Imagine an 18-hole championship golf course through vineyards, rolling hills and natural grasslands. Then imagine the clubhouse where wine is more popular than beer or cocktails! That’s The Course at Wente Vineyards. Carolyn Wente believes that the scenery and course, where vineyards sculpt each hole, are the reason wine takes the top spot in the clubhouse.  This Fourth Generation Winegrower and CEO has been instrumental in the lifestyle changes incorporated at Wente Vineyards. Born and raised in Livermore Valley, 14 miles from the SF Bay, Carolyn Wente and her two brothers, Eric and Philip, took over their family-owned and operated winery when they were in their 20s. Today, the winery is managed by the fourth and fifth generations.

Lifestyle Business. Carolyn and her brothers not only grew the wine business over the years, but also launched lifestyle businesses, including a golf course, restaurant and summer concert series, that are directly related to the enjoyment of wine. “We wanted people to be able to come to the vineyard, enjoy food and wine, take in the beautiful scenery and enjoy music – all at the same location,” said Carolyn. “What could be better than great performers in a vineyard setting?!”

Designing a Golf Course. Wanting to create a premier destination golf course in Northern California, the Wente’s approached Greg Norman who had not designed a golf course in the US. “After many discussions, we were able to sign Greg to design the golf course at Wente Vineyards,” added Carolyn. Norman started the design in 1995 and the course opened in 1998. (Though this was initially Norman’s first course in the US, TPC Sugarloaf golf course in Atlanta was Greg Norman’s first golf course to open in the US.) The Course at Wente Vineyards has been voted Best of the East Bay multiple times. It has become known among golfers as one of the most beautiful and challenging in Northern California. In 2010, The Course was also designated a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

Growing up at Wente Vineyards. Carolyn started in the business as a child, growing up around the vineyards with her parents and brothers. After graduating from Stanford University, she went to work for a bank as a financial analyst. She had been there for a few years and found herself on the management track. Realizing that the she was not going to be in the bank business permanently, but rather, helping her brothers run the winery, Carolyn decided that this was the time to go back to the winery. So in 1981 Carolyn came back to Wente Vineyards to run the sales and marketing areas of the business.

The Business Side of Wente. Carolyn’s brother Eric is Chairman of the Board and responsible for Wente Vineyards’ dynamic expansion into worldwide export markets, beginning in the early 1980s. Today, Wente Vineyards exports to more than 70 countries worldwide and is considered a leader in the export of ultra-premium wines.  Her brother Phil, , having taken a strong interest in the agricultural and farming side of the business from his grandfather, has headed the operation, expansion and redevelopment of the Wente Family Estate vineyards and its land development programs for more than 20 years. Carolyn’s role as CEO seems a natural fit. As the youngest of her siblings, Carolyn grew up in the business, often traveling with her parents on business trips, meeting vendors and talking to restaurateurs about Wente wines. “My experience in the banking industry also helped,” added Carolyn. “There, I was often involved with other businesses which allowed me to learn a great deal of information about business planning and development.”

The Vision. Carolyn and her brothers enjoy a unique camaraderie as the management team.  Having grown up together they have the same values, the same vision and a closeness that allows them to work effectively together. Now, it’s especially satisfying for the fourth generation to see the fifth generation passionate and working alongside them. Today, Carolyn’s nephew Karl is a Fifth Generation winemaker and Senior Vice President responsible for all winemaking at Wente Family Estates. His sister Christine is on the Board of Directors and manages the Wente Foundation for Arts Education.

Carolyn and Golf. Golfing in the Wente family dates back to Carolyn’s grandfather on her mother’s side. He was an avid golfer – in fact, a scratch golfer. He had 3 daughters – all of whom learned golf at very early ages. Carolyn’s mother insisted that her three children learn the sport. Philip is probably the most avid golfer, but both Eric and Carolyn play often. “I started golfing as a kid,” said Carolyn. “I played while growing up and eventually took up tennis also. Today, my son, now 18, is captain of his varsity golf team and hopes to play in college. He and I will often go out and play a few holes late in the afternoon. The course at Wente is similar to a links course, with holes 1 through 7 winding back to the clubhouse.  My son and I will often play 5, 6, or 7 holes late in the afternoon. It’s nice to have that special one-on-one time with him.”

The Business of Golf. “As with any business, said Carolyn, “the wine industry works on relationships. I find that playing golf helps people get to know each other better – and that makes for better business partners.” Carolyn also plays in the tournaments that are an integral part of the business. When asked who her favorite playing partner was, Carolyn said she has several women friends who nudge her out of the office and onto the golf course every once in a while. “And,” she added, “I have a dear friend who puts up with my game and allows me to relax while we enjoy our day!”  Women on Course toasts that option!

Join us at a Signature Event near you to taste the Official Wine of Women on Course – Wente Vineyards!

If you love to cook with wine, here’s a super easy tip.  Freeze your leftover wine! By freezing in ice cube trays you’ll always have wine on hand for cooking. And while you’re at it, try this delicious Wine & Pork Chop recipe.

Recipe

Easy Pork Chops with Wine & Apples

2 T olive oil

2-4 pork chops, bone-in

½ – 1 yellow onion, sliced in rings

1-2 small apples, thinly sliced

1-2 baking potatoes, sliced thinly

2 cloves garlic

Salt & Pepper to taste

1 ½ cups wine – either red or white

In sauté pan, heat olive oil slightly.  Add sliced onions, sliced apples and garlic. Sauté till slightly brown, about 10 minutes. Remove mixture from pan. Add more oil if needed, heat to higher temperature and add pork chops. Sear both sides of the chops till nicely browned. Add sliced potatoes over the pork chops, then add apples and onion mixture. Pour the wine on top. Cover and let cook on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Enjoy

The girls are coming over after your round of golf – but wait a minute, you forgot to chill the wine!  You don’t have to banish your wine to the freezer or drop an ice cube in each glass.   Try this shortcut to bring your wine to the right temperature in just 10 minutes.

Step 1: Place your wine bottle in a large bucket or pot and fill with ice cubes.

Step 2: Add cool water to fill the container.

Step 3: Stir in a few handfuls of salt – any type will do.  Rotate the bottle every few minutes.  The salt will cause the ice to melt which will bring the water temperature colder very fast.  This process cuts the chilling time by a third.

Step 4: In 10 minutes uncork your wine and serve!  Your wine will be perfectly chilled.

Women on Course is pleased to introduce our official wine, Wente Vineyards!  Sample a glass at a WOC Signature Event this month.

To fuel your hard working body throughout a round of golf, find healthy snacks that are both tasty and satisfying. Steer clear of cookies and chips and go nuts…and fruits and cheese. A handful of almonds, or apple and cheddar slices not only fill you up, they add to your nutritional bank account.  Stay the course with these smart tips and recipes from national partner, Cabot Creamery Cooperative!

Start your day by fueling your body. A balanced breakfast is the foundation of any healthy eating plan. Be sure that your breakfast choices will help fuel your activity throughout the day. And remember that eating breakfast stimulates your metabolism. Skipping breakfast can hinder weight loss. http://www.cabotcheese.coop/pages/recipes/recipe.php?id=508&catID=54

Plan ahead. Take time over the weekend to plan meals for the week. Make a list and shop for what you’ll need. Try making larger batches of nutritious meals – then put them in portion-controlled containers for later in the week. Wash and cut up fresh fruits and veggies so they’ll be handy for cooking and snacking. Stock your pantry with whole grain cereals, protein-enriched pasta, and beans. http://www.cabotcheese.coop/pages/recipes/five-day-planner.php

Say Cheese…and Greek yogurt…and lean meat, beans, fish, and nuts. A nutritious diet for most women calls for about 45 grams of protein per day, so it is important to include protein rich, nutrient dense foods into your diet. Lean cuts of meat and poultry are great sources of protein as are beans and nuts. Fish is another excellent source of protein and its oils help protect against heart disease. Using Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt adds extra protein too. http://www.cabotcheese.coop/pages/recipes/recipe.php?id=448

Lighten up! Just because you’re watching calories and fat intake doesn’t mean you have to give up old favorites. Learn how to make substitutions for high calorie, high fat or high sugar ingredients. You can replace the oil in some cake recipes with applesauce. Even your favorite comfort foods, like Mac & Cheese, can be made a healthier way. http://www.cabotcheese.coop/pages/recipes/recipe.php?id=365

You’ve got to move it, move it! A sensible, balanced diet plays a huge role in maintaining a fit, healthy lifestyle. But diet alone won’t do the whole job. A consistent plan of aerobic exercise and strength training, will add years to your life…and life to your years. Make exercise a priority for you and your family. Find ways of working out that work for you, whether you like to bike, swim, walk, run or go to the gym. Find a fitness buddy to help keep you motivated. Listening to music or an audio book is another way to keep a workout fresh.

Sample the delicious assortment of Cabot Cheddar Cheeses at all of the Women on Course Signature Events!

Hydrate: Our bodies become dehydrated as the weather warms up. Develop a schedule of drinking water on a regular basis. Start by drinking several glasses on an empty stomach when you get up in the morning. This replenishes the water your body loses overnight. Continue to re-hydrate with a glass of water every two hours throughout the day. Before bed, you can also re-hydrate by soaking in a tepid bath each day. Never use hot water for as it will over dry your skin.

Go Light: change up your moisturizer and use a light weight moisturizer as the weather warms.

Skin Protection: Protect eyes, neck and hands! Eyes are ultra sensitive because the area lacks oil glands which protect against burning. Wear a hat and sunglasses when you can to protect this area. Protect your neck by applying a special neck creme with a high SPF and apply often as this area rubs off more frequently. Always apply a high SPF to your hands and re apply often because this is the most used part of the body.

Go Girl FUD

I recently read a blurb in Golf Digest about a female urination device (FUD) made by Go Girl.  It is a product that a woman can use to urinate without having to squat. You use an FUD while standing erect.   It is shaped somewhat like a funnel and “directs” the urine away from the feet in a similar fashion as our male counterparts.

Yikes. 

Now,  in the element of full disclosure I will admit I have NOT tried a FUD so I have no experience to base a decision on whether or not this is a product that would work for me.  I will say, I’m a little wary about it and I’m probably not rushing out to buy one.  It just seems…………messy.   

There probably isn’t a woman out there who plays golf, or any other active sport,  who isn’t somewhat envious of men who can use a private little space on the course as a bathroom.  We’ve all seen men take a little trip into the woods only to return looking less frantic and very relaxed.  I’ll admit, when I need “relief”, I can barely concentrate on anything else:  where is the next porta potty or bathroom?  How many holes do I have to play before I get to it?  It affects my whole game.  The same thing happens when I’m hungry – I can hardly keep it together.  And yes, I have been known to find that private little space on the course when waiting is just not an option and yes:  squat.  However, that can be difficult and sometimes even impossible.

But a FUD:  I’m just not sure.  I was curious enough about the Go Girl that I went to Wikipedia  to learn more – and there was much more to learn, for sure!  FUD’s were patented back in 1922, are used in France and the Netherlands and there at least seven manufacturers of them. Who knew????!!!!   

I’m really curious if anyone has ever used one.  I know the Go Girl device includes a little bag that you place it in when you are finished and you can use it over and over. You can even wash it in the dishwasher. Maybe I’m doing myself a huge disservice by NOT trying one immediately. Maybe a FUD is something that once I use it, I’ll wonder how I ever lived without one.