When I think about my happy place, I’m starting to picture Whitehall Lane Winery in Napa Valley, California. The winery has introduced a pickleball court as part of its tasting experience, blending sport and leisure to bring a sense of play to the vineyard.

“Pickleball and wine are both part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle,” said Katie Leonardini, second generation proprietor and managing member of Whitehall Lane.

That philosophy isn’t just for guests. Leonardini and the Whitehall Lane team are avid players themselves. Before the outdoor court was built, games often took place in a far more unconventional setting.

“Our winemaker, Jason Moulton, comes from a tennis background, so he was eager to give pickleball a try. Before we built our outdoor court, we would play inside the cellar, during the winter months, alongside the rows of aging wine barrels,” she mentioned. “We’d set up a portable net and invite neighboring wineries to join us. Hospitality teams, winemakers and cellar crews all came together for friendly competition.”

In short, pickleball caught on immediately.

“Some guests had never picked up a paddle, while others arrived in matching outfits, ready to battle it out. Either way, it was a wonderful excuse to gather with our winery neighbors for some laughs, and to enjoy each other’s company,” continued Leonardini. “After two winter seasons of playing in the cellar, we realized how much the game had brought people together. That’s when we sat down and decided it was time to create a permanent outdoor court surrounded by our estate vineyard.”

The court is nestled between a pavilion and an outdoor tasting area, framed by rows of Merlot vines at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains.

Pretty stunning, right?

“It’s a pretty unique space. Birds chirp in the background, jackrabbits occasionally dart through the vineyard rows, and the wine train whistles in the distance as it crosses Highway 29,” she described. “It’s a peaceful, uniquely Napa Valley setting that feels magical.” 

The two-hour experience pairs an hour of pickleball with a curated wine tasting—honestly, that’s my kind of getaway.

“After playing, guests move from the court to our Garden Pavilion where they enjoy a seated tasting with a light food pairing to replenish. Every wine we pour is crafted from our estate-grown fruit,” explained Leonardini. “I like to begin with Blanc de Noirs made from Pinot Noir grown in the Petaluma Gap of Sonoma, before moving on to our Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc produced from our vineyards located less than a mile from the pickleball court itself.”

“Playing pickleball and sharing a glass of wine are two activities best enjoyed together. Both bring people together to tell stories, strengthen connections, and share laughter,” noted Leonardini. “According to the CDC, strong social connections can help reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression and anxiety.”

Of course, the Whitehall team loves getting out on the court before or after a busy day. Leonardini especially enjoys seeing her son bring friends along to play, too.

More than just an enhancement to the tasting experience, the space has become a gathering place for the extended Whitehall community as well.

“Many weekends, my friends and I spend the morning on the pickleball court before gathering for lunch and a glass of wine,” concluded Leonardini. “We leave feeling stronger physically and refreshed mentally.”

Click here to explore all the wine tasting experiences at Whitehall Lane. And to keep up to date on all things pickleball, follow us on Instagram.