By Roger Cox, Editor
Vineyards cover nearly 3,000 acres of the Walla Walla Valley, sharing that fertile terroir with wheat fields, strawberries, and famous Walla Walla sweet onions. A designated American Viticultural Area (AVA), the region is home to more than 120 wineries, and for the last decade years, Tennis & Wine Camps have helped showcase some of the best of the local vintners as part of four-day packages devoted to tennis, wine tastings, vineyard tours, and winemaker dinners while also serving as a fundraiser for the Whitman College tennis program.
The camps devote the morning hours to tennis under an exceptional team of instructors: Greg Patton, who works with rising Americans as a U.S. Tennis Association National Coach (past charges have included Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, and Michael Chang), and Whitman's men's and women's tennis coaches, Jeff Northam and John Hein (joined in October by members of the teams). In keeping with the camp's generally convivial vibe, their three-hour instructional sessions lean toward games-based play rather than hard-core drills. Then in the afternoon, everyone bundles into vans with a local wine expert to tour local vineyards and wineries. The indulgence continues in the evenings with winemaker dinners—often served outdoors in the vineyard itself—accompanied by wines chosen to complement each of the several courses.
![]() Overlooking pristine white sands and turquoise waters, Baha Mar affords guests a truly breathtaking backdrop to perfect their tennis game. This 4-day, 3-night retreat features educational drill sessions and exciting match play opportunities. Off court, enjoy luxurious accommodations at SLS coupled with delightful group dining and happy hour experiences. For more information, contact Katie Steck at k.steck@cliffdrysdale.com or visit Omni La Costa Doubles Boot Camp |
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Boise State men's coach Greg Patton directs the program. He helped train such American stalwarts as Pete Sampras, Michael Chang, and Jim Courier. He'll be assisted by Jeff Northam and John Hein, the Whitman College men's and women's coaches respectively. The camp consists of 12 hours of group instruction on the 6 outdoor and 4 indoor courts at Whitman College.
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Two host hotels (which offer special rates) are near campus: the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel in downtown Walla Walla and The Finch.
If you like the sound of the Whitman's Tennis and Wine Camp:
The rate includes tennis instruction, all meals, wine and transportation while in Walla Walla. Special room rates available at jpartner hotels. See the website for details.
October, November, December 2021
tbd
Seasons. Year-round.
Travel Instructions. By Air: The nearest airport is Walla Walla Regional Airport (ALW), five minutes from campus. It is served by Horizon Air out of Seattle. There is broader service into Tri-Cities Airport (PSC), 45 minutes west in Pasco.
General Tourist Information. For general information about the region, visit Share Walla Walla.