I was out looking at Father’s Day cards today.  Cards I could get for Paul and sign from our dogs and cat.  I didn’t find anything that knocked my socks off – so I guess I’ll have to up the ante and buy a gift.  One thing I know for sure:  it won’t be wine.  Paul is not a wine guy.

My Dad was the wine guy.  (I know, it’s hard to believe the Saucy Sisters had a Dad who was into the vino.)  He was no elitist collector of fine wines.  He liked value priced wines that he could drink today.  We used to have daily telephone conversations around cocktail hour, and the subject of his new wine find always came up.

Discovering new wines was a passion.  His other passion was golf.  If our Dad was still alive, I’d buy him a bottle of wine with a golf connection.  As it turns out, professional golfers like their wines.  Here are some of my suggestions in case you too have a wine-drinking golf fanatic dad.

Ernie Els Big Easy 2009

Ernie’s nickname “The Big Easy” suits his wine too.  He earned the moniker because of his big size yet easy swing and gentle character.  This full-bodied red from South Africa is powerful yet comfortable to drink.  It’s mainly Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.  $23

Nick Faldo Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2008

When Nick was asked what kind of wine he wanted his name attached to, he said, “I’d just like a wine to open now—nothing to lay down, really.  Nothing stuffy about it, just very drinkable right now.”  Nick first thought about producing a wine during a 2002 trip to Australia.  And that’s where his wines come from.  $14

Greg Norman Estates Sparkling Wine NV

“The Shark” is big into wine with production in both Australia and California.  His enthusiasm must have rubbed off on his daughter because she’s both a chef and wine professional.  They have a new cookbook out that offers recipes that pair well with their wines.  This non-vintage bubbly is from South Australia.  $17

David Frost Estate Par Excellence 2003

Unlike other golfers who lend their names to a brand, David’s family has been in the wine business in South Africa for over 60 years.  In fact, his father’s vineyard was the first place David hit balls.  This cleverly named wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.  $35

Arnold Palmer Chardonnay 2009

This legendary golfer who made the game what it is today got officially connected to wine while playing tournaments at the Silverado Resort in Napa in the 1980s and 1990s.  So it should come as no surprise that the grapes for this Chardonnay come from Napa Valley and Santa Barbara County.  $15

Luke Donald Claret 2006

“Claret Jug” is the nickname of the trophy given to the winner of the British Open.  The world’s number one golfer is surely hoping to win it next month.  But if he doesn’t, he still has his personal claret – a Bordeaux style blended red wine – to comfort him.  $40

I can find something about each of these wines that reminds me of our father.  It could be hitting golf balls with him in the back yard like David Frost (even if our yard wasn’t a vineyard).  Or the time we went to the U.S. Open at Baltusrol and were part of Arnie’s Army.  But in the end, I think I’d have to choose the Greg Norman Sparkling Wine because of the father-daughter connection.  I’ll never forget all the parent-child golf tournaments we played in.  And our own version of the Claret Jug that we brought home.

Barbara – Saucy Sis 1