Wine and Bocce Ball - A Good Pairing
Wine Region Celebrates Its Roots with a Simple Court Game
Visitors of the wine country are now learning that wine doesn't only pair well with food, but it also pairs with an old game called bocce ball. The trend is growing, as dozens of wineries are now offering bocce ball courts as a leisurely activity to enjoy a glass of wine by.
The History of Bocce Ball
The game of bocce ball has a long history, dating back to 5200 BC. Egyptian carvings depict an ancient form of bocce ball using polished stones. Over the years it spread to nearby Greece, then it was introduced to the Romans. The simplicity of the game caught on to worldly neighbors, who adopted different names for the game. In France it’s called pétanque and in England, lawn bowling.
Bocce Ball - A Favorite Among Italians
In modern days, the first bocce clubs were organized in Italy, and with much credit to Italian immigrants, the game became very popular among Italian communities in United States.
The California wine country, particularly, Sonoma County, which lies Northeast of the Napa wine region, has historically been heavily populated by Italian-owned vineyards. With winery names like, Pedroncelli, Rocchioli, Seghesio, and Rafanelli, among others that dot this rich, fertile grape-growing region, it is not unusual to find wineries with bocce ball courts as an outdoor activity for owners and visitors alike.
How Bocce Ball is Played
Many say it takes only five minutes to learn, but a lifetime to perfect and enjoy, but generally the game is a simple one. Bocce ball is played on a long, rectangular court, usually made of compact surface of crushed oyster shells. A small target ball, called the pallino, is tossed from one end of the court. Each team gets four larger balls, called the boccia, and tries to get it as close as possible to the target ball. The team with the closest ball gets one point for each of its balls that are closer to the pallino than the other team's closest ball.
Wineries That Offer Bocce Ball Courts
A partial list of wineries that offer bocce ball courts are listed below. Most are concentrated in the Northern California wine region. Some require reservations, while others are available on a first-come, first serve basis.
Pedroncelli Vineyards has a bocce ball court located adjacent to their historic tasting room. The game has been a tradition in the Pedroncelli family for generations. The court has a raised trellis area that is also perfect for picnicking.
Two regulation bocce ball courts are available at Seghesio Vineyards in the charming city of Healdsburg, CA., located two hours north of San Francisco.
Larger groups can reserve one or all six bocce ball courts at Brutocao Cellars in Hopland, CA. The courts are available for a quick lesson and a tournament followed by a picnic or BBQ arranged through the winery’s catering department.
The beautiful Russian River Valley is the backdrop to the regulation-size bocce ball court at Armida Winery. Guests can purchase a bottle at the winery, borrow a few glasses, then head up to the court.
Alexander Valley Vineyards adjoins a neighboring vineyard that boasts a regulation-size bocce ball court overlooking a picturesque lake. Wine club members enjoy private outdoor festivities at the sprawling hill-top picnic grounds, followed by a tournament.
Bocce ball and wine make one of the greatest pairings in the wine country. Every visitor should experience it once to immerse him or herself in a wine country lifestyle that is deeply-rooted in tradition.
Spend the afternoon at Armida's bocce ball court.
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Travel
Latest Articles