While I enjoy the occasional wine tipple with dinner, friends, a twilight
sky, or all of the above, wine is not the reason I moved to Napa Valley
back in 2000. It was the lifestyle that got me. Whether in Italy, France,
California, or Australia, all wine country destinations are centered on
the good life and all of the delicious experiences that come with it, including
great wine and food, spectacular pastoral surroundings, a laid-back bon
vivant attitude, and the priority of regularly celebrating everyday life
with wonderful friends, family, and loved ones. If there is a mom in your
life who could benefit from a little Wine Country luxury but is too busy
changing diapers/cleaning house/slaving at a job/cooking meals/doing the
bills/swiftly making sure life goes so smoothly you don't even know what
she actually does or how she does it, perhaps this Mother's Day you should
bring a Wine Country to her. Following are a handful of Northern California
wineries with spectacular gift selections that go beyond the bottled wine.
Rubicon Estate
Film director Francis Ford Coppola doesn't do anything in a small
way (remember "Apocalypse Now" and "The Godfather"?)
so it's no surprise that his gorgeous historic Napa Valley winery
and its equally grand gift selection are over-the-top. Drop by
the website to browse a vast selection of goodies ready for you to point,
click, and pick. Highlights include agate tabletop items, brandy
caramel sauce, Laguiole flatware, lavender body oil, hammered silver tray
and votives, and Uvavita skincare products. And of course there's lots
and lots of wine available, too, including the very feminine and pretty
Sofia bubbly and rosé wines. www.rubiconestate.com
Sebastiani Vineyards
Bring the flavor of one of Sonoma Valley's most historic wineries
home with their large selection of condiments from Sylvia Sebastiani's
kitchen. Think Garlic mustard, flavored olive oil, pear blackberry vinegar,
olive tepanade, and merlot-chocolate dessert sauce—they're bound to pair
well with any of the winery's vino, which is also available to order and
have shipped to someone special.
www.sebastiani.com
Matanzas Creek Winery
Nearly as famous for its lavender as it is its wines, Matanzas
Creek antes up with exceptionally aromatic hand-crafted gifts for the
body, bath, home, and table. Pamper mom silly with lavender soap, shower
gel, scrub, or a clay mask, send loving aromas through a lavender bouquet
or pillow, or inspire her to get creative in the kitchen with culinary
lavender or lavender tea.
www.matanzascreek.com
Jordan Winery
You may know Northern Sonoma's Jordan Winery for its Chardonnay
or Cabernet Sauvignon, but if you've visited you also know that
it's a place that's all about elegant hospitality, which is spearheaded
by Sandra Jordan. Check out the hostess with the mostess's outstanding
collection of toleware and silver wine accoutrements. If they're
too pricy you can always grab a bottle of Jordan's tasty extra-virgin
olive oil. www.jordanwinery.com
Looking for additional gift ideas? Visit Shop
Valley and Vine for wine
accessories, gifts and more…
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articles by Erika Lenkert
