above the coast to surfside. Narrow fairways lined with massive redwood trees mandate accuracy on the beautiful nine-hole Northwood Golf Club in Monte Rio. Alister MacKenzie designed Northwood in 1928 for the posh Bohemian Club.

Highway 29 and Silverado Trail run parallel through the Napa Valley, flanked by wineries on both sides. Napa Valley boasts more than 300 wineries, from boutique operations to large commercial producers. At Chardonnay Golf Club, three nine-hole courses meander through 130 acres of Chardonnay and Merlot vineyards. Working vineyards also border nearby Eagle Vines Golf Club, a Johnny Miller design. An elegant white columned mansion built in the 1870's as a private residence forms the centerpiece of sprawling Silverado Resort, home to two courses. Locals are said to prefer the challenging South Course, with its side hill lies and water crossings, over the longer yet more forgiving North Course.

Whirring gauges behind the reception desk at the attractive Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa constantly monitor the hotel's Co2 emissions, electricity and water use. Gaia claims to be the first environmentally sustainable hotel and consciously implements best practices. Gaia's Restaurant menu reads: "Earth Friendly Dining," and the carefully selected wine list designates wines as "O" (organic farming), "B" (biodynamic farming), or "S" (sustainable farming). Some selections are a combination.

Vintner Teena Wilkins of Vina Castellano says, "We're what Napa was 35 years ago." Vina Castellano is one of five family-owned wineries comprising the Auburn Winery Trail, which opened in September 2009. Their wines have won gold medals at prestigious competitions. The Trail runs near Auburn Valley Golf Club, a wide-open course at the base of Bald Mountain that partners on winemaker dinners. Unique to the Sierra foothills winegrowing region, some customers arrive on horseback. Fawnridge Winery even installed a hitching post. Auburn Winery Trail members could very well be California's first horseback-friendly wineries.

For more information on golf and wine packages in California visit www.californiagolf.com

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