19th Hole Wine Blog

Getting Ready for the Holidays

2011-12-09T11:28:00.001-08:00

I'll be checking the oak levels today on our 2009 Knight's Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. We've got about eight barrels and should be a beauty ready for bottling in Spring 2012.

Wishing everyone the best for the holidays.

BTW- We're running a special on our 2009 Chardonnay for only $36 a case this month. Don't let the price throw you off, I'm just got too much Chardonnay on hand and we're trying to lighten the load some.

Thanks,
Kris Moe

Newly released Chardonnay from 19th Hole Wines

2011-03-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

We just bottled up 500 cases of a 2009 Chardonnay. We're excited about how it turned out.

The wine will be delightful for you Chardonnay lovers. It has a very floral nose and it won't have that big oak in the taste. Still it is very smooth and a pleasure to taste.

We expect it will go nicely at your next gathering and a nice wine to serve with munchies before dinner or even with chicken, fish or salads.

We'll be selling this wine at $11 on our website or call me (Kris Moe) directly at 707-529-6458

Barrel Tasting in Russian River March 5-6 and March 12-13

2011-02-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

We're having a party over a couple weekends in March at the Cahill Winery, where we make our wines.

Try to make it up for barrel tasting, chicken and rib bar-b-que, bocce ball and live music. For bike riders take advantage of a bike trail 100 yards away head out to some other wineries in the area from our winery!

Along with my 19th Hole Wines, Cahill Winery and NorCal Winery and Distillery will also be barrel tasting their award winning wines and ports (aka dessert wines).

New Chardonnay coming soon

2011-01-26T09:10:00.000-08:00

We've just found a really nice Chardonnay that we hope to put in the bottle in the next couple weeks. It's a 2009 mostly from Suisan, California just east of Napa Valley.

We're sending a good amount of Cabernet Sauvignon inventory to South Korea so we'll be loading up a new Cabernet in the next month too.

We'll be bottling a nice Sonoma Valley Cabernet from 2008 but this is pre-sold but right behind it is a really nice Knight's Valley Cabernet that I hope to bottle in April or so. This are our Limited wines that retail at about $30.

North Carolina is in line to be our next state for distribution. Can't wait for an excuse to visit the Carolinas and play some golf.

I'm running a sweepstakes for two tickets to the ATT Pebble Beach pro-am and $100 gift certificate February 13, to enter visit our Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/19th-Hole-Wine-Club/54624331825?ref=ts

West Coast Swing Golf Wine Events

2011-01-04T15:55:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year and welcome back to golf season.

I'm setting up my schedule of events this year and it starts at the ATT at Pebble Beach. My favorite player on tour Michael Allen is playing so I'll be there rooting him on.

Michael is a good friend and he tells me he's playing great so I'm expecting some big finishes from him early in the year before his 51 year old body tires.

I'm still hammering out the other events but it looks like we'll be in Texas, Ohio, Florida and Southern California too. I'll keep you posted as these firm up.

Bringing Holiday Cheer from 19th Hole Wine

2010-12-16T08:59:00.000-08:00

Tis the season to be merry and when you bring a bottle or two of our 19th Hole cab to uncle Fred , you'll be his Santa Clause.

We're offering a special with the Uncle Freds in mind, since he's also the guy who'll buy the first round at the 19th Hole after the round, even if he loses the bets. He wants to tell you about the new swing move he used on the shot over the trees that almost made it. Gotta love that guy, because some of him lives in all of us.

For him and all the other golfers out there we have a special of six bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon for $75 (without tax and shipping) and a 19th Hole Wine golf cap.

If you'd like to tee this offer up, call me directly at this point to ensure delivery to your door. My cell is 707-529-6458.

Wine Tasting at Guardsmen Treelot

2010-11-30T10:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays and it's November 30th and tonight I'll be pouring 19th Hole wine at the Guardsmen treelot at Fort Mason in San Francisco.

There will be other Guardsmen pouring their wines too. I believe there are about twelve of us that own wineries.

Our treelot is very impressive if you haven't seen it. Minnepolis has the Great Mall, well the Guardsmen have their Great Treelot and every Guardsmen (under 40) has to help operate the lot over five shifts. About 2,500 trees will be sold raising money for Bay Area charities. The Guardsmen raise about 2 million a year for great causes!

Anyhow, if you can make it down, it'll be worth your while. Hope to see you!

Next 19th Hole Wine Club Event

2010-10-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

We'll be out watching Michael Allen at the Schwab Cup at Harding Park Saturday, November 5.

Come out it should be a great day in San Francisco and Michael Allen will have a good chance to win this tournament.

Afterward we'll taste some 19th Hole wines at the Beach Chalet, a couple miles from the golf course. Everybody who come out will get a 19th Hole hat.

For more information call me (Kris Moe) at 707-529-6458.

Harvest Time in the Wine Country

2010-10-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

It's a great time to be in the wine country. All the wineries are doing what they do best, making wine.

If you love wine and haven't experienced seeing wine being made, it really is worth a visit. It all begins with the pick early in the morning and then they transported to the winery to be processed for fermentation. At our winery we may have ten different types of grapes coming through at various times this month.

19th Hole Wine will be doing a Chardonnay this year from Alexander Valley. We'll be aging it in oak to give it that buttery touch that most of us enjoy. I expect we'll be bottling this wine next Summer in July or so. We expect it'll be a bargain at $20 a bottle. The previous vintages from this vineyard are award winning Chardonnays at $30 plus a bottle.

I'm really excited about a new merlot blend we're bottling this month. It is blended with 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon all from Sonoma County. We'll price this wine at $15 a bottle.

In the same bottling run we'll also put into bottle our Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from 2008 and we expect to sell this at $30 a bottle.

Give us a call if you'd like to watch us make the wine or if you'd like to come up to taste. Our phone number is 707-529-6458.

19th Hole Wine Club event at Pebble Beach

2010-05-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, June 16th we're teeing it up at Fort Ord, truly one of the best golf courses in California. After the round we'll be heading to Jack's in Carmel for a winemaker dinner and my new wines from 19th Hole (a new Limited Merlot and Chardonnay from Mendocino along with some other beauties you may not have tasted).

Call me at 707-529-6458.

On Friday, June 18th we'll be pouring our 19th Hole wines at the Merchant's Exchange in the financial district of San Francisco (15th Floor). We'll be in the ballroom where they'll be showing World Cup soccer and the US Open on numerous screens. I'll also be flying the flag for my golf lessons, I'll be rotating in and out doing freebie lessons into a large infltable net we'll have set up along with our video analysis gear.

Releasing new Chardonnay for Summer season

2010-05-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

We've just made available a new Chardonnay from Mendocino County. It's a 2006 with low alcohol (13.5% which is great during Summer). Unlike our Limited Sonoma Valley Chardonnay from 2008 it is less buttery. It's very fresh and we think a delighful house Chard to have around for about $12 retail.

Pick up a bottle now with a 20% discount from our site if you put in PGA as the discount code when you check out.

Hey, we'll be down the US Open most of the week and inviting everyone to join us for golf at Fort Ord June 18th at 1:00 pm. The green fee is $125 and I'll be offering a winemaker dinner at Jack's in Carmel for another $75. If you'd like to join in bring a group or we'll set you up with a group. Call me (Kris Moe) at 707-529-6458.

New wines being released from 19th Hole Winery

2010-04-27T07:31:00.000-07:00

If you haven't yet had a chance to come to our winery, please do if you're in the area (Russian River area). It's in a beautiful area and I'd be very happy to show you around while tasting some of our wines.

This week I'm purchasing some Mendocino Chardonnay that we will have for sale in May just in time for the Summer. I'm also very happy to announce that I'll be putting into bottle some super special barrels from my 2007 vintage, a Dry Creek 100% Merlot.

We'll be at the US Open all week doing a wine maker dinner and a golf clinic or two at Poppy Hills. If you are a golfer get out and play Fort Ord's golf courses or if you can swing it, Spanish Bay.

Recap of San Francisco Chronicle Wine Tasting

2010-02-23T13:01:00.000-08:00

We just wrapping up our wine tasting event at Fort Mason in San Francisco last Sayurday. I announced in an email to our contest entrants from the tasting that Candy Baker (Medford, OR) and Heidi Whitehouse (Modesto, CA) were the winners of a golf lesson and a couple bottles of wine.

It was our first go and I found the crowd to be great. They were interested in the wines and very friendly. Interestingly many tasters under 32 years old. Us folks in the wine business love that generation because so many of them really enjoy their wine and bring a refreshing openess to what they'll try!

The event flies by. The doors open at 1:15 pm and the place is full very quickly. It was orderly (at least where I was) with just enough of a crowd to keep us on our toes. I'd say in three hours I poured for 300 people. Our Cabernet Sauvignon was most requested followed by our limited Chardonnay. At 4:45 the crowd was signaled to go and they did. By five o'clock the place was cleared out (pretty impressive).

Our next wine tasting is February 25th in San Francisco followed by the Family Wine Maker's tasting in Del Mar, CA March 14 and Pasadena (for trade only) March 16th.

San Francisco Chronicle Wine Tasting February 20

2010-02-19T10:20:00.000-08:00

Here's a great opportunity to taste some of best American wines in one place. I believe it's $80 and that gets you a tasting glass and I'm sure enough tasty nibbles to get you through lunch. This will be my first appearance and I'll be pouring our award winning wines, a Cabernet Sauvignon, our limited Chardonnay and our Sauvignon Blanc.

Come on by and say hello!

19th Hole Wine Club event at Pebble Beach

2010-01-30T08:17:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 13th from 4:30-6:00 we'll be at Jack London's in Carmel to enjoy some wines with some of our friends and maybe a celebrity or two dropping in.

19th Hole Interviews PGA Tour Player Michael Allen

2010-01-16T08:48:00.001-08:00

I spoke with PGA Tour Player Michael Allen a week ago about how he felt about the coming season and he was kind enough to share his thoughts.

He said he's in the best shape of his life, which is big words for a man about to turn 51. His biggest concern was changing his irons to the V grooves (vs. square grooves that have been allowed in recent years). V grooves don't grip and spin the ball like the square grooves. Think of deeply rutted off road tires against run-of-the-mill street tires.

I had a similar conversation with Rocco Mediate at the Callaway Invitational at Pebble Beach (another guy on the precipice of the big 50). He was thrilled about this upcoming season with a healthier back and a leveler playing field for wily old ball strikers like him. In previous years he's been giving up 10-60 yards to other players and even if they were in the rough they could spin and control their ball. This year, with the new grooves, their recovery shots from the rough will come our knuckling.

Michael Allen said the Hawaiian Open will tell volumes about the equipment change, in regards to scoring, because the ball sits deep in the Bermuda rough out there. It will be really hard to control distances unless your hitting from the short grass. Michael, by the way, is in 13th after two rounds.

I've got a prediction that this year Michael Allen wins on the PGA Tour and the Champion's Tour. That's his goal as well. If you do get a chance to follow him at a tournament, do it. He is a beautiful ball striker and I think the best all around driver on tour. If he can get hot with his putter, he may hoist quite a few cups in the next few years!

I think this tournament and many others will be rewarding good drivers of the golf ball. There will less emphasis on bombing the ball and hitting 50% of the fairways. It'll be very interesting to see what names excel with the new equipment regulations and if the scores change at all fom the previous years.

19th Hole Wines captures medals at San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

2010-01-09T09:17:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone and Happy New Year!

Our 19th Hole wines got a thumbs up from the judges at the San Francisco Wine Competition. We entered our Limited Tier 2008 Chardonnay at $25 (silver medal), our 2005 California Tier Cabernet Sauvignon at $14 (silver medal) and our 2007 California Tier Sauvignon Blanc at $10 (bronze medal).

I thought we might score a gold or two but hey as a new winery it's great to get a vote of confidence from the judges. I knew the wine was good but it's obviously biased being excited about your own wine. Kind of like a parent bragging about their own children. For folks who don't know us is certainly makes it easier to purchase our wine. Purchase wine here or feel free to call me (Kris Moe) directly at 707-529-6458.

FYI- I make about 250 cases of our Limited releases at Cahill Winery in Sebastopol, CA and we purchase our California Tier wines usually from Lodi, CA. We're expecting to do 8,000 cases this year in California, Texas, Ohio, Washington and Texas. But I also hope to add Arizona, Hawaii and Nevada. Places I like to play golf!

Some of you who don't know me probably don't realize I spent most of my life trying to make a living getting the little white ball into a hole. I had a few bright moments as a tour player (a good finish in the British Open in 85) but certainly have made a better career teaching golfers how to stop slicing, Kris Moe Golf Schools in Napa and Pebble Beach. That's the background on my label, 19th Hole. Now I'm enjoying putting both my loves together through this brand.

I'll be doing golf and wine events chasing the PGA Tour across the country again this year organizing "nine and wine" events at private clubs or whoever will have me. We'll start at the Bob Hope in the desert and hit 18 other tour stops through the year. Kind of like being a tour player again, just outside the ropes and not having to sweat over five foot putts to make a check.

We'll be pouring these wines at Fort Mason in San Francisco along with the other contestants February 20 at 2:00 pm. The ticket to attend is $60 and $80 at the door. I hope to see some of you there for a taste or two!

Wine and cheese tasting December 16th in San Francisco

2009-12-16T07:59:00.000-08:00

FYI- I'm actually doing a couple golf lessons in my San Francisco indoor studio on 456 Montgomery St. today. At about four I'm welcoming you to come in and check out my wine and enjoy a couple cheeses. Call if you're coming, 707-529-6458.

Next week- I'm putting into bottle a couple barrels of my 2007 Dry Creek Valley Merlot next week. It's really pretty cool how wines can be so different from barrel to barrel. It just so happened that these two barrels stood out from the rest. It's a big Merlot ready for the bottle and to be enjoyed.

We're making the 19th Hole wines up in Sebastopol, California (Russian River AVA) about a half mile from Merry Edwards and a mile from Iron Horse. It's a low key winery that has a good feel to it. Here's the location. Give me a call sometime and I can meet you up there and you taste some of my wines.

This next week we're going to press down some Cabernet Sauvignon I picked in Knight's Valley (just north of renowned Chateau Montelena in Calistoga), and if grapes make better wine from being grown in beautiful places, this wine will be a 100.

This will be our first year with this fruit and I'm going to try this fruit for a few years to learn how to produce it. So this year we will experiment by doing various different things with it to see how it develops (ie new oak vs. partial oak).

Holiday Greetings to the 19th Hole Wine Club

2009-12-14T11:58:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

Here's a Lexycast (an audio holiday greeting),

A fun gift for a golfer, the Clip-on Pro. They'll clip "tip-at-glance" booklet to their golf bag.
Right now any wine orders includes one of these at no additional cost. Check out our Christmas gift ideas.

Again Merry Christmas!

Nine and Wine at Presidio in San Francisco

2009-12-03T19:58:00.000-08:00

Nine and Wine Friday December 11 4:30- 6:00

Wear your goofiest golf outfit to Presidio Golf Course

I'll be in full Loud Mouth gear (because it's fun) and putting on a nine hole putting contest at Presidio Friday afternoon from 4:30 till dark (about 5:00) and I've got some cool prizes for the top finishers.

1. See More putter (Zach Johnson's brand)
2. Free pass for a one-hour golf lesson or Napa class
3. NIke golf bag
4. Two bottle set of 19th Hole wine in a gift box

After the game we'll have a glass of wine at the Presidio 19th Hole. You can try any of my wines (Cab, Chardonnay, Tempranillo and Merlot).

The Art and Balance of the Punch Down

2009-11-18T07:43:00.000-08:00

Aside from a beautiful French accent Andres Krueger, who consults the making of my 19th Hole Cabernet, he also shows amazing balance treading around the balance beam like edge of the grape bins. Freshman shouldn't try this without some guide of safety line!

Call us right away at 707-529-6458 if you'd like to stock up on some of our wines for the holidays. I'm running a special on my 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (from Lodi) for $10 a bottle and I guarantee you'll like it.

Wine Production Party in Sonoma County

2009-10-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

Looks like we're picking and making wine October 24 in Sebastopol (close to Santa Rosa). We're getting some premium Alexander Valley fruit.

Anybody who'd like to be part of the crew is welcome. You can pick and see how it all gets done. After we'll do some barrel tasting and munch on some tasty food.

$50 includes food and plenty of wine. If you'd like to join in call us at 707-529-6458.

President's Cup 19th Hole at Beach Chalet

2009-10-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

I'm setting up a 19th Hole this next Wednesday, October 7 for the President's Cup. We're meeting at 5:30 at the Beach Chalet (about a mile from Harding Park). Come on out for a glass of wine.

New video shot from the vineyard in September

2009-09-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

We shot a new video in the vineyard last week, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ8U0yFXs9c

It looks like we'll be making a high end Cabernet Sauvignon toward the end of October. Come on out and help us make wine!

Facebook | 19th Hole Wine Club

2009-09-10T18:25:00.000-07:00

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2009-09-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

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Facebook | 19th Hole Wine Club

2009-08-31T20:19:00.000-07:00

Any excuse to go to Pebble Beach works for me. The First Tee Open is on and my favorite golfer on tour Michael Allen tees it up as the favorite (in my book at least). I'll be easy to find, I'll be wearing a 19th Hole t-shirt (if you want o...ne they're $25 and I'll need your size. After the round we'll meet at Rio Grill for some appies and some 19th Hole wine. Read More

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2009-08-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

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2009-08-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

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19th Hole Golf Wine Club at the PGA Championship

2009-08-08T08:08:00.000-07:00

I'll be flying the flag at the PGA Championship in Minnesota for anyone that wants to join me. My friend Michael Allen will be carrying at new device on his golf bag during the tournament that will streaming a digital slide show with our advertising.

I arrive late Thursday night. After watching golf on Friday we'll be meeting at O' Connors Public House just a few miles down the road from Hazeltine Golf Club. The owner there happens to be a Facebook fan of 19th Hole Wine and he was kind enough to send an warm welcome.

On Saturday after the round we'll be heading back to Minneapolis to meet up at the Wine Thief wine shop at 6:00 pm to try some wines. I found these guys on the web and I loved their site so I had to duck into see them and try some wines.

You may always text of phone me (Kris Moe) to track me down in Minnesota, 707-529-6458.

Facebook | Kris Moe Golf Schools

2009-08-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

Facebook Kris Moe Golf Schools: "Went up to Reno to watch the first round of the Reno Tahoe Open at Montreux Golf Club. My friend Michael Allen (72 first round) played with Frank Lickliter and a very impressive Paul Azinger (69 first round). I walked around with Michael's coach, Mike Mitchell (based in Palm Springs) and got a play by play about each hole's strategy and how his swing was holding up. Very cool."

Michael Allen's 65 jumps him within one stroke of Tiger and lead

2009-07-04T16:27:00.000-07:00

Michael Allen, who I consider the best driver of the ball on the planet, rallied with a 65 Saturday at Congressional. Just one shot behind the leaders Tiger Woods and Anthony Kim. Not only is he a good friend and ex-roomie on the 1989 European Tour he's a 19th Hole Wine Club member and he loves our wines!

While most his age are chasing the Senior Tour Michael Allen feels he's playing too darned good not to play with the best on the PGA Tour. I'm personally excited because our wine club followed Michael on the "West Coast Swing" earlier this year(Pebble Beach Pro-am, Bob Hope in Palm Springs and the LA Open) and he's ball striking was superb, if he'd made a putt or two he might have won in all three events.

Well now he's putting and it's fun to see a guy whose played for twenty plus years on tour and have a chance to win on the PGA Tour at fifty year young. He had a big victory a month back in the Senior PGA Championship in Ohio and I know that victory gave him a huge boost of confidence.

Hopefully he'll have a great day tomorrow and win the tournament which with Tiger on top would make the victory even more sweet!

Newest 19th Hole Video Update

2009-06-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

Michael Allen wins Senior PGA Championship

2009-05-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

Just in....... Michael Allen wins the Senior PGA Championship in Cleveland and claims drinking 19th Hole wines is his secret!

O.K a little late for April Fools but I'm going to share in Michael's glory because we drank my wines during our "19th Hole West Coast Swing" at the Bob Hope Desert Classic, ATT and Los Angeles Open. I believe the wine takes a little time to kick in but when it does you'll win golf tournaments like Michael Allen. And yes he is a 19th Hole Wine Club member (and friend).

On a serious note Michael is truely one of the best ball strikers in the world and if you get a chance get out and follow him. Not only is a great golfer he is also a really cool guy and someone you want to see do well.

I think his swing may be one many other pros are going to try to emulate. His coach Mike Mitchell (Palm Desert) and him have really honed an awesome swing. It's very flat, as are his clubs (five degrees flat). He even flattens he driver lie angle which helps him avoid the left side of the golf course.

Watch for his name, because I think this victory is really going to give him the confidence he needs to win on the regular tour too.

The Masters Delivers Again

2009-04-12T20:39:00.000-07:00

Although turning my shoulder on my family as they did Easter lunch I had a great Masters viewing. I was not going to miss this one with Phil and Tiger charging up the leader board!

The weekend was kicked up a notch with our 19th Hole Wine Club outing Friday, the second round of the tournament at the Presidio in San Francisco.

We had twelve golfers teeing off at 8:00 am and we each picked a player from the Masters field to be out partner. Mike Zaczek won his first major on the 19th Hole Golf Tour with his partner for the day Phil Mickelson (Mike net 72 and Phil 68 with a steller late charge).

Presidio Golf Club was in surprisenly good condition and the weather was pristine. Of course when we played another nine in the afternoon it was blowing and more typical of the old military course.

Video Blog from the Sonoma Valley February 27

2009-03-01T08:21:00.000-08:00

Kris Moe continues his reports from the vineyards during the various months of the season.

19th Hole Wines in LA as Lefty wins at Riviera

2009-02-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of watching the Los Angeles Open Wednesday through Friday. I set up a 19th Hole wine club event on Thursday which gave me a valid excuse to be in Los Angeles.

The players love this gem of a golf course. It's beautiful, straight forward, steeped in history and challenges these guys with all the shots and usually fine weather.

I spent most of my time watching my friend Michael Allen play with two super players, Vaughn Taylor and Bill Haas. I was most impressed with Luke Donald who was the group in front of us. He makes it look really easy, strikes it very solid and boy can he roll the ball on the greens!

I can't imagine a better golf tournament to spectate. It has a great field, it's a nice walk and the holes parallel each other so often times you can jump over to another group.

It's really worth going to one of professional events. I think you'll really benefit from watching these great swings, pure ball striking and the tempo of their shot routines.

George Lopez buys a shot

2009-02-14T08:23:00.000-08:00

So here we are at the end of a long day at Poppy Hills Golf Course in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am (rounds took over six hours) and the temperature is dropping to into bone chilling levels that only the hearty or drunk can still enjoy.

I'd heard George Lopez interviewed on the KNBR show in the am with Murph and Mac that he continue his tradition of buying a round of Tequila for any that were willing and able in the clubhouse. Sure enough it gave some of a little more motivation to stick around and I'm glad I did.

First off Bill Murray who is the comedian of the ages on the golf course decides to duck into the clubhouse for a drink with his group, in true 19th Hole fashion. I'd been pouring my wines all day on the deck for corporate folks and the NCGA board and guests. So I walk up to old Bill with a bottle of the 19th Hole's finest a bit shyly because I've seen Bill tear into some autograph seekers and I didn't want that same treatment. Thankfully he took the wine graciously and enjoyed it with his friends.

Ten minutes later Mr. Lopez, now to me Sir Patron, walks in and announces that he'd like to buy everyone there a shot of Patron. Off course the bar erupts. I shout, "George Lopez stimulus package". Then he asks that we all join him in singing "God Bless America"! The whole bar and clubhouse sings and as if staged two Marines in camos are there singing with us.

Anyway a great moment I wanted to share. The tournament continues today and the celebs are at Pebble Beach and for most this is their last round with the cut taking place today. The weather great again so try to make it down or least join in the fun through the broadcast. I'm following my buddy Michael Allen whose in the hunt at Poppy Hills.

Cheers!

The view from the Poppy Hills Deck (19th Hole)

2009-02-13T07:55:00.000-08:00

Quick update from the ATT where I'm pouring wines on the clubhouse deck overlooking the 18th green at Poppy Hills. Cool spot, lots of great shots into the green and a few eagles from the pros. The celebrities are on this golf course today so we're expecting a big crowd.

Our honorary wine club member Michael Allen fired a smooth 67 at Pebble Beach to position himself for another top finish at the ATT (finished 14th last year).

Check out my audio blogs from the tournament here...http://www.amillioncooks.com/Home/FoodWeekly/tabid/296/Default.aspx

19th Hole Wine at the 19th Hole on the deck at Poppy Hills

2009-02-08T18:28:00.000-08:00

Even if you miss our mid-week golf event having a big time at ATT at Pebble Beach Tuesday and Wednesday, I'll be pouring 19th Hole wines at the tournament (Poppy Hills) Thursday through Sunday on the deck overlooking the 18th green.

So come on out and say hello and get a healthy pour of some delicious 19th Hole wine.Let your friends know, we've got some really cool events coming up for the Masters, US Open, British Open and the President's Cup in San Francisco. We play then 19th hole with...19th Hole wines. Because "real golfers 19th Hole".

Chasing the PGA Tour through Pebble Beach

2009-01-31T09:52:00.000-08:00

I love going down to Pebble Beach for the Crosby (aka AT&T). Let's face it any excuse to visit the area is hard to turn down.

Well here's an excuse to come down, we're going to meet some fun people at the Pebble Beach driving Tuesday, February 10 at 11:00 am (we actually taxi in from Carmel Valley). We're going to enjoy some ball striking on the range before strolling over to the first tee for the pro shootout at Pebble.

They'll play 1, 2, 3, 17 and 18 (takes about 1.5 hours) and they draw some of the top players in the tournament and it's narrated by a comedian. This just happens to drop us into the Tap Room at Pebble Beach (not a bad place to enjoy a drink and snack).

We then have enough time to taxi or shuttle over to Spanish Bay for a little putting action while the bag piper plays in the back ground. Of course another cocktail is in order at my favorite 19th Hole (Spanish Bay #1).

Dinner is set for Rio Grill in Carmel Valley. Some of us will clean up at our hotels and we're set for 6:30 pm. If our party gets large I've arranged to have a private room at the Carmel River Inn. My buddy will some guitar, we'll enjoy some wines and dinner. Who knows a player or two from the tournament may drop in. Last year Michael Allen (finshed 14th last year and our honorary wine club member) joined us.

Wednesday we're set to golf at Fort Ord's Bayonet. Bring your game because this course doesn't hold back, it's brought grown men and women to tears and fits of self loathing. Still I'll put up some wine for prizes (low net, low gross, a closie or two and something else like prettiest outfit or worst swing).

Call me at 707-529-6458 if you'd like to come out.

The 19th Hole Golf and Wine Tour kicks off in Palm Springs

2009-01-13T11:50:00.000-08:00

The 19th Hole Golf and Wine Tour kicks off in Palm Springs or to be more precise La Quinta for a round of golf on one of my favorite golf courses, the Mountain course at La Quinta.

On Wednesday, January 21 we tee off at 1:22 pm. After the round we'll 19th Hole and have dinner with my wines in the Adobe restarant at La Quinta.

The green fee is $179 and dinner is probably around $60 but I'll supply the wines. Lodging and watching my buddy Michael Allen, PGA Tour pro, tear up the course the next day optional.

For information on the other events click here (Phoenix Open, ATT at Pebble Beach).

Gifts a couple clicks away

2008-12-21T08:33:00.000-08:00

You know that person that has everything? Every year you have to figure out a gift that'll score points. If that person is a golfer and enjoys wine well we just made your shopping a breeze. For more details...

Some Gift Ideas for Golfers

2008-11-01T09:26:00.000-07:00

We've just released a couple new wines that I'm really excited about. Actually a Tiger Woods fist pump for a 2004 Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2007 Merlot (we call it Mer-Moe)from Dry Creek Valley. They're excellent wines tasting like $25 bottles but as a special until the end of the month I'm doing $180 a case!

Just in time for the gift giving season we've got in these cool two bottle wooden boxes that are a great keep sake for you or a fun gift for a friend. Right now we're packing them with a bottle of our Cabernet Sauvignon and the Merlot along with some lucky golf tees.

With shipping the cost for the box and wine is $79. You can call us at 707-529-6458 if you'd like to order a set.

Check out the 19th Hole Wine website.

2008-10-23T15:30:00.001-07:00

19th Hole Wine Club Event!

It's about time for a 19th Hole Wine Club event and with the Schwab Cup in Sonoma I thought we should piggy back watching a little golf with wine tasting in some real cool places in the Sonoma Valley.

Saturday, November 1, 2008, we'll start the day meeting at Deerfield Ranch Winery in Kenwood at 11:00 a.m.. You'll see where we produce 19th Hole Wine and walk the caves where we store the wine. You'll taste some of our new wines and some of the releases like our Cabernet Sauvignon and our tasty Red Blend.

Heading back toward Sonoma, about two miles, we'll have lunch at one of my favorite destinations and gems of the Sonoma Valley, Olive and Vine in the the Jack London Village in Glen Ellen. You'll also get to see and taste a few other treats next door from vendors in the village who make chocolate, cheese and olive oil (this is why I live here). About another mile down is parking for the golf tournament and we'll shuttle in to event where you see up close Fred Funk, Jay Haas and Jeff Sluman play flawless golf. You may stay until play finishes, about six o' clock, or leave whenever you wish.

The cost for the day is $60 and this covers the wine tasting, lunch and the ticket for the golf tournament.

Call me if you'd like to attend and I'll save you a ticket.

707-529-6458

Making Wine in Sonoma

2008-10-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

In many places in the wine country as you drive or walk around you'll get the sweet and distinct fragrance of the fermentation taking place in the surrounding wineries. I love each year being a part of this wine making process. It has so many interesting and satisfying steps and I'm happy to share some of those with you.

We just wrapped up our harvest and now we wait for the grapes to turn its sugars into alcohol. This year we made 250 cases (or 3,000 bottles).

I shot a couple videos for the fun of it and for you to enjoy what I am lucky enough to experience. Making wine is truely a joy (well most of the time). I love to visit the vineyards during the year and watch the grapes grow. Tasting them as their getting closer to picking time.

The barrel room is also a favorite of mine, the combination of oak and wine is something I'm never tired of. I would love to have more meals in the cellar surrounded by the abundance of wine and the enticing smells (keep an eye out, I'll be doing a dinner in the cave at some point and everyone will be invited).

Pulling wine from the barrel with a wine thief (glass gadget that can sucks in wine for tasting) is something I do and relish during the entire year. It's a rough job but someone has to do it. You really do have to stay on top of the wine as it's on it's journey to be a finished wine. Is it oaked enough? How's the acid levels?

At the end of a long day, you pull a bottle from the past, pop it open and toast all it took to make that tasty glass of wine.

Harvest time in Sonoma

2008-09-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

After quite a heat spell the weather has turned to foggy mornings and perfectly comfortable 80 degree afternoons. I'd say 30% of the grapes have been picked. I've got Chardonnay cooking down in fermentation and ready to press this weekend. The first of the month we'll be picking Cabernet and Merlot. I shot of my wine maker, Robert Rex owner of Deerfield Ranch Winery in Kenwood, walking the vineyard and describing what he's looking for in the ready-to-pick grape.

On the golf side Sonoma Golf Club is in great shape for the Schwab Cup next month. I'm going to put an event up for October 4 where we play some in the am and check out some of the wine production taking place at Deerfield. Until then!

Exploring the Wine World in Hong Kong

2008-08-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

I'm exploring the Hong Kong Wine Expo and of course with the Olympics and all there is quite a buzz. In almost every restaurant there is a TV switched onto the Olympics with eye balls glued to ping pong matches or some other fringe sport us Americans rarely see.

The evolution of golf and wine in these region go hand in hand. Let's face it both are status hobbies. Enjoying or pretending to enjoy either tells folks you're sophisticated and who doesn't like to be perceived as sophisticated and worldly. The membership manager of the largest golf development in the world, Mission Hills (20 minutes outside of HK with over 12 golf courses) says the new members of the golf club have no idea how to conduct themselves on the golf course. How would you tell a 20 millionaire to "shape up"? How do you tell the same guy buying a bottle Chateau Petrus or Screaming Eagle that you can't mix it with a Coke?

It was very interesting learning from the people at the expo about the winemarket .
here. This is where the majority of the wine market is in Asia. At the same time I have friends in Korea whom I introduced to wine a few years back who have caught up and passed me with their palates. I expect the same to happen here and it's fun to see where it is starting from
On the business end most of you probably don't know that Hong Kong just did away with taxes on wine (before it had been 100% plus). HK wants to be the culinary center of Asia and by relaxing those tariffs, Big Brother or the central government in their infinate wisdom, just opened the door to welcome in more of the top wine producers.

California wines are way behind in the race to market to the Australian, French and other European wines. These countries have been creating relationships with vendors and consumers and the local palate has become very loyal to these wines. California wines are perceived as over priced. Still with some marketing prowess this stereo type will quickly be turned into a positive in the same way status rich brands such as Coach and Armani enjoy.

I'm hoping my first restaurant placement with 19th Hole wine is the City Golf Club driving range on the kowloon side of HK. This four deck ball-whacking haven is situated on some of the most valuable property in HK and the place is full of golfers all day long (6:00 am-midnight). These guys know their wines and also have a world class Thai restaurant on the same property. It might be fun putting a thumb tack on the map for Hong Kong.

July 19th Nine and Wine a Blast!

2008-07-31T06:37:00.000-07:00

After playing a deviously challenging executive nine in Sebastopol (most of the holes were par threes but they 200 yards plus and they had tiny greens). We scooted over to the winery for some refreshing tastes of a 2005 Sauvignon Blanc. On hand was a friend of my father, Danny Chung, who happens to be a Master Sommelier (fewer than 200 in the US). So discussions of wine was at a higher level than normal.

After lunch at the winery long table, we enjoyed tasting some futures wine in the cellar room. We tried Malbecs, Merlots, Cabs and even Ports. At the end we filled a few bottles and our guests not only corked the bottles but labeled them too. Just another golf and wine event with the 19th Hole Wine Club. Come out for the next one!

Wine Business Investment Opportunities

2008-07-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

19th Hole Wines is gaining traction in the local private club market and being introduced next month to the Asian market (which is exploding for wine and golf). I need funding to help ramp up production and assist with marketing and sales efforts. The model I have constructed is for a 10,000 case production and sales of whites and reds at a custom crush facility in the Sonoma Valley.

If you'd like to discuss these further my phone number is 707-529-6458.

Golf and bottling outing during British Open July 19

2008-06-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

British Open week is always special to me since I had two good finishes in that tournament in 1985 (25th) and 1986 (72nd). To get everyone in the mood for some great links golf at Royal Birkdale I'm throwing a golf event July 19th up here in the Russian River Valley appellation at a course called Sebastopol.

After a quick round we'll get to some wine fun at my wine production loacation just down the road, Cahill Winery. We'll grill, taste the three wines I have in barrels and then bottle a barrel I have of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (24 cases). If you like the wine, we'll have a bottling day special and you can bring home some!

Cost for the day, $60. You can call me at 707-529-6458 to sign up.

Bodega Bay Golf Outing June 13th

2008-05-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

I've moved the 19th Hole Golf Outing to Bodega Bay Golf Club and we're full with four groups. The next outing is during the second round of the British Open in July. Hope you can make it.

I have a US Open contest on my golf school site so I'll encourage you to pick a winner, beside Tiger. The winner will get a two-day golf school with me in the wine country. Enter here or send an email to me at kris.moe@sbcglobal.net

Favorite Golf Destinations

2008-05-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

I've got quite a few great great places I've had a chance to play golf when I played on tour. Closest to my home is the Monterey Peninisula with Pebble Beach, Spyglass and Spanish Bay. The under appreciated stars down there include Fort Ord's Bayonet (a monster that has held numerous PGA Tour qualifying tournaments) and Del Monte Golf Club (only 6,000 yards but a classic test). If you've got the pull Cypress Point and Monterey Peninsula Country Club (two great tracks). Just up in Santa Cruz is an Alister Mackensey layout called Pasatiempo (open to public for cool $240). Few would know it but he also designed Claremont CC in Oakland and Green Hills CC in Millbrae also in Northern California.

San Francisco has four great courses but they're all private, SF Golf Club, Olympic Club, Lake Merced and California Club. All gems with Cypress Oaks keeping you honest with your driver.

Some of countries top courses were built at a time of great wealth, for some. From 1890 to 1925 our country's big metropolitan areas like NY, Chicago and Philly built great courses. We're having a similar trend these days with Charles Schwab building golf monuments in Hawaii and Montana. I wouldn't be surprised if Bill Gates is right behind him. In this area young Bill Getty is building a new course in Napa with designer Bill Doak of Bandon Dunes fame.

Australia is incredible for golf. I was lucky enough to play the tour there for three years and got to play the best courses there. Many are Mackensey designs (I'm still blown away how they traveled the world in those days) such as Royal Melboune and New South Wales. The turf conditions in Aussie is amazing, the best I've ever seen. The greens are scary quick and wind is almost always blowing. These conditions really demand good ball striking, it's no wonder so many great players come from the "land down under".

Another great spot for golf is the UK. So much great links land with marvelous landscapes that border on fantasy golf. And in the summer where "dark-thirty" is close to 11:00 pm, there's time to play 54 holes if you have it in you. In northern England, some call it England's Golf Coast, you have Royal Berkdale, Formby (where I lost to Colin Montgomery in British Am), Royal Lytham St. Annes and Royal Liverpool. Like great golf destinations every where, the local folk love their golf and being a golfer you are welcomed with open arms (and a pint).

Your turn, I've left quite a few but I don't want to hog the show...

Technorati Profile

2008-05-12T13:16:00.001-07:00

2008-05-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

The First 19th Hole Wine Club Party

2008-04-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

We had a great opening event for Kris Moe Wines in San Francisco's Harding Park GC. Forty players played in the event where rare sunny and warm temperatures made the day even more special.

I did my best to create an environment that the players would remember, I paired the Petite Sirah with a veal shank smothered in a rich mushroom sauce and another dish of rib-eye steaks. Echo Beach Band played some cool jazz in the background.

The next event looks like the Friday of the US Open in early June. We're going to do our best to get a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay along side our Petite Sirah and Sauvignon Blanc. I'm thinking about an event in San Jose at Cinnabar Hills or maybe even Pasatiempo in Santa Cruz. Anybody want to weigh in for a vote?

19th Hole Wine Club Uncorked

2008-04-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

This blog is for wine and golf lovers. That's what I love and I'm creating a community where we can share our stories, places to golf and new great wines.

Many of you don't know me, I'm Kris Moe, a wine lover who happen to make a living in the golf industry. I've been a PGA tour player in the US and Europe and I run my golf schools in the wine country and Hawaii. Wine became a larger part of my life when I retired from tournament golf and settled into raising a family in Sonoma, California. I started making wine as a hobby in 1995 and appreciate the entire process from picking grapes from the vine to sharing the finished wine with friends.

The first of the Nineteeth Hole wines is being released in early April at a golf event at Harding Park in San Francisco. The first wines will be a tasty Petite Sirah and Sauvignon Blanc from the Russian River Valley.

I hope you'll join in to share some of your thoughts on either golf or wine.