If your mom (or you, for that matter) would enjoy a Mother's Day involving wine, head up to Napa Valley. Here's my list of recommendations for all of you "spontaneous" planners. 

Duckhorn
 is pulling out all the stops for mothers everywhere (a day early) with their Saturday Spring Celebration. Bustle from station to station and through the gardens, tasting small bites and sipping on different wines.

There will be chances to win all kinds of prizes, wines from multiple vintages and select but worthwhile discounts. With specific and limited time slots (10/11/12/12:30) it’s best to buy your tickets right away.   

There are quite a few wineries offering Mother’s Day tasting specials. In fact, with a sweet smile, your mom could probably get a free tasting just about anywhere. But If you're looking for a sure thing, a couple of wineries that are known for their Mother’s Day hospitality are Robert Mondavi Winery, offering complimentary tasting for all Moms and V. Sattui, who will be pouring glasses of free Sparkling Wine at their bustling, picnicker filled, property on Highway 29.


Rutherford Passport weekend
 (May 7-8) is your ticket to a carefree day of wine tasting in Cab-famous Rutherford. Your passport ($75 for the weekend or $60 for Sunday) includes VIP treatment, food pairings, special wines, and unique tastings at a variety of Rutherford Appellation wineries who have opened their doors in celebration of the women who brought us into this world. Buy your passports onlineor at Elizabeth Spencer Winery, and follow your guide to Rutherford's best food and wine. Passports may sell out so I recommend checking the website or calling ahead; but even if they do, there is no reason you can’t enjoy an impromptu day in the valley with Mom.

If your mom is anything like mine, and likes to go to museums on Mother's Day, I’d suggest heading up to Hess Collection. The drive is beautiful, grounds elegantly designed, wines tasty, and the museum hosts a wide variety of art styles and impressive pieces. Afterwards, continue the drive up Mt. Veeder for amazing valley views and the perfect Mother's Day photo-op to frame for next year. 


If your family has a tradition of Mother’s Day brunches, read the7 Best Brunches in Napa Valley (book quickly!) or check out 7x7's Napa section for other ideas that you can mix and match to create your own Mother's Day trip.