By Leslie Sbrocco–
Recognizing and celebrating the amazing women in my life is something I try to do every day. But on this Mother’s Day, I want to shine a light on my closest female family members who support and love me unconditionally and are there to catch me when I fall. They are my heroes.
My mom is almost 90 years old and focused her life on her children: four girls—Lisa, Linde, Leslie, and Lauren—and one boy, Tom. When she was 40 years old with five kids aged 10–20 years, my dad died suddenly at 46 years old.
My mother became our world. She went back to work, raised five awesome humans, and was a friend to everyone she met. She still is! Beverly Jo (or BJ as we all call her) is a grandmother of ten and great-grandmother of eight. I get my fighting spirit from her and my positive outlook on life. BJ always has a beautiful smile on her face.
We lost my sister, Linde, to cancer ten years ago, and many of you know I’ve been a colon cancer survivor and thriver for four years now. Linde was smart as hell and hilariously funny. I miss her every day.
My sister, Lauren, lives close by and is another mother to my children. Selfless and successful, she gives so much of herself to others and is one of my rocks.
My sister, Lisa, is the eldest of us and has always been a guiding light of faith and strength. She lives in France with her family, but we see her regularly and all her kids and grandchildren.
Finally, there is my adored daughter, Grace. She is incredibly talented as an artist and graphic designer and I’m so proud of her work ethic. She is loving, caring, and simply a fabulous human. We talk at least twice a day to check in. Since we live near my mother, Grace grew up with her as a huge influence. They share a special bond that includes a tattoo of my mom’s wedding photo inked on Grace’s arm!
To all the fabulous women in my life: I am one lucky girl to call you my family, friends, and colleagues. I love you!
Here is a wonderful new bubbly inspired by another remarkable mother.
2024 Domaine EdeM N.0 (ROSÆ), non-alcoholic Sparkling Pink, La Mancha, Spain – $27
One of the hottest trends in wine is offerings with no alcohol. This new entry into the market is a quality-driven, yet quaffable, creation. It honors Elena Maza, who is the wife of Nicolás Catena, head of Argentina’s most famous wine family. Elena requested of her daughter, Laura Catena, and the Catena Institute of Wine to craft “something lighter than traditional wine yet enjoyable as an aperitif before dinner.”
This ethereal sipper is made with Airén grape juice from Toledo, Spain, using a specialized process that removes alcohol at low temperatures. Rose petals are then infused before bottling to capture a floral, citrus tanginess that makes your mouth water. It is a perfect sipper for Mother’s Day celebrations.
Author, speaker, wine consultant, and television host Leslie Sbrocco is known for her entertaining approach to wine and food. She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her work on PBS, which includes hosting the series “Check, Please! Bay Area,” “Check, Please! You Gotta Try This!” and “100 Days, Drinks, Dishes & Destinations.” www.LeslieSbrocco.com
Sbrocco Sips
Published on May 8, 2025
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