Wine and Golf: A Unique Pairing

People don’t usually associate wine and golf. But they should.

Sipping a glass of wine and teeing off on hole one are two incredibly satisfying experiences. In Washington’s Columbia Valley, you can do both in one day. Sipping a crisp flight of Riesling with friends at the Lone Point Cellars estate is a perfect way to cap your day after golfing.

If you’re an avid golfer planning a trip to North Central Washington, here’s a guide to some of the region’s top courses.

Alta Lake Golf Course

Located approximately fifteen miles to the east of the Lone Point Cellars estate, Alta Lake is a convenient option for guests. After playing eighteen holes in the morning, visitors can stop by Lone Point Cellars for bites and a glass of wine before heading to Gamble Sands for an afternoon round of golf.

But convenience is only a tiny part of Alta Lake’s appeal. For one, it’s affordable. Adults can golf all eighteen holes at the course for only $58. Golfers under eighteen can golf at Alta Lake for only $25, and adults 60 years and older pay only $45.

The course itself is challenging yet approachable. It’s a par 72 course of 6,678 yards, including 124 yards of slope. The front nine are relatively short holes with narrow fairways. In contrast, the back nine is a bit lengthier and best suited for those looking to work on their long game.

What truly sets golf courses like Alta Lake and Gamble Sands apart, however, is the scenery. The course is situated between the Columbia River and Alta Lake State Park. Jagged, stony cliffs and endless greenery offer a stunning backdrop while you make your way through the course. If you want to take in the natural beauty of northeast Washington first-hand, a day of golfing at Alta Lake followed by a glass of wine as you watch the sunset on your private cottage patio at the Lone Point Cellars estate is the perfect way to do so.

Gamble Sands Golf Course

Gamble Sands is considered one of the nation’s top courses. And it’s easy to see why.

The course is stunning. Like those ancient Scottish courses across the Atlantic, you’ll need to be wary of its threatening deep bunkers and thick shrubbery. Gamble Sands also offers unbeatable views of the region’s natural scenery, including sweeping mountains and Columbia River views.

Gamble Sands is an ideal course for novices or seasoned veterans alike. Golf Digest rates it a 6.7 out of 10 in terms of its challenge to golfers. Its wide fairways and oversized greens make it an accessible option for any golfer—even those who don’t have the straightest shots. The course’s beauty and playability are partly why Golf Digest rated Gamble Sands one of the top 200 courses in the nation and 30th among public courses in 2024.

If you’re planning a visit to the Lone Point Cellars estate, a round of golf at Gamble Sands should be a part of your itinerary. It’s located approximately eleven and a half miles south of our property. Ask anyone in the area, and they will tell you that an afternoon of golf followed by a glass of wine and dinner at the Lone Point Cellars restaurant makes for a truly memorable day.

Desert Canyon Golf Resort

Desert Canyon is further away from the Lone Point Cellars property than Gamble Sands and Alta Lake. But no northeast Washington golf outing is complete without a stop at this breathtaking course.

Desert Canyon is truly a unique golf experience unlike any other. The front nine are called the “Lakes” course, and the back nine are called the “Deserts” course. These names are very appropriate. You can expect to shoot around water hazards while golfing the first nine holes. And then, when you move onto the back nine, you’ll need to avoid hitting your ball into the desert terrain.

Like Gamble Sands, Desert Canyon is an accessible golf course for golfers of all experience levels. If you choose the most extended tee box, it’s a 7,285-yard, par 72 course. Unlike the two other courses mentioned, Desert Canyon also has four shorter tee boxes for less experienced golfers. It offers scenery that rivals the other two courses, with panoramic views of the Columbia River.

The Desert Canyon Golf Course is roughly an hour's drive from Lone Point Cellars. After the drive, which takes you along the Columbia River, back to the property, you can enjoy a nice, hearty meal and a glass of wine with family and friends.

Choose Lone Point Cellars For Your Next Wine and Golf Getaway

Do you still need to be convinced wine and golf are the perfect pairing? Plan your next trip to the Columbia Valley and find out for yourself. At the Lone Point Cellars estate, we offer spacious and luxurious lodging at our cottages and River House. Book your golf getaway today!