New Book by Taba Dale
Terroir of Golf
A Golf Book for Wine Lovers
It all begins with the land. True for both golf and grapes. From the pure links courses of Scotland to the vineyards of the old and new worlds, in Taba’s new book you will discover the fascinating synergy between golf and wine.
What Readers Say…
A sumptuously-produced book with over 200 photographs
This is a sumptuously-produced book with 200+ photographs that explores the synergies between golf and wine. It’s an idea many golfers instinctively understand, of course, even if they are not able to articulate it.
~ Tim Dickson
Sophisticated, informed and deeply entertaining – revealing the synergy between golf and wine…
Taba is a superstar who connects two of the world’s finest historic pursuits – the elegance of wine and the prowess of golf designers – at their shared birthplace, the “terroir.” The clever juxtaposition of golf course designer and winemaker – both operating in the same arena – stuns and delights me. One of the most satisfying things about Taba’s books is that she never leaves me hanging. Descriptions are always complete with all the details my curious mind craves. I find myself rereading paragraphs just to make sure I got it all. There are layers to discover and enjoy.
Turn the page and enter Taba’s world – sophisticated, informed and deeply entertaining – as the synergy between the two is gently revealed. Sipping a glass of wine on a clubhouse balcony will never be the same idle gesture. You have become an insider.
~ Cori Brett, avid golfer and writer about golf
Terroir on table at Adare Manor in drawing room
A very welcome volume of sunshine, grapes, and fairways
This handsome book appeared at my doorstep yesterday. One of the better books on golf to come out recently. Most have to do with instruction, or psychology, or history. This one, thank goodness, is about stuff we all like. Golf and wine. Golf, Carnegie said, is an indispensable adjunct to high civilization. I am sure he would have added wine, had he thought of it. But you, Taba, did, to the good fortune of us all.
The book pairs well with a lonely sojourner seeking for solace, respite, even, from the rigors of golf badly played. But that is, perhaps, too harsh. Rather, it goes well with any golf and golfer who seeks to enjoy a fine bouquet following on a day on the links. Hints of sociability and good manners, an aftertaste of pleasant memories and a bittersweet longing for just a bit more.
I can’t thank you enough for this very welcome volume of sunshine, grapes, and fairways. It all blends so nicely and you have been the craftsperson to create such a remarkable vintage.
~ James Davis
You’ll savor every sip!
“Taba shares her unique voice in golf as a wine lover, a private art dealer, collector and a world traveler, in her exciting new book, ‘Terroir of Golf.’ With an alchemy of passions intersecting, Taba combines beautiful prose with educational tidbits about golf courses and clubs, course designers and players, who share in our fascination of two favorite topics — golf and wine! You’ll savor every sip!”
~ Ann Liguori, Sports Talk Show Host / Golf Reporter / Journalist/Author / Philanthropist
Travel, golf and wine elements captured in an innovative way through the concept of “terroir”
In Dale’s, “The Terroir of Golf” she captures travel, golf and wine elements in an innovative way through the concept of “terroir.” For Dale, the geologic and geographic forces behind“ terroir” spark creativity. Terroir, is the muse for the skilled professional. People who build great golf resorts, produce world class wines and shape golf course design invoking the ethereal qualities of location. This book is peppered with insights describing the creative process which allows greater appreciation of the environmental and human elements that go into a “simple” glass of wine or the angles and elevation changes in a fairway.
The travelogue portion describes a variety of world class golf course destinations and how these courses are emblematic of the region’s geography. Taba describes how the design of these golf courses capture the terroir and how it enhances the golfing experience. The places mentioned in her book also boast a world class wine cellar that certainly would enhance any stay. She adeptly ties together the concept of terroir through the independent individual terroir elements of the resort, golf course and the wine cellar.
In the Q&A section were she interviews various wine-makers from around the world is where the notion of terroir is best understood and explained. Most of the wine makers agreed that they needed to understand the soil, climate and growing conditions to plant the best wine varietals, but more importantly, during the wine-making process they had to be true to the terroir. That same theme and thought process in regards to terroir was also well presented from the various golf course architects.
~ Bill Kunz, golf enthusiast, with over 800 wine reviews to his credit
Lovely handwritten note from Doug Johnston
An educational chronicle — for those who love life’s finer things, especially wine and golf
The beauty of Terroir of Golf is one really doesn’t have to know a great deal about the Grand Game across the pond – or about wine. That’s because Dale provides the requisite knowledge as she makes an authoritative link between the two. This tome contains four distinct sections: select Scottish courses, views of terroir by winemakers and course designers, professional golfers with wine labels and golf clubs with strong wine cultures. In her introduction Dale notes that terroir (from the French word terre or ‘land’) refers to the specific environment where a particular wine is produced, i.e.: land as it relates to a crop of grapes, starting with physical habitat including soil, climate and topography. Vintner and course architect views are expressed, in some cases, in different words, but the linkage of land (terrain, soil, et al.) to golf and ultimately land to grapes and fine wine is unmistakable and stands as the thesis for this engaging read.
The designers she features include household names such as Doak, Coore, Kidd and Jan Bel Jan, the second female president of the American Society of Golf Architects. In the book Doak says “Golf is a much more emotional experience than most people give it credit for.” So is wine. Dale’s premise and her interviewed producers (France, South Africa, Italy, Slovenia, New Zealand and California) agree. Each has a unique take on the winemaking process. Readers, knowledgeable or not, will find vintner observations on how terroir affects the final product insightful and intriguing.
Reading Terroir recalls the life and times of those well-to-do travelers who years ago embarked upon their own Grand Tours. Dale’s vivid detail evokes a decided Michelin Guide feel with nary a wasted word. This is an educational chronicle for armchair or seasoned travelers — for those who love life’s finer things, especially wine and golf, and want to learn more about both. First reads may not inspire an immediate call to one’s travel agent, but may well lead to a gift– one that will be well-received and treasured.
~ Michael Stott, author of Too Much Loft
You will never experience a golf course the same way again
Taba Dale uses her inquisitiveness to unearth history and craft engaging stories. In Terrior of Golf the reader inhales her imagery as she blends the intersection of golf and wine. She brings the reader with her for exclusive interviews with golf course designers and personal visits to golf properties. You will never experience a golf course the same way again.
~ Debbie Waitkus, Co-Founder, President Marilynn Smith & Founders’ Legacy Foundation DBA Golf It Forward™
The lands and artists that give rise to the world’s preeminent wines and golf courses
In Terroir of Golf, Ms. Dale connects two seemingly distinct art forms through her vivid prose. As she explores the arts and artists of winemaking and golf course architecture, Ms. Dale delivers her own work of art which, similar to its topic matter, is to be savored. Golf and wine enthusiasts, as well as lovers of history, landscape photography and travel will delight in this tapestry of well-researched historical backdrops, stunning photographs and expert interviews skillfully woven together with a travelogue that Ms. Dale shares so generously and evocatively. Terroir of Golf uniquely explores and celebrates the natural lands and artists that give rise to the world’s preeminent wines and golf courses.
~ Brent Johnson, avid golfer
What an enchanting and intoxicating read…
Two of my favorite things in life are golf and wine, and Taba Dale has given us a book that explores both subjects and their many connections with wonderful verve and depth. She is exactly right when she writes that everything begins with the ground in golf and grapes, averring that vineyards like courses are living works of art. And then she takes readers on tour of some of Scotland’s finest courses. What an enchanting and intoxicating read!
~ John Steinbreder, the Senior Writer, Architecture and Travel Editor at Global Golf Post and author/co-author of 20 books
What a magnificent, luscious, and stately First U.S. Edition of Terroir of Golf is!
WOW! What a magnificent, luscious, and stately First U.S. Edition of Terroir of Golf is! The book is truly a work of art…the photographs are breathtaking, and Chic Harper’s design is absolutely first rate. I know that clubs will want this book. It just shouts “prestige,” “luxury” and “in-side-the-ropes” experience.
~ Mary Nokes