September Events in
California's Gateway
to Yosemite: Madera County
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Art Trails Preview
Sept. 5 - Oct. 5 - Oakhurst
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Greetings!
Thank you for your continued interest in California's Gateway to Yosemite: Madera County. Lots of exciting things are going on as always.
If you haven't found the time for a visit recently, perhaps this newsletter will give you a few ideas. We hope to see you soon!
Sincerely,
The staff at the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
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Discover California's Other Wine Country
Tour the Madera Wine Trail 
With
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's recent declaration of September as
California Wine Month, now is the perfect time to discover Madera County wines.
"Madera County is a great place for wine
enthusiasts to explore," said Dan Cunning, CEO of the Yosemite Sierra Visitors
Bureau, which promotes Madera County. "We hear from a lot of oenophiles who
enjoy the vintages found throughout the county. They especially enjoy the fact
that they can have an intimate tasting, without the crowds seen in other
areas," he said.
The
Madera Vintners have put together a self guided tour among the valley's numerous
wineries, many of which offer tastings. "There are several small, family-owned
wineries in Madera County, making up the Madera Wine Trail. Many of these
wineries are situated in the midst of the vineyards from which they harvest
their grapes," said K.C. Pomering, the Executive Administrator of the Madera
Vintners Association.
"Oftentimes, the winemakers' roots are in
growing wine grapes. Their attentive care and expertise ensures the production
of high quality wine grapes, a critical first step for producing exceptional
wine. This spirit of growing superior wine grapes and crafting premium wine in
Madera began with the early settlers' hands and lives on today and is available
for guests to experience on the Madera Wine Trail."
Pomering
said the small nature of the wineries on the trail gives visitors a more
genuine experience. "Guests visiting the Madera Wine Trail reap the benefits of
the region's rich history, knowledgeable staff and tasting rooms that are still
small enough that you can speak to the winemakers themselves."
Pomering
added that many of the wineries don't charge tasting fees, which makes it
easier to find a new favorite to help restock the shelves at home.
Like
Napa Valley, Madera County has a long history of winemaking. Madera County is
one of the oldest wine grape producing areas in California. As early as the
late 1800's, settlers homesteaded small farms and planted grapes to produce
wine. These settlers came to Madera bringing their old world winemaking
expertise from such countries as Italy, Armenia, France and others. Before the
turn of the century, Madera County was host to two wineries that shipped wines
bearing the Madera label to many parts of the world.
Located
just below the iconic Yosemite National Park, the wineries benefit from the
areas unique geography. Madera's microclimate is bounded and cooled by the San
Joaquin River on the southwest and the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the east.
Warm summer temperatures and varied soil types in Madera County provide a
foundation for the full development of the grapes. Recognizing these
distinctive characteristics, Madera was designated an American Viticultural
Area (AVA) in 1985.
In
addition to well known desert wine producers familiar to many wine drinkers,
such as Ficklin and Quady, the trail has numerous others who produce wines
rated at the top of their classes. The Westbrook Wine Farm, for example, has
been providing the table wine for Erna's Elderberry House located in Chateau du Sureau in Oakhurst, the region's only recognized five star restaurant. Other
popular stops along the trail include Birdstone Winery, Golden Valley Wine,
Idle Hour Winery, Chateau Lasgoity, Mariposa Wine Company, Oak Hollow Winery, San Joaquin Wine Company, Pacific Crest and Vineyard 208. To learn more about
Madera County Wines and the Madera Wine Trail, log on to www.maderavintners.com.
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Join us on Facebook, Twitter
YSVB Engages Social Media 
Do you have photos of a recent trip to the region you'd like to share? Perhaps you'd like to see the latest information? If you're one of the million currently using Facebook and Twitter, then you can link directly to the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau and keep up to date on the latest information.
The YSVB post new photos, updates and even specials and discounts regularly on their Facebook Fanpage, and their Twitter account as well. We'd love to have you as a fan. Link to us here for Facebook, and at www.twitter.com/yosemitegateway to see the latest Tweets.
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Take a break at the lake
Labor Day may have been the official end to summer, but it seems that sometimes the weather guy didn't get the memo. If you're looking to get out of the late summer/early autumn heat, perhaps a trip to Bass Lake is just what the doctor ordered.
Businesses on Bass Lake are still open and ready to serve. If you're looking to do some boating, try Bass Lake Watersports, The Forks Resort or Miller's Landing to get you out on the lake.
Of course you'll need a hearty breakfast to get ready for all that fun on the water. Try The Forks for a delicious country breakfast. Once you've got your fill on the water, try Ducey's for a dinner so delicious, only the beautiful views can match it.
Of course you'll need somewhere to stay. The Pines Resort is a favorite for guests who enjoy the comfortable surroundings and scenic vistas. Other popular alternatives are the cabins at The Forks Resort and Miller's Landing.
Numerous other options are available. Contact the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau and speak to a representative who can help you plan your trip step by step. We hope to see you out here soon!
41969 Highway 41
Oakhurst, California 93644
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
559-683-4636
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