NASCAR Toyota/Save Mart 350, Sonoma, California, June 26
If you prefer fast cars and wine, make a point of making this stock-car pilgrimage. Within view of the Carneros-based racetrack is Ram’s Gate Winery, a peaceful, well-appointed spot to unwind after the race. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah are the focus, and a Palate Play of wine and food pairing is recommended.
Wimbledon, Wimbledon Village, June 27–July 10
While the oldest annual tennis tournament is known best for serving Pimm’s Cups (230,000 glasses, according to the company), respite can be found at Rose & Crown, a circa-1659 hotel and pub that’s walking distance from the All England Lawn Tennis Club. Cask ales are the point of stopping in, though an extensive wine list tempts with Champagne.
Major League Baseball All-Star Game, San Diego, July 10–12
After the game, when not making a beeline for the area’s well-loved microbrews, find serenity at Cucina Urbana. At this Italian restaurant and wine shop, you can choose low-corkage, retail-priced bottles to go with your meal.
Summer Olympics, Rio de Janeiro, Aug. 5–21
Take a break from the adrenaline of competition by venturing to Cavist Vinoteca and Resto. Pick your bottle from the back wine cellar/shop to enjoy at the restaurant, where an outdoor patio is the best place to sit. South American and European selections star.
Ryder Cup, Chaska, Minnesota, Sept. 30–Oct. 2
Team USA will battle Team Europe at the Hazeltine National Golf Club, 30 minutes outside of Minneapolis. Enjoy the food and drinks at Barrio Tequila Bar & Café downtown. Tequila is given its proper respect here, and the 100 or so bottles on the list should be sipped or enjoyed with food.
Super Bowl 51, Houston, February 5, 2017
The NFL annual spectacle returns to the Lone Star State, where the taste for wine is ever-growing. Take your thirst to Beckrew Wine House, where the list leans eclectic and worldly, and the flight configurations are lively and fun. Plus, you’ve got to love a place with a reverse Happy Hour, Saturdays 10 pm–midnight.
Published: March 23, 2016
