Wente Vineyards, America’s longest continuously operated family-owned winery, announced today its 18-hole championship course, The Course at Wente Vineyards, has completed phase one of their three phase master plan. Greg Norman Golf Course Design, the course’s original architect, oversaw the bunker renovation project, and will continue to oversee the next two phases of the master plan.
“The Course at Wente Vineyards is excited to improve the golfing experience for our guests. The primary goals of the bunker renovations were to improve playability, aesthetics, functionality, and the maintenance of the golf course,” said Cody Price, general manager, The Course at Wente Vineyards. “Each bunker throughout the course has been renovated with the guidance of Greg Norman Golf Course Design to maintain the integrity of the original design. “Rogelio and Jason with GNGCD knocked it out of the park with the vision and oversight of this project, and Diamond Golf International proved yet again to be a top-notch golf course contractor.
As part of the renovation of the picturesque 7,181-yard, par-72 18-hole championship course, Diamond Golf’s Robert Pedigo masterfully reshaped all bunkers prior to the installation of the ZLine Bunker liner system, which does a great job to fortify the edges, protect drain lines, and eliminate contamination in the bunkers. Delta Bluegrass provided and installed new sod around all bunkers and construction areas. Perennial ryegrass was the primary turf installed, but several bunkers are framed with tall fescue, which will offer a great contrast, highlighting the bunkers. Guests will also notice fresh white bunker sand incorporated into the newly refreshed course.
The second phase of the course’s master plan is in the planning phase and will include tee renovations, tree work, and improvements to the drainage system.
The Course at Wente Vineyards opened in July 1998. With three distinct topographies, native woodlands, mature vineyards, and rolling hills of natural grasslands, The Course at Wente Vineyards offers extraordinary visual panoramas and a diversity of play unmatched in the Bay Area. Designed for both novices and pros, The Course has played host to the Livermore Valley Wine Country Championship, part of the PGA Tour’s Nationwide Tour.
About Wente Vineyards:
Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards celebrated its 140th year in 2023. The estate has been celebrated for its industry-wide contributions to innovation as the oldest continuously operated, family-owned winery in the country, now owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family, with women leading the charge from grape to glass. The winery draws from certified sustainable estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay, and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding array of fine wines distributed in all 50 states and over 70 countries worldwide.
In 2010, it joined the top 10% of California wineries that meet all three tiers within the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing codes and designation for both the estate vineyards and winery. In April 2022, the winery won the Wine Institute’s California Green Medal Leader Award. This award is given to one winery each year and recognizing leadership in sustainable practices that span both its vineyards and winery as well as the estate’s socially responsible initiatives that benefit its employees and greater community.
Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards – Wente Family Estates’ flagship estate label – is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations, featuring wine tasting, food and wine experiences, outdoor wine & music events, unparalleled wedding venues and The Course at Wente Vineyards, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Greg Norman. For more information, visit wentevineyards.com.
