Grapes on the Green!

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

Napa Grapes on the Green enhanced the Club’s operations by creatively activating the golf course as a multi-use asset while deepening member engagement and cross-department collaboration.

Operationally, the event showcased the course in a completely new way, extending its purpose beyond traditional play. Allowing members to travel by golf cart between tasting stations transformed the property into an immersive event space and gave members—including those who rarely go out on the course—an opportunity to experience the Club from a fresh perspective. This broadened appreciation for the grounds and reinforced the value of the Club’s amenities.

The event also strengthened collaboration between departments. The seamless coordination between the golf and food-and-beverage teams ensured smooth traffic flow, timing, and service, setting a strong example of operational teamwork. This collaboration improved internal communication and demonstrated how departments can work together to deliver elevated experiences.

From a member-experience standpoint, Napa Grapes on the Green delivered a sense of discovery, exclusivity, and sophistication. Ending the evening with a seated dinner by the water—one of the Club’s first formal events in that location—introduced members to a new venue and opened the door for future programming in underutilized spaces.

Overall, the event elevated the Club’s event offerings, maximized use of the property, strengthened interdepartmental operations, and reinforced MRGC’s reputation for innovative, memorable experiences.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

Napa Grapes on the Green was implemented through detailed planning, cross-department coordination, and a strong focus on guest flow and experience.

The food-and-beverage and golf teams worked closely to map out tasting stations across the course, ensuring safe cart paths, smooth pacing, and clear transitions between locations. Wines and pairings were carefully selected and staged at each station, with staff positioned to provide attentive service while keeping the experience relaxed and social. Members traveled between stations by golf cart, creating a sense of adventure while maintaining structure and safety.

The evening concluded with a seated dinner by the water, a location not previously used for formal events. This required thoughtful setup, service timing, and logistics, all of which were carefully managed to ensure the transition felt seamless and elevated.

Member reaction was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Guests loved experiencing the course in a new and unexpected way and appreciated access to areas they do not typically visit. The cart-to-station format created excitement and conversation throughout the evening, while the final dinner setting left a lasting impression.

Many members commented on how unique and immersive the event felt, noting that it stood out from traditional wine dinners. The success of Napa Grapes on the Green has generated strong interest in similar course-based events and reinforced MRGC’s reputation for innovative, well-executed programming.