The Lowdown On Golfing Vintners

With the PGA Tour returning to Silverado and Napa Valley this week, John Strege talked to vintner Mitch Cosentino about leaders in the golf winemaking clubhouse.

Cosentino says David Frost stands alone, with Ernie Els, Cristie Kerr and Luke Donald producing some drinkable wines. The PGA Tour and Jack Nicklaus labels weren't mentioned and Cosentino didn't want to get near another.

Cosentino, who for a time was making wine for Fred Couples' label, ranks Frost and Els wines at the top. “They’ve got money invested,” Cosentino said. “Frost has had that going back a long time. They’re in and active. Luke Donald wants to be, because he’s a real wine buff.”

What about Norman? “I’d rather answer another question,” he said. “Those are Treasury Wines [Treasury Wine Estates], a big company. A very big production deal.”