Mother’s Day Wine Pick 2019
Wente Vineyards
Riva Ranch Chardonnay

This year, pour Mom what she really wants for Mother’s Day—a knockout Chardonnay from a winemaking family who knows their way around tasteful California wines.

Honestly, I haven’t found many Chardonnays that I could rave about. That has all changed… and just in time for Mother’s Day!

On a press trip hosted by Visit Tri-Valley  and the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, I was introduced to Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Vineyard 2017 Chardonnay (about $20) at the Wente Winery. The wine is a WOW. The winery is gorgeous. Lucky are the moms who find this wine on their patio or dining room table.

The winemaker notes describe this single vineyard Chard this way, “The 2017 Riva Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay opens up with layers of tropical fruit and toast, similar to grilled pineapple and graham cracker. The wine has a creamy mouthfeel with a balanced acidity and will continue to evolve as it rests in the bottle.” I would add rich notes of creamy butter, and vanilla with a hint of citrus. Although barrel aged, it certainly is not oaky in any way.

I don’t say this often…but it is perfect in every way.  It is the perfect companion to a Mother’s Day meal of grilled chicken and …who knew …asparagus.  Follow up with a lemon cheesecake and you’ve hit nirvana. If you are more of a brunch kind of mom, a menu of frittata, pastries, fruit salad and light cheeses comes to mind.

In case you didn’t know, Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously-operated, family-owned winery in the USA and recognized for their Chardonnay.

The wines are 100% estate grown and sustainably farmed in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations in California. The winery is owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family.

You should definitely think about making a visit to the Livermore Wine Country with a stay and foodie indulgence in the Tri-Valley area. Not heard of the Tri-Valley area in California? The Tri-Valley is made up of three valleys that come together to create a unique tourism area that features unique wine, beer, and food venues,  as well as many other activities.

Livermore Valley Wine Country

The featured cities of Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, and the town of Danville, are home to award-winning wineries, deliciously diverse restaurants, brew pubs, authentic dim sum brunch, attractive downtowns and unspoiled hiking trails.

BottleTaps, Pleasanton

The Tri-Valley area is just 35 miles east of San Francisco. Fly into SFO or OAK or catch the area on your way to / from Yosemite.  Think magnificent sunshine, idyllic countryside and small city charm.

For a real treat, stay at the contemporary Aloft Hotel in Dublin. Central to everything (Bart, Dim-Sum, Wineries and Shopping) this classy hotel runs its rooms via Alexa. Easy breezy commands makes your stay a dream. Forgot toothpaste or napkins?  The robot butler will come to your room with whatever you need. A friendly enthusiastic staff, onsite bar, swimming pool, workout room and tiny cafe and snack bar will fulfill your every need.  Uber or Black Tie Transportation (preferred)  is at your service to take you (affordably) to anywhere you want to go.

Aloft Hotels rooms powered by Alexa

Fresh Herb Frittata Recipe

I found this “sort of” frittata recipe some time ago, but it still delivers every time without a lot of fuss and is very forgiving if your refir is low on ingredients…because as the chef says, “It’s really a method, not a recipe.” It’s basically a compilation of everything in your fridge on any given day.  Included in the recipe is fresh herbs, fresh scallions, heavy cream and some Irish Dubliner.

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The author was hosted by Visit Tri Valley and the Livermore Winegrowers Association.