Nestled in the picturesque Central Valley, Madera County is both a historic and up-and-coming wine region that attracts sommeliers and wine lovers from all over the world.
The first vines in Madera were planted over a century ago, yet only a small number survived during the Prohibition era of the 1920s. In recent years, small, family-owned wineries have sprouted throughout the area, turning it into a great destination in Fresno, the largest metropolitan city in Central Valley.
Today, Madera County is a unique grape growing region blessed with varied soil types and an abundance of sunshine and heat in the summer, providing a solid foundation for the development of high quality grapes. Madera County’s ideal microclimate is confined and cooled by the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the east and the San Joaquin River on the southwest. The region is famous for its top-quality dessert wines and ports, so remember to try this particular variety if you see it on the tasting menu.
Experience Madera’s rich wine heritage
Madera’s family-owned wineries are located in the midst of vineyards from which they plant, grow, and harvest the grapes. The winemakers’ expertise and high level of care ensures fruits of exceptional quality, a key step in producing excellent wine.
Visitors on the Madera Wine Trail can know more about the region’s rich winemaking history by visiting the many wineries and tasting rooms along the trail. You can get a first-hand look at a seamless combination of cutting-edge technology, sustainable vineyard practices, and old world techniques used by Madera County winemakers to produce award-winning wines.
Wineries of the Madera Wine Trail
The exceptional wineries you can find along the trail include:
- The Madera Winery
- Ficklin Vineyards
- Quady Winery
- San Joaquin Winery
- Papagni Wines
- Birdstone Winery
- Idle Hour Winery
- Westbrook Wine Farm
- Fasi Estate Winery
You can prepare for your trip by viewing a map of the Madera Wine Trail here.
Wine Trail Events
Madera’s family winemakers organized The Madera Vintners Association to create a single, collaborative group dedicated to promoting and upholding the highest standards of quality winemaking.
The Madera Vintners Association along with participating family wineries organize several Wine Trail Weekend events each year. Wine connoisseurs can check out schedules and buy tickets at the official Madera Wine Trail website, and get a keepsake Madera Wine Trail glass during the event. The weekend events offer a unique opportunity for guests to sample current and newly released vintages while soaking in local art and live music performances and indulging in special food pairings.
In addition to the events scheduled for February and November, the Madera Vintners Association and its partners also host Wine Showcase Days every year, along with the California Wine Month Celebration each September.
You can head to Madera Wine Trail’s calendar section to see a list of upcoming events.
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