Madera Wine Trail: Holiday Spirit Weekend - Nov. 12th & 13th

There is no need to travel to Napa or Paso Robles to sample terrific wines, you can do it right here in the Central Valley.

Madera County is one of the oldest grape growing regions in America. In the late 1800s immigrants settled on small farms and many planted grapes. Many of them had old World winemaking experience.

Fast-forward over 100 years and Madera County remains an active grape and wine producing region.

In 2001, the Madera Vintners Association was formed. The association is dedicated to promoting excellence in winemaking.

There are several family-owned wineries that make up the Madera Wine Trail. Most are open year-around and offer winetasting.

Three times a year participating wineries take part in special Wine Trail Weekends.

The Holiday Spirt Weekend is taking place November 12^th and 13^th. It runs from 10AM to 5PM each day.

Here’s how it works. You purchase a ticket and go from winery to winery tasting a variety of reds, whites and rosés.

It really is a lot of fun. I’ve done it at least a half a dozen times; usually with a group of friends.

It’s a great way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. I’ve seen groups of guys and gals use it as an opportunity for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Couples love the Madera Wine Trail. Wine really has a way of bringing people together!

If you purchase your ticket online, you can start at any of the participating wineries. They’ll give you a glass and a wristband. Day of tickets can be purchased at Ficklin Vineyards or San Joaquin Wine Company. Tickets are $25 per person in advance or $30 the day of.

Your wristband is good for both days. That’s a lot of wine!

Not only will you get to sample the many fabulous wines, but you will also enjoy live music and wonderful ambiance.

Many of the wineries have food and specialty gifts for sale. And of course you can purchase your favorite bottles of wine.

Wineries participating in the Holiday Spirit Weekend include: Birdstone Winery, Fasi Estate Winery, Ficklin Vineyards, Idle Hour Winery, Papagni Wines, San Joaquin Wine Company, Toca Madera Winery and Westbrook Wine Farm (by appointment only).

Each of the wineries has a fan base and something that makes them unique.

For example, Ficklin Vineyards is America’s oldest port winery. They were founded in 1946.

Learn more about all the wineries and ticket information by visiting MaderaWineTrail.com