There are many different ideas about how Mother’s Day came to be. Whether it grew from ancient rituals honoring a goddess or from a more modern attempt in the late 1800’s to empower women politically, Mother’s Day has been a special day to me from as far back as I can remember. As a child, I would excitedly create something special for my mom. Beaming with pride, I would present my creation to my mom who always made me feel like I had given her something she had always wanted. Throughout my adult life, it’s become the day my mom will let me pay for the bill without me having to sneak my debit card to the server while my mom leaves the table to wash her hands.

For anyone else including plans for a special meal as part of your Mother’s Day celebration, Pure Luxury presents some delicious suggestions Mother’s Day Brunch in Sonoma County on Sunday, May 8, 2011.

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards is the perfect place to enjoy a Mother’s Day celebration in Sonoma Wine Country. The festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. with appetizers followed by a private tour and a sit down lunch paired with Gloria Ferrer wines.

Sante Restaurant at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Sante Restaurant at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is another favorite among locals and visitors to Sonoma Wine Country. With a Michelin Star and AAA Four Diamond Award, Sante Restaurant is consistently divine. This year’s Mother’s Day Buffet Menu will be accompanied by the heavenly music created by Harpist, Laura Simpson. Served from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the menu is wonderfully extensive and features special items served only before and after 2 p.m. such as Dungeness Crab Eggs Benedict with Classic Hollandaise Sauce served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Along with numerous tasty appetizers, a Chef’s Carving Station, and a Dessert Station, entrees being served include Organic English Pea and Ricotta Ravioli in a Black Truffle Cream Sauce, Alaskan Halibut Filet with Lobster Bouillabasse Sauce, Roasted Free Range Organic Chicken Breast with Globe Artichokes and Preserved Meyer Lemon Chicken Jus, and Navarin of Spring Lamb with Syrah Braisage.

At the Depot Hotel, guests will be greeted from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with their choice of a glass of champagne, Mimosa or Orange Juice. The selection of main courses for Mother’s Day covers the gamut of seafood, beef, poultry, and pork. Desserts include Tiramisu Belgian Chocolate with Espresso and Dark Chocolate Sauce, Cheesecake Biscotti Crust with Apricot Coulis, Housemade Limoncello Cake with Lemon Mascarpone Cream, and a Bittersweet Chocolate Decadence with Mango Sauce. Click here to view the full menu.

FARM at Carneros Inn

Mother’s Day Brunch at Farm at Carneros Inn includes a unique souvenir – a commemorative menu to be signed for a special mother from each member of the family. Served from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., brunch begins with Lobster Bisque and Salad of Romaine Hearts. Main dishes include Eggs Benedict, Dungeness Crabcake, and Roasted Prime Rib. The variety of desserts includes Carrot Cake Cupcakes, Chocolate Caramel Tarts, Tiramisu Mousse Cups, and Raspberry Tarts.

Dry Creek Kitchen at Hotel Healdsburg

At Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen located at Hotel Healdsburg, Mother’s Day Brunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This decadent, superbly prepared three course meal is another great option to show how much the special mothers in attendance are appreciated by their families. Along with five selections for the first course, and three sumptuous dessert choices to end the meal with, the entrees are creative and delicious making it a difficult choice. The Dungeness Crab Eggs Benedict is served with Slow Roasted Tomato on Toasted House Made Brioche. The French toast is a Raspberry French Toast served with Raspberry Compote, Vanilla Anglaise, and Shaved White Chocolate. Another entrée choice is a Pan Roasted Petit Filet Mignon served with Olive Oil Poached Potatoes and Grilled Asparagus. The list for entrees continues with a Crispy Striped Bass served with Baby Zucchini Risotto and a Tomato Vinaigrette. The final entrée option is House Made Rigatoni Pasta with Toasted Walnuts in an Arugula Pesto.

No matter where you go, Sonoma County is the place to find the perfect, unforgettable Mother’s Day Brunch. Add a special touch to the celebration by contacting Pure Luxury for private, chauffeured transportation.