Holiday Spirit Weekend set for Nov. 11-12
For The Madera Tribune
Toca Madera Winery in Madera will feature holiday shopping vendors as well as live music, food and wine during the 15th annual Holiday Spirit Weekend on Nov. 11-12.
On Nov. 11 and 12, Madera Wine Trail will host its 15th annual Holiday Spirit Weekend with eight wineries offering wines, live music, shopping and gourmet foods by local caterers and food trucks.
Participating wineries include Birdstone Winery, Papagni Wines, Fasi Estate Winery, Idle Hour Winery, San Joaquin Wine Company, Westbrook Wine Farm and Ficklin Vineyards.
“Wine Trail Weekend is the perfect time for visitors to experience Madera’s rich wine heritage and unique family wineries,” said Walt Wheelan President of the Madera Vintners Association. “Whether you’re new to wine or a connoisseur, there is something for everyone on the Wine Trail.”
Below are details on wineries that will be involved.
Fasi Estate Winery
The staff of Fasi Estate winery will showcase three newly released wines as they kick off the holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 11-12.
The winery’s 2016 Grenache Blanc will be paired with Dubliner cheese and crisp green apple slices. The 2016 Syrah Rose will be paired with melon bites. The 2015 Malbec will be paired with Swiss chocolates.
Fasi Estate Winery can be found at 42415 Road 208, three miles north of State Route 145 and just off SR 41 on Road 208. San Joaquin Wine Company
The staff of San Joaquin Wine Company will release a new dry Rosé and new vintages of Zinfandel and Sauv Blanc. Wines will be available at a discount. Other shopping options will include Deckerate Dot modern calligraphy, Miners Mix rubs and seasonings, LuLaRoe clothing, You Sweet Thing jams and jellies, and a variety of goodies from Chickies Tasty Treats. Gastro Grill will sell foods, and Rhythm Review will perform from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.
San Joaquin Wine Company is at 21821 Avenue 16 in Madera.
Westbrook Wine Farm
Westbrook Wine Farm will be available on both days by appointment or invitation only (559-868-3499) at 49610 House Ranch Road in O’Neal’s, about 35 minutes from Madera or Fresno. Artisanal wines will be presented to those 21 and older by grower/winemakers without crowds or entertainment.
“In an uncrowded and civilized, (albeit rustic) setting you will taste-travel from the Rheine through Bordeaux and into Italy with our Uber Rhenish, Fait Accompli and Madera Barbera and more,” said proprietors Ray and Tammy Krause.
No smoking or guest dogs allowed. Ficklin Vineyards
Reservations will be required for small cellar tours of Ficklin Vineyards’ historic adobe building scheduled for 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The building, built in 1946, contains casks from as far back as the early 1800s. Port tasting will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with no admittance after 1 p.m. and no general wine tasting offered after 2 p.m. VIP-only port seminars will take place at 3 and 4 p.m. Artisan vendors will be present along with pairing ideas and holiday recipes. For tickets, reservations or information, call 661-0075. Other wineries
Toca Madera Winery will feature holiday shopping vendors as well as live music, food and wine at 36140 Avenue 9 in Madera.
Details have not yet been announced for Birdstone Winery (9400 Road 36), Idle Hour Winery (41139 Highway 41 in Oakhurst), and Papagni Wines (9505 Road 30 1/2). Wineries that no longer participate in Wine Trail Weekend events include Sumner Peck Ranch Winery, Quady Winery and Chateau Lasgoity.
Each ticket includes a keepsake wine glass and a pass to wine-tasting on the trail all weekend long. Tickets are $25 in advance through Nov. 10, and $30 the weekend of the event. Designated drivers may take part in the Wine Trail free of charge.
Tickets are available online at www.maderawinetrail.com, by calling Therese Williams at (805) 705-3733, or at Toca Madera Winery or San Joaquin Wine Company.