In my June 2008 Grand Cru Grapevine newsletter [Fore Score at the Top of their (Wine) Game], I wrote about famed golfers who had ventured into wine. My brief profiles included Arnold Palmer, Mike Weir, Nick Faldo, Ernie Els, David Frost and Greg Norman.
At the conclusion of the article, I lamented the lack of females among the list, but suggested that with her recent retirement, we may see a wine under Annika Sorenstam’s name. And, here we are…
Earlier this week, it was announced that Annika was partnering with Wente Vineyards in the Livermore Valley, CA to produce a new wine. She noted the Wente family’s golfing traditions among the reasons Wente was selected for her project. In fact, Wente Vineyards sports a championship golf course designed by Greg Norman.
Slated for a May 2009 debut, the ANNIKA Syrah was made as a collaboration between Ms. Sorenstam and winemaker Karl Wente. Its suggested retail price is $75.00.
What a perfect combination – golf and wine.
I had the good fortune to bump into Annika – literally – when she playing in a competition some years ago over here in Kent, SE England. If her wine is as good as her golf then we are in for a treat.