SAN FRANCISCO – If you're looking for something special to do with Mom after breakfast in bed and lunch at her favorite restaurant on May 8th, why not take her on a California wine country day trip? From picnics, vineyard hikes and passport weekends to charity benefits, golf tournaments and Meet the Winemaker programs many California wineries give special treatment to Mom's on this day and there are wine country events across California to suit every style and budget.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Mendocino County
Campovida (Mendocino): Campovida will be the start of a community garden tour for Mother's Day on May 8th. Ken Boek, Campovida's master gardener, will be available to share the garden with the guests and artists will be stationed within the gardens capturing the essence of nature's abundance. Tickets cost: $20, and includes tours of popular residential gardens in Ukiah. Takes place 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Guests are welcome to stay or return later for complimentary tastings. Tickets can be purchased at Mendocino Book Company or at the winery's tasting room. www.campovida.com
Parducci Winery (Ukiah): Liv Fashion Boutique and the biodynamic Parducci Winery have partnered together to bring the Mother's Day Fashion Show on May 8 at Patrona Restaurant, a benefit for breast cancer awareness. All proceeds go to the Cancer Resource Center of Mendocino County. The models each year range from their early 20's to late 60's, some of which are battling or have beaten cancer. Parducci will be featuring its award-winning wines with fantastic food pairings. Ticket prices for this annually sold out event are $25 and are available at Liv Fashion Boutique. Each ticket includes a glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage, tasty foods, raffle and a swag bag filled with goodies donated from several local businesses. For more information please call Liv Fashion Boutique at 707-462-4730 or Parducci at 707-463-5357. www.parducci.com
Napa Valley
Duckhorn Vineyards (St. Helena): Celebrate Mother's Day on May 7, one day early, with Duckhorn's Spring Celebration, featuring a rare opportunity to taste estate wines and converse with founder Dan Duckhorn, winemaker Bill Nancarrow, and president & CEO, Alex Ryan. Walk through the gardens and sip wines from the Duckhorn Vineyards portfolio with a few other surprises. The event will highlight a tasting of the highly anticipated 2007 vintage and offer the ability to purchase a unique hand-picked selection of older vintages from the Duckhorn library. Tickets are available for four tasting times and cost $40.00 in advance ($30 - Club Members - limit 2) and $50 at the door ($40 - Club Members - limit 2) Call 707-967-2030 or order online www.duckhornwineshop.com
Hall Wines (St. Helena): Treat Mom to special food and wine pairings featuring oysters and chocolate on May 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cost is $20. Hall is California's first LEED Gold certified winery. www.hallwines.com/events
Rutherford Appellation Wineries (Rutherford): Sixteen Rutherford wineries are inviting wine lovers to thank their mothers by treating them to the "Celebrate Mom, Rutherford Style" Passport Weekend May 7-8, 2011 to benefit Napa Valley community charities. Enjoy discounted spring wine and food pairings featuring hearty wine country brunch fare. Each winery will feature its own food pairing experience to highlight Rutherford varietals, Napa Valley terroir and show how well the wines pair with different foods. Includes access to wineries not normally open for public tastings. Passports is $75 per person, members of participating winery wine clubs and Face book Fans receive 20 percent off promotional code. Limited availability. www.rutherford-appellation-wineries.com
Sonoma County
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards (Sonoma): Enjoy a Mother's Day Brunch on May 8, featuring a special menu paired with glorious wines. Start with appetizers at 11:30 a.m., attend private tour at noon if desired, and sit down to lunch at 12:30 p.m. Call 707-996-7256 for reservations Cost is $70 per person or $59.50 for club members and persons under 21 accompanied by an adult. www.gloriaferrer.com
INLAND VALLEYS
Lodi
Heritage Oak Winery (Lodi): Enjoy a Mother's Day Picnic & Concert on May 8 including a jazz concert by Jackie Floyd and Swing Shift. Free if you bring your own picnic, $15 per person if you order lunch through the winery, excluding wines. Lunches for children under ten are only $10. Takes place 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. For more info or to book email info@heritageoakwinery.com or call 209-986-2763.
Madera County
Madera Vintners Association: If your mother is a wine lover then treat her to the perfect Mother's Day gift – tickets to the Meet the Winemaker Weekend in Madera County on May 14 and 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. She'll sample a wide variety of local award-winning wines, from aperitif to dessert old-world styles to the latest in winemaking technology, all from the hands of the winemakers themselves. These talented winemakers will be found around the Trail discussing their hand-crafted wine techniques, hosting barrel tastings, winery tours and more. Plus, you will find indulgent food pairings, local art and live music. Passport Glasses are available for $25 from any participating winery both days of the event. Pre-sale tickets can also be purchased for $20 at select locations. Visit www.MaderaWineTrail.com or call 800-613-0709 for more event and ticket information.
SIERRA FOOTHILLS
Amador County
Deaver Vineyards (Plymouth): Make the world's best Mom feel special with a Mother's Day Picnic on May 8. For just $13 enjoy delicious gourmet sandwiches from Andre's Bakery in Amador City, Yukon Gold potato salad, fudge brownie and a bottle of water. Make your reservations for lunch and to hold a picnic table on the beautiful Deaver Green overlooking the vineyards and Deaver Ponds. Grab a bottle or glass of Deaver Vineyard's award winning wine to complete your Mother's Day lunch. www.deavervineyard.com
El Dorado County
Fitzpatrick Winery (Fair Play): Treat Mom on May 8 to a special Mother's Day Ploughman's Lunch and/or the expanded Winetaster's menu with a complimentary hand-crafted chocolate treat. Enjoy the warmth and beauty of our new garden patio or the spectacular view of the deck. Since mothers rule and love to shop, guests can mix a case of favorites and Fitpatrick's staff will whisper a deal. Starting at $13.95 for two. Call 800-245-9166 or visit www.fitzpatrickwinery.com
Placer County
Synapse Wines (Placerville): Synapse Wines tasting room in downtown Placerville is offering a special discounted treat for Mom on the big day – just $19 for a gourmet cheese plate with two glasses of premium wine (normally $25). Synapse Wines is a brand name of High View Vineyards. Open May 8 from 12-5 p.m. www.synapsewines.com
CENTRAL COAST
Livermore Valley
Garre Winery (Livermore): The winery will hold its popular annual Mother's Day Champagne Brunch on May 8 in its festive Grand Pavilion amidst the gardens and vineyards. The chefs will make omelettes to order, the buffet is filled with many brunch favorites. Reservations required, $36.95 person, Children 4-12 $14.95, 3 and under are free. Seatings from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Call 925-371-8200 for reservations. www.garrewinery.com
Retzlaff Vineyards (Livermore Valley): Enjoy a leisurely Mother's Day Picnic on May 8, 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. by bringing your own picnic lunch to our beautiful organic vineyard and dancing to the live music of "Top Secret." Prizes will be awarded to those wearing the most colorful, most outrageous and the oldest hats. Costs are $10 for adults and children 15 and under are free. Enjoy $5 wine tastings. Reservations required. Call 925-447-8941 or visit www.retzlaffwinery.com
Monterey County
Monterey County Vintner's Association (Monterey County): If your Mom loves wine and golf, continue the Mother's Day celebration on Monday and treat her to the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association's annual Golf Tournament, hosted this year at the Corral de Tierra Country Club on May 9. This year's It and Rip It Tournament will include wonderful gifts, great food, and of course, delicious Monterey County wine. The day on the golf course is capped off with a one-of-a-kind awards party. The tournament, BBQ luncheon, and post reception is $195 per person. (Non-golfers can join in on the post party fun for $85 per person) Make your reservation today to play in this annual event by calling 831-375-9400, or visit the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association's site at www.montereywines.org.
Paso Robles
Sextant Wines (Paso Robles): Offering a perk for Mom this Mother's Day with a complimentary wine tasting on the main deck, and specials on wine cases. Souvenir glass may be purchased separately. www.sextantwines.com
Still Waters Vineyards (Paso Robles): Enjoy a free Picture Perfect Sunday Mother's Day on May 8 from 1-4 pm with live music in the olive grove from blues/rock group Guy Budd Band. Celebrate Mom while sipping on some wine and listening to great music. Wine by the glass and tri-tip will be available for purchase. Call 805.237.9231 or visit www.stillwatersvineyards.com
Santa Barbara County
Zaca Mesa (Los Olivos): If your mom is the outdoorsy type, take her on a "Hike, Blend and Picnic Lunch" in Zaca Mesa's vineyards, where she'll learn about the vines, terroir and Rhone varietals and get a chance to blend her own GSM (Grenache, Syrah , Mourvedre) blend. From 9 a.m. to noon. Costs $50 for Wine Club members and $65 for Non-members. www.zacamesa.com
Santa Cruz County
Bargetto Winery (Soquel): Treat Mom to a Mother's Day brunch on May 8 for $53, including a deluxe gourmet meal, unlimited sparkling wine and live music (tax and gratuity included). Arrive by 11:30 a.m. for noon brunch. For reservations call 831-475-2258, ext. 10. www.bargetto.com
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Temecula Valley
Keyways Winery (Temecula): Keyways, the only woman owned and managed winery in Temecula Valley, is offering a glass of complimentary Muscat Canelli to all mothers visiting the winery that day. Call 1-877-KEYWAYS or visit www.keywayswine.com.
Ponte Family Estate Winery (Temecula): Pamper the mother in your life at Ponte this Mother's Day with a relaxing day in the country. Enjoy a gourmet brunch buffet with delicious wines and live jazz music. There will be a children's buffet filled with all of their favorites. Commemorate with professional photography courtesy of Grins 2 Go. Tickets for each of four different seatings and cost $55 per adult ($49 Wine Club Members), $25 per child (12 and under) and $22 for Wine Club Member's child (12 and under). Call 951-694-8855 or visit www.pontewinery.com.
South Coast Winery (Temecula): Create unforgettable memories with a special Mother's Day Champagne Brunch on May 8 at South Coast Winery, featuring attractively priced and elegant fare in the winery's restaurants. Tickets cost $42 per adult, $19 per child (12 and under), with 10% Wine Club Members discount for up to 4 guests. This annual event sells out early so call 951-587-9463 Ext. 7237 or visit www.wineresort.com
Wilson Creek Winery (Temecula): Give mom a break this Mother's Day and head to wine country on May 8 for Wilson Creek's popular Mother's Day Champagne Brunch at 10 a.m. Enjoy live music with vineyard view dining for an unforgettable Sunday Brunch menu created for the occasion and paired with award winning wines. Tickets cost $49.95 per person ($59.95 per person with champagne), $12.95 (Children 12 and under), $44.95 Wine Club members ($53.95 and $11.65 for kids 12 and under). Call 951.693.9463 or call www.wilsoncreekwinery.com
About California Wine and Wine Country
California is the top producer of wine in the U.S. with dozens of distinctive winegrowing regions and more than 100 varieties of winegrapes. More than 20 million travelers visit California wine regions each year, soaking up eye-popping pastoral vistas, enjoying visits to tasting rooms, attending blending classes, wine and food pairings and garden and art tours and more while enjoying delicious, innovative cuisine at wine country restaurants. California has one of the leading sustainable winegrowing program in the world, with more than 1,566 wineries and vineyards participating. Many vintners and growers are from multi-generational family businesses where preserving the land for the next generation is a priority. In celebration of the annual harvest, dozens of events happen around the state during California Wine Month each September. Visit www.discovercaliforniawine.com for California wine county events in September and throughout the year.
About Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers
Wine Institute is the association of more than 1,000 California wineries and wine-related businesses that initiate and advocate state, federal and international public policy to enhance environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. The organization also works to enhance the economic and environmental health of its communities, home state and the nation through leadership in sustainable winegrowing, an international marketing program to promote California wine exports and a partnership with California Travel and Tourism to showcase the state's wine and food offerings. www.wineinstitute.org
The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) was founded in 1974 with the mission to provide industry leadership to advocate public policies, research and education programs and trade positions that enhance the business of growing California winegrapes. CAWG's membership represents the growers of approximately 60 percent of California's total annual grape crush. www.cawg.org
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