MOM, arguably the most significant three-letter word in a child’s vocabulary. Today, my mother is my closest confidante. She has flawlessly fulfilled the roles of chef, chauffeur, cheerleader, nurse, mentor, travel companion, psychologist, tutor, and grandmother, all with grace, patience, and unwavering love.
There’s no perfect way to show your mom you care, so we asked six women wine producers, how they do it.
Liv Vincendeau Domäne Vincendeau, Anjou France
Get to know Ms. Liv, the mastermind behind incredible Loire Valley Cremants! With roots in Germany and education in UK & France, she’s brought a unique perspective to the world of wine. Now, she crafts stunning wines from Chenin, Grolleau Noir, and Pinot Noir. Her success is a testament to her hard work, skilled team, and supportive family. And, with Mother’s Day celebrated on different days in France and Germany, Ms. Liv has the pleasure of celebrating her mother twice,
Liv: “I would definitely pour my new vintage of Rosa (2023) –a delicious fruity Crémant de Loire, fizzy, chic & sooo refreshing, girly rosé color…perfect with a nib of smoked fish & aneth or – from the sweet side – a framboise macaron or a fondant de chocolat”.
Serana Marrone Agricola Marrone, Piedmont, Italy
What career paths were you considering at age thirteen? I attended school and spent my evenings playing in the neighborhood park.
The Marrone sisters, at the age of thirteen, had a pivotal conversation with their father. Without sons to inherit the family business, he faced a critical decision: sell the winery or prepare his daughters for future leadership.
Subsequently, the Marrone winery has thrived under Selena, Denise, and Valentina’s leadership, expertly guided by their parents. Their combined passion and dedication have resulted in a diverse wine selection that enhances the culinary experience, making every meal a special occasion.
For Serena, “our Arneis called Tre Fie, three daughters in Piedmontese dialect would be perfect!”
P.S. If you enjoy cooking, consider enrolling in classes led by Mrs. Marrone and Chef Paolo at their state-of-the-art winery, cooking school, and restaurant.
According to Jancis Robinson: The lime-green, clementine-soused, salty liquorice tones of this wine, gradating from fennel pollen to caraway seeds, from creamy celeriac to sweet parsnip, are a quiet joy. It’s not a shouty wine. The acidity is smooth, gently curved. It’s a wine that wants the food to shine and your soul to be soothed. 2024 – 2027
Julie Voirin, Champagne Voirin Jumel, Champagne, France
A staunch advocate of local chef-driven restaurants, it comes as no surprise that we prefer to drink “grower Champagne”, endearingly labeled as farmer’s fizz in support of farmers who work the land. How can you tell if a Champagne is a “grower Champagne”? Check the front label of the Champagne bottle for “RM” – Recoltant Manipulant. RM denotes – ” I am a grower, who grows grapes in my vineyard, and I made the Champagne too.”
Our recent trip to Champagne was focused on Cote des Blancs and grower champagnes. Champagne Voirin Jumel is more than a family business – it’s a women-led legacy, with 5 generations of female leadership. Sisters Julie and Pauline, the newest generation, are now at the helm, driving the business forward.
Julie: “For Mother’s Day, I would choose our Cuvée CRAMANT, our very first vintage from 2017. This exceptional cuvée beautifully showcases the terroir of Cramant, with finesse and elegance at its core just like a mother’s love.”
Manuela Seminara Tenute Ballasanti, Etna Sicily, Italy
After a dazzling career, Maneula’s embarking on a new adventure with her husband Fabio. Together, they’re trading memories for shared experiences, reconnecting with her Sicilian heritage, and crafting a special reality.
Ballasanti production is focused on four monovarietal and two CRU wines, Nerello Mascalese for the reds and rosés, and Carricante for the whites.
Manuela: “The wine I would pour for my mother is my Etna Bianco Doc, because it is elegant like a woman , it smells and remind beauty, it is fresh and mineral so it brings you to the mother land.
it’s perfect for every woman.
Annamarie Sala, Tenuta Gorghi Tondi, Sicily Italy
Shaped by nonna’s love for nature, Tenuta Gorghi Tondi is an ecological haven backed by the WWF, rising through the ranks as a premier estate for Sicily’s native grapes and international grape varieties, crafting fine sparkling to sweet wines, and EVOO.
On a personal note, reaching out to Annamarie wasn’t easy; losing a parent is one of life’s toughest experiences. In her own words:
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for thinking of Clara and me for this beautiful Mother’s Day contest. It truly means a lot, especially in this delicate moment for us, as our beloved mother, Doretta, passed away just a few months ago.
Your thoughtful initiative is such a wonderful way to celebrate the love, strength, and legacy of remarkable women like her. And as I reflected on this tribute, I couldn’t help but think of your visit to Sicily a few years ago—such a special memory that still brings a smile to my face!
For this occasion, we have chosen Palmarès Rosé Spumante, a wine that perfectly embodies who our mother was. She was effervescent, full of energy, and had a sharp sense of humor—just like the lively bubbles in every glass of Palmarès. The delicate salmon-pink hue reflects her elegance, while the fresh red berry notes capture the vibrancy and warmth she brought into every moment.
Claire Jarreau, Brooks Winery, Oregon USA
Claire is undoubtedly the driving force behind my selection for a harvest internship at Brooks, an esteemed biodynamic boutique winery situated in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette valley. She provided invaluable instruction on the art of winemaking, and her inquisitive nature, impressive viticultural acumen, and captivating Southern charm resonated deeply. Without a doubt, Claire’s future prospects are exceptionally promising.
Claire: “I love pouring wine for my mom. I know her palate and have also been able to guide her tastes over the years, which has been a joy as she has expanded her tastes and followed along with my journey in wine. In doing so, I’ve converted a die hard NZ SB drinker to a passionate Riesling evangelist, as well as lover of all high acid whites, like her daughter. If I could only pour her 1 wine, I think she would want it to be a Riesling that I made and she is very partial to our Bois Joli Vineyard bottling, as many of us on the team are!”
This mother’s day, we are not just raising a glass, we are raising a mom. Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there!
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