No matter how old we get, Mom never stops being special. She should be celebrated at all times of the year, of course, but Mother’s Day is a perfect opportunity to really show your appreciation to the wonderful woman who is such an important part of your life. And what’s better than a trip to the heart of California’s stunning wine country to do that? Whether you’re looking for the perfect Mother’s Day brunch to treat her to or the place to spend an afternoon sipping, swirling and savoring, we’ve got you covered. Check out our suggestions for stops Mom will adore this Mother’s Day in Napa.
WINE
If your mom is a fan of wine — and let’s face it, who isn’t? — you won’t go wrong with a visit to any of Napa’s tasting rooms.
- Wine Girl Napa Valley
This chic, approachable wine bar aims to curate an atmosphere that is open to anyone who likes to enjoy a good glass of wine and can appreciate a well-crafted aesthetic. While anyone can come in for a tasting, Wine Girl is perfect for the gals, making it a must-stop for Mom.
- Bar Lucia
Mother’s Day is about celebrating all the incredible moms in our life, not just one. It’s fitting, then, to head to Bar Lucia, a casual spot in Oxbow Public Market offering sparkling wines, rose and cocktails. Founded by Kara’s Cupcakes owner Kara Lind, Bar Lucia pays homage to the line of incredible women who came before Lind herself. The name “Lucia” is inspired by Lind’s great-grandmother, Andrea Luci, and her daughter, Lucia, making Bar Lucia a testament to five generation’s worth of culinary tradition and passion for wine.
- Be Bubbly
What’s more celebratory than popping a bottle of bubbly? This year, salute Mom the right way with a visit to Be Bubbly, Napa’s first and only sparkling wine-dedicated wine bar. This is the perfect stop to pop in for a glass of sparkling wine and toast to all the wonderful things you appreciate about her. They’ve also recently renovated, so even if you’ve been before, you should definitely stop by to enjoy the new space. - Chateau Buena Vista
To really make this a special occasion, go for luxury at Chateau Buena Vista. At this elevated sipping spot, you can invite Mom to sink into a plush velvet couch and spend her afternoon enjoying caviar, chocolate and of course, champagne.
BRUNCH
Brunch is, of course, the most important meal of the day — or at least it is when you’re visiting Napa. Treat your mom to the morning she deserves with any of these fabulous brunch specials curated especially for her.
- Mother’s Day Brunch at the Meritage Resort & Spa
Nothing says, “I appreciate you, Mom” like an extravagant brunch. The Meritage Resort & Spa is hosting a buffet-style brunch in the iconic Meritage Ballroom, featuring a wide variety of mouthwatering options, such as a smoked salmon station, a prime rib carving station and so much more. No matter what kind of brunch she prefers, you can be sure she won’t be leaving hungry. - Mother’s Day at The Grove at Copia
If your mother is someone who can appreciate truly excellent food, The Grove at Copia is the perfect place to take her for a decadent Mother’s Day brunch. Enjoy a wide selection of brunch items as you unwind in Copia’s own culinary gardens, where much of the menu’s ingredients are sourced from. They are also offering a prix-fixe dinner menu for those who’d prefer to eat a little later, from 12 PM – 7 PM. - Mother’s Day Brunch and Dinner at La Toque
Go all out with a Michelin-rated meal at La Toque. This excellent example of Napa’s best fine dining is the perfect place to treat Mom to a truly unforgettable meal. In addition to a wide, seasonally-inspired menu, La Toque also features an extensive wine list that is the longtime recipient of the Wine Spectator Grand Award, the world’s highest honor for restaurant wine programs.
SPAS
Moms work hard. For Mother’s Day, give her some space to unwind and relax. A trip to a luxurious Napa Valley spa is sure to leave her feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and smiling.
- Spa Terra
You’ll find this underground oasis directly behind the Meritage Resort & Spa, making it a convenient stop if you’re already attending Mother’s Day brunch in the Meritage Ballroom. Here, your mom can step into a world of bliss and serenity surrounded by natural stone and water features, and allow her stress to melt away with a calming facial or soothing massage.
- Rooftop Spa at Archer Hotel
Rise above the stress of daily life — literally. Give your mother the gift of relaxation high above the streets of Downtown Napa at the Archer Hotel’s peaceful Rooftop Spa. She’ll feel refreshed from head to toe while enjoying handcrafted drink accompaniments courtesy of Sky & Vine.
- Halehouse Spa at Stanly Ranch
If Mom’s been needing a little more of a full mind, body and spirit reset, Halehouse is the place to go. Surrounded by stunning views of the Stanly Ranch property, Halehouse offers a holistic, whole-body approach to wellness, using a wide array of techniques such as energetic healing practices, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and more. - The Spa at Napa River Inn
This fully organic spa utilizes all-natural ingredients in all of its treatments for a clean, relaxing experience. And though we know that Mom is young at heart and doesn’t look a day older than 25, she might still appreciate the anti-aging remedies offered at this historic location.
SHOPPING
Classic retail therapy is sometimes the best medicine for a stressful life — and as a mom, we’re sure she’s got no shortage of stress. Show your care for mom with a stop at any of Napa’s wide variety of local shops, where she can buy — or rather, you can buy her — something special to commemorate a perfect Mother’s Day.
- Compline Wine Shop
This chic shop and tasting bar is a wine lover’s dream. You can browse hundreds of bottles of carefully curated fine wines, all stored at cellar temperature to maintain the best possible quality. The tasting bar offers daily flight tasting, as well, so you can take a break from browsing to sip for a bit. - Betty’s Girl
Betty’s Girl stands as a true testament to the creativity and passion for artistry that Napa is so proud of. Combining vintage inspiration with stylish modern designs, Betty’s Girl offers a wide collection of unique, handmade pieces, as well as a great variety of vintage finds. While it’s a great stop on any Napa trip, the special, handmade quality of each of these clothing pieces makes this a unique place to find Mom’s new favorite closet staple.
- Oxbow Public Market
Whether your mom is a bookworm, a connoisseur of fine olive oils or just loves to browse artisan goods of all kinds, she’ll adore a trip to Oxbow Public Market, one of the best places in Napa to stroll and shop. You’ll also find several fantastic restaurants tucked inside the market, so we encourage you to stop for lunch in between shops.
- First Street Napa
Make her feel as pretty on the outside as she undoubtedly is on the inside with a shopping trip along First Street, Napa’s premier shopping destination. Browse boutiques, jewelry stores and more, each offering a unique take on Napa’s signature laid-back luxury style.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Napa has so much more to offer beyond wine tasting, shopping and more. Check out a few more unique experiences to make Mother’s Day a truly special one this year.
- Napa Valley Wine Train
Whether you’ve explored Napa before or you’re a first-time visitor, the Napa Valley Wine Train is an entirely new experience. Choose from a variety of trips aboard a beautifully restored historic train and unwind with tasting flights, multi-coursed meals and more.
- Napa Gondola Tours
Give Mom a taste of Italy with a gondola tour along the Napa River. These charming gondolas can accommodate groups of up to six people, making this a great choice if you’re looking for an outing for the whole family. Your mom can relax as you sip wine, listen to the soothing music provided onboard and gaze out at the scenic river views surrounding you. - Catch a Show
If your mom is a fan of live performances — paired of course with artisan wines and handcrafted cocktails — then she’ll love the gift of a ticket to a show at one of Napa’s many acclaimed performance venues, such as the Uptown Theatre, Blue Note Napa or JaM Cellars. - Soar Above the Valley
Here’s an experience she’s not likely to forget — take your mom on a flight high above the Napa Valley in a hot air balloon. You can book a flight with either Balloons Above the Valley or Napa Valley Balloons, and both offer custom packages that you can curate for your specific experience. You just might want to make sure she’s cool with heights before taking her up! - Cooking Classes with CIA at Copia
As one of the most prolific culinary schools in the country, it’s safe to say that the Culinary Institute of America knows good food. Share the gift of learning a new skill and indulging in some delightful bites (paired with drinks, of course!) with a cooking class at the CIA at Copia. You can choose from a variety of options, making it easy to choose the cuisine and difficulty level you know is right for her.
Mom’s Meant to Be Here
Every mom is amazing in a different way. One thing they all have in common? They want to feel truly appreciated on Mother’s Day. This year, take her to enjoy the best of what Downtown Napa has to offer. Consider extending your visit to an overnight stay to experience the full extent of adventures available to you. And if you can’t take her to Napa right away, why not give the gift of travel, and give her a trip to look forward to? However you choose to spoil her, we’ll see you soon — and in the meantime, you should probably call your mom. (Seriously, call her right now. She’ll be thrilled to hear from you.)
