Spending time with Mom this Sunday, May 10? Chances are, dining will be involved—maybe even dessert—and a bottle of elegant wine can be the icing on the cake. Check out these fresh picks that pair beautifully with spring fare and consider a Mother-Daughter wine country getaway. Here’s to you, Mom!

EXHILARATING WHITES

Freestone Vineyards 2024 Pastoral Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

Here’s a wine from a special place for the special Mom in your life. Joseph Phelps is returning to the original Freestone name to honor its history and highlight its unique Sonoma Coast terroir. The Freestone Chardonnay ($120) is beautifully structured, balancing vibrant fruit with creamy texture and crisp acidity, with notes of citrus, peach, lemongrass, and honey. The 2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($77) is equally impressive.

If you go: When in Napa Valley, make a point to visit the newly renovated Joseph Phelps Vineyards for luxurious tasting experiences including the Collector’s Private Tasting of the best Sonoma Coast and Napa Valley wines and an option for caviar. Other options include food pairings like the Taste of Place or The Forager’s Table.

Domane Wachau Federspiel Terrassen 2024 Grüner Veltliner

It’s easy to get hooked on this dry, high-acid Austrian white wine with fragrances of apricot and honeysuckle. Its vibrant, rich profile is characterized by lime zest, hints of herbs, ripe peaches, and white pepper with a signature mineral finish. Mouthwatering! ($20)

Whitehall Lane Winery 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Rutherford Napa Valley

Known for producing Napa classics such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc, this renowned family winery takes its name from Whitehall Lane, which runs along its southern border. The medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc is an exceptional choice, distinguished by a touch of estate Semillon that adds texture and complexity. ($30)

If you go: Here’s where to go for a laid-back tasting experience in the sunny tasting room with plush seating or on the patio overlooking the valley. Of the many options, the Elevated Cabernet Tasting is very popular. This offers five top estate Cabernets paired with a cheese accompaniment.

Dutcher Crossing Winery 2023 Costello Vineyard Chardonnay

Restrained in its fruit expression, this European-styled Chardonnay sourced from the Alexander Valley is elegant and surprisingly refreshing with notes of Golden apple, pear, and citrus rind with a touch of oak. Even “anything but Chardonnay” Moms will approve. ($46)

If you go: Located in Dry Creek Valley, Dutcher Crossing is full of riches  including amazing views of hilly vineyards, an inviting patio and lawn for picnics, and a friendly tasting room with a diverse wine selection. Open until 5pm!

RAVISHING REDS

Kiona Vineyards & Winery 2022 Heart of the Hill Mourvèdre, Red Mountain Washington State

Mourvèdre is typically a blending wine, but this one is so good it can stand on its own. Anticipate inviting fragrances of blueberry, black current, black pepper and savory jamon with a medium-bodied palate of juicy dark fruit flavors and a long finish. ($38)

Wente Vineyards 2023 Pinot Noir California Central Coast Baily Hill

Bright and fruit forward, here’s a great example of cool coastal growing, offering youthful aromas of Bing cherries, ripe strawberries and a hint of sage. Its smooth tannins and modest acidity make it consistently food- friendly—and who doesn’t appreciate a convenient screw-top closure? ($20)

Tenuta Casadei 2022 Sogno Mediterraneo Syrah

This Italian GSM is bold and dynamic, led by 70% Syrah with 15% each Grenache and Mourvèdre. The palate is rich, with a long finish of dark berries, black pepper, and sweet spice. Pair with roasted meats, aged cheeses, or game-based pasta. ($22)

ROSÉS FOR MOM

Benovia 2025 Rosé of Pinot Noir

Made from grapes grown on the cool Sonoma Coast and the Russian River Valley, the newest release of rosé is luscious yet balanced with acidity featuring notes of wild strawberry, Mandarin orange, watermelon and a kiss of grapefruit. The finish is lifted with a whisper of tart cranberry. (about $34)

If you go: Sonoma County offers countless wineries off the beaten path, like Benovia in the Russian River Valley. Visit the Ranch House for warm hospitality and memorable experiences including the Picnic Tasting, or join the wine club and have impressive wines delivered to your doorstep. Another club perk: amazing member parties!

This Life 2025 Rosé

Singer-songwriter Norah Jones has teamed up with Maison Wessman in Bergerac, France, to create the wine brand This Life. She’s actively involved in crafting a Crémant sparkling wine and a dry-style French rosé. The latter offers crisp and refreshing notes of pink grapefruit, watermelon, citrus, and ripe red berries. (about $18)

FOR THE BUBBLY MOM

Duckhorn Vineyards 2022 Blanc de Blancs Napa Valley

Ideal for festive occasions like holidays, weddings, or brunch on Mother’s Day, the iconic winery’s only sparkling wine is crafted in the method champenoise style. Anticipate subtle richness on the palate with hints of puff pastry and a touch of creaminess capped with a delicate mousse. ($64)

If you go: While Duckhorn Vineyards is closed for renovation, visit sister location The Duckhorn Collection at Paraduxx around the corner. Relax on the edge of the vineyard and savor a memorable tasting experience, such as Gather & Graze. This features a family-style set-up of wine pairings across the portfolio, along with seasonal bites crafted to mix, match, and Savor.

De Saint-Gall ‘Le Tradition’ Premier Cru Brut Champagne

A classic blend of chardonnay and pinot noir, this cuvée balances richness and freshness with notes or orchard fruit and brioche. Well suited for a fine lunch, brunch or dinner—and perfect for the VIP Mom in your life. (about $50)

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 Cover Photo Courtesy of JSNQ

Robin Barr Sussman (rbs@pdq.net) is a freelance culinary and travel writer who studied at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone, Calif. As a chef for Sonoma County wineries, her specialty was food and wine pairing. Sussman’s work appears in Texas Monthly, Fodor’s, BestWineries.com, Style Blueprint, Texas Lifestyle Magazine, Bluejack National Magazine, and Private Clubs Magazine.