Open for business? The US Open, Pinehurst #2, June 13-16, 2024
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The Open returns to a world famous golf destination and iconic layout. But can you anticipate a world class wine experience on par with Pinehurst #2? That would be a tall order in the middle of North Carolina, and truth be told, we couldn’t close the deal. Still, it’s not a washout and you can plan your visit to The Open or buddy trip at Pinehurst with a flicker of optimism, especially since most places seem to welcome corkage in the range of $25-30/bottle. I’d pack a fabric wine caddy in my golf bag and be damn glad about it.
Restaurants
Unfortunately, you won’t get much of a welcome from the Pinehurst Resort itself. Only one of its multiple restaurants has an online list, and that’s their Italian outpost, Villagio. The list is small and mostly pedestrian, but not over-priced. I’d grab a bottle of Le Ragnaie Sangiovese for $58 and consider myself lucky.
At The Ironwood Cafe you’ll find a cab-leaning list with decent representation in a few important regions. Prices are very reasonable, approaching retail on some exciting options like Tignanello in Tuscany. Distressingly, vintages are missing from almost all wines except the “Chef’s Cellar Jewels,” a reserve list of California cabs again at competitive prices.
Lisi Italian restaurant has an idiosyncratic list that may have vintages, but lacks prices altogether! Still, there’s a credible California and Italian offer, with special focus on Tuscany.
Locavore option Elliott’s talks about its wine program but doesn’t tip its hand. The food sounds good, maybe call ahead and ask.
Retail
It’s slim pickens for wine stores in these parts, and hard to come by an online inventory.
Triangle Wine Company is a noteworthy exception, and they have a broad selection of wines from around the world. Somewhat oddly the choices are more diverse and interesting at the lower end of the price continuum and it’s hard to spend more than $100 a bottle except for Champagne.
The Wine Cellar and Tasting Room claims to have been voted “best of” for 25 years and is run by a certified sommelier. They say the right things, hopefully they “deliver.”
