Emerald Isle Golf

Took my first guy's golf trip to Ireland

Here are my favorite phrases of the week besides: "another Carlsberg beer..."

1) "Just a wee bit left..."

2) "This club will do you no harm" obviously my caddie didn't see me play Port Rush the day before...

3) "I heard a rumor that Irish golf courses actually have fairways"

4) "Have you ever considered playing tennis over here - we might be able to find your ball"

I had a great time and no golf clubs were injured in Ireland, but that might have been a good idea.

It was a trip of a lifetime - 10 rounds of golf on 8 days/7 nights on Ireland's best courses.

Luckily found a direct flight into Belfast:

Day One: Portstewart Golf Club with accomodations at Bushmills Inn.

Day Two: Ballyliffin Golf Club - "Old Couse" for two rounds

Day Three: Royal Portrush Golf Club - "Dunluce Course" for two rounds.

Day Four: can I stll walk? Royal County Down Golf Club - Slieve Donard Hotel

Day Five: County Louth (Baltray) Golf Club - Westin Dublin Hotel

Day Six: Royal Dublin Golf Club in the morning followed by The Island Golf Club in the afternoon.

Day Seven: The European Club

Day Eight: sleep the whole way back to New York.

Can't wait to see how different the golf courses are in Ireland - the weather will be unpredictable and the pubs should be fun - exactly which wine goes with fish & chips?

And I Learned a long time ago not to go drink for drink with the Irish...I think I've learned.


-Brian

Wine Country Weekend in Sonoma

From time to time I receive invitations for cool wine events - this one is from Ferrari-Carano. Their winery is close to Lake Sonoma and is on Dry Creek Road which produces some of the best Zin's in the world. I put these on my blog otherwise they get lost in the shuffle - Brian


Ferrari-Carano's Harvest Wine Country Weekend, September 12 - 14, 2008.
Stay at the picturesque and charming Vintners Inn, pick grapes in Ferrari-Carano's vineyards, experience the winemaking process, enjoy lunch at the winery, inspiring wine tastings, and a Winemaker Dinner at John Ash & Co. restaurant!
Package for two includes:· Two night stay at picturesque and charming Vintners Inn, in an upstairs fireplace room with king bed, vaulted ceilings and balcony· Bottle of wine upon arrival· Welcome Reception Friday Night hosted by Teri Rolleri and Winemaker Sarah Quider· Breakfast each morning in the Provence Room· Grape picking, sorting, tasting adventure with Steve Domenichelli, Director of Vineyard Operations, and Sarah Quider· Private Tour of Ferrari-Carano· Private lunch at Villa Fiore· John Ash & Co. Winemaker Dinner hosted by Winemaker Aaron Piotter, and prepared especially for you by Executive Chef Tom Schmidt· 15% off discount coupon for Seasons of the Vineyard, Rhonda Carano's shop on the Healdsburg PlazaSo join us for the harvest...we'll supply the gloves and tools, and you just bring your enthusiasm! Make your reservations early! The cost per couple is $1425. For more information, contact Teri Rolleri, teri@fcwinery.com , or 707.433.6700, ext. 264.