Professional golf takes its participants all over the world and introduces them to all kinds of different cultures. One thing that spans the globe and crosses many borders is a good wine. Having had the fortune to drink many different kinds of wines, more than a few have dipped their proverbial toes into the wine water.
Here are 10 professional golfers who have begun their own wine labels.
Ernie Els
Starting in 1999 in South Africa with his friend and business partner Jan Engelbrecht, Ernie Els Wines features five Bordeaux varieties that are produced under the Els label: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
Luke Donald
The Luke Donald Collection was launched in 2008 with a group of Claret-style reds that originate in the Napa Valley. Donald has been instructive in blending the wines to his tastes and preferences, which makes their tastes truly unique.
Retief Goosen
Like his fellow South African Els, Retief Goosen has a keen taste for vino. Utilizing a vineyard Upper Langkloof Appellation in South Africa, Goose Wines’ offerings include The Goose Sauvignon Blanc, The Goose Cabernet Sauvignon, The Goose Shiraz and The Goose Pinot Noir, among others.
Jack Nicklaus
Given his wide-ranging portfolio, it’s no surprise that Jack Nicklaus is involved in the wine game as well. Nicklaus’ wine is produced by Terlato Wines, the same company who assists Luke Donald’s line, and debuted in 2010 with two 2007 vintage wines.
Greg Norman
Not unlike Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman’s portfolio including a wine label should not come as a shock. The Great White Shark’s wines are produced out of vineyards owned by his company in Australia and California and features reds, plus whites and sparkling wines. Greg’s favorites include Lake County Zinfandel and Australian Reserve Shiraz.
Gary Player
Another South African and another golfer with a wide-ranging portfolio, Gary Player’s aptly-named Black Knight Wine are produced by the Quoin Rock winery in the Stellenbosch winelands of South Africa. The label launched with the Muirfield 1959 vintage, part of the “Gary Player Major Championship Series.” The series is set to release 18 new vintages over the next two decades.
Jan Stephenson
A three-time LPGA Tour winner, Jan Stephenson got into the wine game. The Stephenson label produces bottles of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Nick Faldo
The six-time major champion launched his wine label in 2000 and is produced by Katnook Estate vineyards in Coonawarra, Australian, a district known for red wines. Faldo wines included Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Mike Weir
The Masters champion launched the Mike Weir Estate Winery in 2005 to bring more exposure to Canada’s Niagara Region wines as well as a way to raise money for the Mike Weir Foundation. The first vintage was a 2007 Cabernet Merlot. Subsequenct releases have included Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and Sauvignon Blancs.
Arnold Palmer
Of course, the King has to have his own label. Arnold Palmer’s first release was a 2005 vintage and subsequent releases featured Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
