The great outdoors offers endless options for fun and exploration, so we invite you to take the leap and venture into the open air. Soaking up the sun, breathing in the fresh air, and maybe even getting a little dusty are all ingredients for a unique and memorable Mother’s Day.
Whether Mom is an ultramarathoner or prefers a casual stroll, these tips will help you plan the perfect day outside.
Tip #1 Pick Your Activity and Route
Do you and Mom like to bond over serious sweat sessions, or would you rather maintain a leisurely pace so you can chat? Make sure you get input from Mom when you’re thinking about how physically challenging you want your outdoor activity to be. Maybe a 10-mile bike ride followed by a jump in a freezing lake is Mom’s idea of an adventure. Or maybe you’re better off with a stroll on a paved road at a local park. Don’t limit yourself when choosing an activity, and try to think of places or things you’ve never seen or tried. If Mom loves biking, why not mix it up and get a tandem bike? Or, find a new route up the mountain you normally like to hike together. When it comes to the outdoors, the options are almost limitless.
Mother's Day with Stags' Leap
Tip #2 Consider a Sunrise or Sunset
To make the day even more special, consider planning your activity around a sunrise or sunset. Mom is likely busy and might not have the time during her normal day-to-day to stop and savor the colors of the morning or evening. Whatever activity you choose will be made more special if you can time it with the sunrise or sunset.
Make sure you are very familiar with the route you plan to take. Getting lost in the dark might be memorable but probably not what Mom has in mind for a fun day! Also remember to dress in layers so you’re not roasting when that sun comes up or freezing when it goes down. Bonus points if you can plan to catch both the sunrise and sunset!
elevated trail mix
Tip #3 Up-Level Your Snacks
No matter what activity you choose, you’re going to need some fuel. However, we don’t mean your typical protein bar situation. Mom deserves the best and this especially applies to the snacks you choose to bring. Try out our trail mix recipe below to take your adventure to new heights.
Elevated Trail Mix
The classic trail mix you knew as a kid deserves an upgrade. Add some tang, spice and salt to create an elevated version of the classic and feel free to skip the peanuts. The below ingredients are just suggestions, get creative with whatever Mom’s favorite snack items are and adjust proportions however you please.
Ingredients
- Crystallized ginger, cut into small chunks
- Flaked coconut
- Dark chocolate chunks
- Walnuts Roasted cashews
- Mini pretzels or crunchy cereal of choice
- Dried blueberries or raspberries
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large bowl.
- Mix until combined and stash in snack packs or small jars so its outdoor adventure ready!
Tip #4 Enjoy an Outdoor Dinner
After your adventure, a nourishing dinner to celebrate will be in order. Our Viognier or Merlot pairs beautifully with bright herbs like basil, parsley, mint and dill. Try this simple yet elegant basil risotto and enjoy outside on your patio.
Basil Risotto Recipe
Ingredients
- 6.5 cups of low sodium
- chicken broth
- 1 cup lightly packed fresh
- basil leaves
- 2 peeled cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded parmesan
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 shallots peeled and chopped
- 1.5 cups arborio rice
- ¾ cup dry white wine
Instructions
- In a large pot or pan, bring the broth to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to maintain simmer.
- In a food processor, combine basil, garlic and 1 teaspoon of olive oil until coarsely chopped. Add cheese and continue to process until it’s lightly ground.
- Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil and all the butter to a new pan. Increase heat and then add shallots and rice. Stir until the mixture turns opaque, about 2 minutes. Add wine to the rice and stir until absorbed.
- Add broth to the pan with the rice, 1 cup at a time stirring after each addition until almost absorbed. After adding all the broth, stir in the basil mixture and cook until rice is barely tender.
- Add more broth to reach desired consistency. Turn off heat and serve risotto with cheese and fresh basil on top.
Tip #5 End Your Day the Right Way with Stags' Leap Wine
Savor the time spent together by reminiscing about the day's highlights and sharing a bottle of Stags' Leap wine, enhancing the bond you share with your mom.
