May 6, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO — Looking for last-minute ideas to celebrate your mom this weekend or the next time you get together? California’s wine regions have you covered with three great ways to celebrate that fit her unique style. For a complete list of Mother’s Day celebrations in California’s wineries and wine regions check out the events calendar at www.discovercaliforniawines.com.
For Bold Moms: Adventures in California Wine Country
If your mom has a thirst for adventure, there are some fun ways to share memorable moments that she’ll never forget, from horseback rides to zip-lining through vineyards.
- Zip-Lining with Mom Over Vineyards at Ancient Peaks Winery in Paso Robles (Central Coast): Soar over vineyards, valleys and oak trees on four epic zip-lines with Margarita Adventure Tours, then head over to the Ancient Peaks tasting room to discuss your adventures over artisan wines from the vines you both flew over ($99 per person).
- Ride and Taste Package with Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo, Edna Valley Region (Central Coast): Mosey up Madonna Mountain on a one-hour guided horseback ride then unwind with a premium wine and fine cheese tasting in our Classic Gourmet & Wine Shop, featuring local wines from great wineries such as Hahn Estates, Opolo Vineyards, Tobin James Cellars, Adelaida Cellars, Ancient Peaks Winery, Baileyana and Robert Hall Winery ($95 per person).
- Horseback Ride and Music at Cooper-Garrod Estate Winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains (Central Coast): Start your morning at Garrod Farms for a guided horse ride through Cooper-Garrod’s certified sustainable vineyards ($45 per hour). Order a delicious lunch from Picnic Guild (by May 8 for delivery to the winery on Mother’s Day) to enjoy in front of the historic Fruit House tasting room with wines ($5 tasting). That afternoon, the winery is hosting Music at the Vineyards, featuring flamenco guitarist Tans Gauntlett under the trees, with wines for purchase by the bottle or glass
- Take your mom on a musical adventure to BottleRock Napa Valley Music Festival (May 9-12), where she can pair her favorite rock bands with wines from Delectus, Domaine Chandon, Ceja Vineyards, Schug Carneros Estate, V. Sattui Winery, Rombauer Vineyards, Silver Oak, Miner Family Winery, Grgich Hills Estate, Boyd Family Vineyards and many more.
For Foodie Moms: Culinary Activities and More in California Wine Country
If your mom’s idea of adventure is more about diving into all things wine and food, then there’s no better place than California, which produces 90 percent of American wine and boasts nine of the top ten agricultural counties in the U.S. Here is the best place to immerse yourselves in the locavore -- and locapour -- experience, sampling wines, foods and the artisans behind them in our diverse regions. Whether it’s creative wine and food pairings at wineries, great winery tours or cool wine-centric events and brunches, there are so many ways to connect with your foodie mom.
- Wine & Cheese Pairing at Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley (North Coast): Few pairings are more decadent than wine and cheese, and your mom will love exploring this delicious kinship a little deeper as Robert Mondavi experts show her how to pair wines with artisanal cheeses from California. The one-hour program includes a tour of the beautiful estate ($45 per person).
- Wine Tasting and Flowers for Mom at Taste Route 116 in Sonoma County (North Coast): Take mom on a complimentary tasting tour of Route 116 wineries, such as Balletto Vineyards and Winery, and pick up a different flower at each stop to create a beautiful spring Mother’s Day bouquet. Moms get complimentary tastings, while regular tasting fees apply to other guests. Or visit Dutton-Goldfield Winery for a complimentary “Mother’s Flight” all weekend for mom, paired with local music.
- Pair Art, Food and Wine at Kenwood Vineyards in Sonoma County (North Coast): If your mom loves art and wine, head over to the Art, Food and Wine Experience at Kenwood Vineyards now through May 26, where you’ll enjoy gourmet appetizers expertly paired with wines while viewing the renowned Artist Series Collection (Reservations Required - $30 per person).
- Wine and Cheese Pairing Experience at Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin (Central Coast): A special tasting experience for moms centered around the amazing wines and cheeses of California. Five artisan cheeses are paired with our Reserve and Designate wines. Guests will learn about each dairy and cheese-maker as well—and leave with thorough knowledge of cheese and wine pairing techniques.
- Cottages and Kitchen Tour of Hearst Castle and Taste Hearst Ranch Wines in Paso Robles Wine Country (Central Coast): Take mom on a culinary tour of America’s most famous castle, which includes a tour of its kitchens and extensive wine cellar. Then treat her to some Hearst Ranch Winery wines in the Visitor Center, or pop over to their tasting room at Sebastian Brothers’ General Store in downtown.
- Meet the Winemakers on the Madera Wine Trail (Inland Valleys): Enjoy an intimate wine tasting experience at 12 wineries on Mother's Day weekend, where you can meet with the winemakers on the tour, enjoy delicious food, live music and local art.
- Click here for more on the many brunches and tastings going on throughout the state.
For Relaxation-loving Moms: Pampering in California Wine Country
If you want to take your Mother’s Day gift beyond flowers and chocolates, why not treat her to a day of pampering? Whether it’s sipping wine during a spa day at a California wine country resort or at a great winery concert featuring her favorite music, your mother and her senses will appreciate the special treatment.
- Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch and Spa Package at South Coast Winery in Temecula (Southern California): Pamper your mother’s palate in grand style with a gourmet champagne brunch in the Vineyard Rose Restaurant. Kick it up a notch by treating her to a Mother’s Day Spa Package at the resort’s Grapeseed Spa now through May 30, featuring three body treatments and facial ($185 per person).
- Mother's Day Picnic and Free Concert at Heritage Oak in Acampo near Lodi (Inland Valley): Treat mom to live music, a picnic, and a glass of wine at Heritage Oak Winery. At 1 pm, enjoy music by Jackie Floyd and Swing Shift, performing favorite songs from the '60's and 70's.
- Mother's Day Celebration at Lava Cap Winery in Placerville (Sierra Foothills): Enjoy wine, food and complimentary music by Julie and the Jukes from 12 noon to 3 pm. Grab a spot on the deck or in the garden and enjoy! Gourmet deli items and picnic baskets available for purchase.
- Relax on a Wine Train in Paso Robles (Central Coast) or Napa Valley (North Coast): Leave the car behind and hop on the Central Coast Railroad Festival Wine Rail Excursions (offered the second Sunday of every month and Mother’s Day), which includes a complimentary wine tasting and a ride on Amtrak's Coast Starlight between Paso Robles and SLO, plus a rose for mom. The train stops at one or two wineries such as Pomar Junction or Eberle Winery ($59 per person). Or check out the Napa Valley Wine Train, which includes a gourmet lunch paired with wines and stops at wineries such as Raymond Vineyards, Grgich Hills, Domaine Chandon (Tickets: $139–$159 per person).
Beyond Mother’s Day
Other great wine-centric events in May you can treat mom to include the Paso Robles Wine Festival (May 17-19), Taste Alexander Valley in Sonoma County (May 18-19), Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival in Mendocino (May 18) and ZinFest: Wine, Food & Fun at Lodi Lake in Lodi (May 19). For more wonderful events and activities at wineries and wine regions for Mother’s Day and beyond go to www.discovercaliforniawines.com.
About Wine Institute
Wine Institute is the association of 1,000 California wineries and wine-related businesses dedicated to enhancing the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. California is the fourth largest wine producer in the world, making 90 percent of all U.S. wine. Each year, nearly 21 million tourists visit wine regions throughout the state to explore and enjoy the wines, the cuisine and cultural offerings associated with California’s signature industry. September, during California Wine Month, is a great time to visit to experience the annual winegrape harvest first hand. Go to: www.discovercaliforniawines.com for more information.
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