b'W hen it comes to the catch phrase, A match made in heaven, whats the first thing that comes to mind? Cake and ice cream? Beer and nachos? Peanut butter and jelly? Considering the number of golf destinations in the Pacific Northwest, another heavenly match comes to mind: golf and wine. Call it what you wantbirdies and blush, pars and pinots, fairways and Francbut a glorious getaway that includes great golf and wonderful wine can be an unforgettable experience. And, in the Pacific Northwest, there are numerous destinations that fit the bill. The wine-rich regions of the Northwest can hold their own against the best wine destinations in the world, and are ideal for sipping and swinging. Indeed, wherever vineyards are found, rest assured you can bet that fairways will not be far away.The Thompson OkanaganIf your priority is to seek out the best golf possible, focusing on the Kamloops area in B.C.s interior is an excellent call. Tobiano, a dynamite Thomas McBroom design that tumbles and rolls on aerie bluffs above Kamloops Lake, is the showstopper in the region. When in Kamloops, you can also play Talking Rock, a lakeside gem that wanders through the wilderness on theChelan Wine Valleyshores of Little Shuswap Lake, and Rivershore, a Robert Trent JonesIt doesnt take long for the drama to unfold at Gamble Sands. The Sr. layout that finishes along the South Thompson River.short-and-sweet second holea drivable par-4 that features a sublime In terms of wineries in the area, the must-stop is Monte Creek. Its perfectly positioned between Talking Rock and Rivershore andlake-and-mountain backdropis easily one of the prettiest golf holes in the features gorgeous views from the elegant restaurant and tasting room.entire Pacific Northwest. Nearby Harpers Trail Winery, with its laidback and grassrootsA David McLay Kidd design located in Brewster, Washington, the charms, is another winery here worth checking out.entire layout serves up one scintillating hole after another. It is probably the If exceptional wine is your main focus, you wont go wrongNo. 1 reason why a golf-and-wine trip to Chelan Wine Valley is so rewarding. by sipping and swinging in the South Okanagan. The GoldenBesides the original Sands course, the resort features the 12-hole Mile (located near Osoyoos) serves up, arguably, the best string ofQuickSands par-3 course, and in the spring of 2025 another full-length wineries in all of Canada. Some favorite wineries in the area includeKidd course will be unveiled. Road 13, Burrowing Owl, and Hester Creek. But youll find over 40Visiting the charming lakeside town of Chelan is also a treat, with the wineries in this region. And, with plenty of heat and arid south- many wonderful wineries in this gorgeous valley. facing hillsides, this is where youll find powerful, full-bodied redsThe Lake Chelan Wine Valley, the 11th AVA (American Viticultural including varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Area) in Washington state, is home to over 30 wineries. And most of Not surprisingly, many of the golf courses in the Souththem hug the gem-blue water of Lake Chelan and are relatively new when Okanagan are also rich with superlative views. The Osoyoos Golfcompared to other well-established areas. So, yes, expect stunning natural Club (36 holes) and the NkMip Desert Canyon Golf Course arebeauty, opportunities to do tastings with the owners and winemakers worth playing.themselves, and plenty of variety in terms of styles. SEPT 2024|PACIFIC NORTHWEST GOLFER17'