Morton’s “Above Par” Wine Series Concludes with Ernie Els

Morton’s is the “Official Steakhouse of the PGA TOUR,” and there are several opportunities for our guests to celebrate this partnership, both on and off the course. In all U.S. Morton’s restaurants, we’re featuring exclusive “Above Par” wine selections, i.e. “golfer wine” selections. Earlier this month, I started featuring our “Above Par” wines, including Greg Norman Estates and Jack Nicklaus Wines. For this week’s “Wine Wednesday,” we conclude the series with Ernie Els, “Signature,” Bordeaux Blend, Stellenbosch.

The winemaker and managing director for the Ernie Els Winery in Stellenbosch, South Africa is Louis Strydom. On the winery’s website, his biography explains that “Louis has walked the long road with Ernie since the brands inception during 1999 and has been father to each and every wine produced.” He is a winemaker that is passionate about terroir and has a complete understanding of how his vines perform. His attention to detail comes through in the bottle!

Mr. Els embarked on this wine venture simply for the love of red wines, and he continues to be heavily involved in the tasting process at the winery. His hands-on approach gives his wines great focus and depth of character.

Like the other golfers behind our “Above Par” wines, Mr. Els is also an incredibly generous philanthropist. In 2009, he and his wife, Liezl, established the Els for Autism Foundation and are currently raising funds to finance the Els Center of Excellence. It’s a cause that’s close to the Els’ hearts, because their son was diagnosed with Autism. In a heartfelt message to those affected by Autism or supporting his foundation, he says, “Years from now, people may remember me as a golfer and a major champion. But I’d like also to be remembered as somebody who took the issue of Autism and did something with it. The rest of my life, I’ll be fighting this thing…I hope you’ll join me.”

And with that, I hope you’ll join me in saluting these talented and generous men behind our “Above Par” wine selections.

Cheers!
Sara Fasolino
Certified Sommelier/Morton’s Beverage Manager
Morton’s The Steakhouse

To learn more about Morton’s and the PGA TOUR, including exclusive restaurant events and opportunities to help support Birdies for the Brave, a PGA TOUR charity, please visit www.mortons.com/pgatour.