I am wine-loving mom, hear me roar. From my favorite French rosé that I enjoy throughout spring and summer to dreaming up red wine pairings for the barbecue my husband loves, wine sets the scene for bonding with friends, relaxing at the end of the day, and home entertaining.
When gifting wine for the oenophile moms in my life on Mother’s Day, I reach for flavor profiles that will please their discerning palates while also taking into account the pleasures of wine the year through.
Here is a round-up of eight terrific wines for wonderful moms. These include picks for their next picnic, nightcap, or get-together, and, of course, wine-related gifts — all sure to make a splash this Mother’s Day.
Bottles of wine
Choose six bottles from a selection of 17 Oregon wines. Each comes from the valleys of Rogue, Umpqua, or Willamette and is a treat for the wine connoisseur mom who is building her collection. I especially love the 2020 pinot noir, which offers all the depth and complexity of a French pinot from Burgundy — they sit at the same latitude — but with less acidity (due to the cooler Oregon climate).
Wine & Sweets Gift
This gift box features the aforementioned pinot noir (gold medal winner at the 2022 San Francisco Chronicle Competition) with a dessert selection that will make chocolate-loving moms salivate: chocolate swirl cake, chocolate truffles, and chocolate-covered cherries. The medium-bodied wine, with dusty notes of ripe strawberry and raspberry, is stellar with chocolate. I want to take this and make two little dessert plates — one for me and one for my husband — and raise a glass to a sweet Mother’s Day nightcap after our little guy falls asleep.
Backpack Picnic Gift Set
Toting this picnic set along on the next trip to the park or the beach — even your backyard! — would make for a helluva Saturday outing with a best mom friend. The insulated cooler keeps the two wines (Ross Lane White blend and Royal Crest Red blend) cool. The white blend goes especially well with cheese and salami. I love this gift for the new mom of a baby or toddler who won’t yet wander too far off the picnic blanket.
Personalized Wine Glasses
What, do you expect her to drink straight from the bottle? Your mother’s classy! Commemorate Mother’s Day by printing a dedication, an inspirational quote, or a love note on a stemless wine glass. If I had one of these, it would be the glass I would reach for when I want to unwind with a generous pour of my favorite rosé.
White Wine Gift Box
Who would have thought that something so compact and cute could pack so much flavorful goodness? No, we’re not talking about your mother’s personal casseroles. This small but generous snack basket features a bottle of Ross Lane White blend surrounded by sharp white cheddar cheese, three-seed crackers, roasted almonds, and the world-renowned Pepper and Onion Relish. I recommend inviting friends over for a Mother’s Day toast and setting this spread out for ultimate pleasure and fun.
Photo Wine Charms
I treasure my personalized coffee mugs. I have a half dozen of them, with everything from photos of my son’s Little League team to baby photo collages to the words “I love you so much, Mama” I made for myself (I know). Think of them as a special gift for a wine-loving grandmother and create charms with pictures of the grandkids.
Spring Wine and Chocolate Gift
This gift should come with a note that reads “Break in Case of Emergency.” Every mom knows there are days when sneaking off to nibble bites of dark chocolate raspberry truffles — or milk chocolate-covered anything (peanuts, blueberries, pretzels) — is necessary. And Mom can enjoy all these treats as she relaxes with a glass of wine while wearing the pair of socks that read “Time to Wine Down.” It’s thoughtful. It’s real. It’s ready to ship!
Red Roses and Wine
Surprise your mom with two dozen red roses paired with rosé for a beautiful gesture of love and affection. Roses and rosé are a perfect match since floral notes are among the wide range of aromatics you’ll discover in a glass of rosé. This bottle boasts bright fruit flavors, with notes of melon and strawberry.
