May events from California's Gateway to Yosemite

The Madera Vintners Association's family wineries are proud to present the Madera Wine Trail's "Meet The Winemaker Weekend" on May 14th and 15th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sample a wide variety of local wines, from aperitif to dessert, old-world styles to the latest in winemaking technology, all from the winemakers themselves and their courteous, well-educated staff. On this special weekend, our talented winemakers can be found around the Trail discussing their hand-crafted wine techniques, hosting barrel tastings, winery tours and more. Plus, you'll find indulgent food pairings, local art and live music.

You won't want to miss this engaging adventure through seas of wildflowers and the meandering countryside of Madera County.

Ticket Information

Madera Wine Trail Passport Glasses are available for $25 from any participating winery both days of the event. The glass is your pass to free wine-tasting on the Trail all weekend long.

Participating Wineries

Birdstone Winery - 9400 Road 36, Madera, (559)645-1825
Begin the May 2011 Madera Wine Trail Weekend at Birdstone Winery and meet winemakers Tony Kirk and Matt Neyman. For lunch each day enjoy a delicious dish of Mazzoni Pasta, a garden-fresh Salad, and garlic bread or Bruschetta topped with Pesto and Roma tomatoes - all prepared by Chef Michael Mazzoni and Chef Cathy Barrows. Great food, live music, award-winning wines and warm, friendly people make Birdstone Winery a necessary stop on this wine trail adventure.

Chateau Lasgoity - 11219 Road 26, Madera, (559)674-8291

For the Spring Wine Trail, Chateau Lasgoity will be pouring all new releases and will have big case discounts on previous vintages. Winemaker and owner, John E. Lasgoity, will be available for purchases and further inquiry.

CRU Wine Company - 20146 Road 21, Madera, (559)673-6372

Come to CRU Wine Company for a Classic Spring Wine Trail experience where we take you back to the essence of what our wines and winery are all about. Winemaker Ken Post has some surprises up his sleeve including some sneak peeks (or tastes) of new exciting wines along with an Oaked vs. No Oak Chardonnay comparison. He will also be signing bottles.

Come relax on our beautiful covered patio and enjoy some live music along with great food, fabulous wine and a unique medley of vendors. Our highly personable and knowledgeable staff work hard to make each event unique and memorable.

Ficklin Vineyards - 30246 Avenue 7 ½, Madera, (559)661-0075

For the May Madera Wine Trail Weekend, Ficklin Vineyards' old vines of Portuguese grape varieties will be a beautiful green, with new clusters forming in anticipation of the autumn harvest. We invite you to join friendly people and over 60 years of valley wine-making history. Taste our extraordinary Ports and outstanding table wines. Explore the vineyard to see those gnarly old vines of classic Port grape varieties, tour the historic adobe wine cellar, see the old wine-stained basket press, and count hundreds of well-used barrels filled with Port, mellowing with age.

For this special weekend, Ficklin Vineyards adds to the usual winery charm with tours and bottle-signings by Peter Ficklin, lively music, delectable chocolates, fine small-lot cheeses, beautiful handcrafted jewelry, fragrant cigars, charming wild cats, and savory tri-tip sandwiches. We are here to make your May Wine Trails Weekend wonderful!

Idle Hour Winery - 41139 Highway 41, Oakhurst, (559)760-9090 (559)683-4354 - Queen's Inn Start your wine trail at Idle Hour Winery! Wildflowers will delight you on the way. Taste our award-winning wines, enjoy live music both days on our patio and plan a picnic on the Fresno River at the Queen's Inn. Meet the alpacas from Kt Lee Ranch Alpacas, who will be here showcasing their animals & alpaca wool products.

The Fresno Bully Rescue will be here as well with rescued Bull Terriers up for adoption! Enjoy the day in the mountains with Idle Hour Winery. Better yet, end your wine trail at Idle Hour and book a room at the Queen's Inn Saturday evening, where you can hang out by the fire pits with live music in the wine bar. Call 559-683-4354 to book your room today!

Papagni Wines - 9505 Road 30 ½, Madera, (559) 673-5754

Generations of Quality from Our Table to Yours

The Papagni Family cordially extends an invitation to sample our award-winning wines. Demetrio Papagni I began growing wine grapes in 1920, a rich legacy that continues today with his son Angelo I, grandson Demetrio II and great-grandson Angelo II. Demetrio ll will be present throughout the weekend. Relive that rich history with us as we display the Papagni family's personal artifacts.

In honor of our first weekend on the wine trail, we will be offering barrel tasting, as well as the pouring of our Gold Medal award- winning 2001 Alicante Bouschet. We will be serving a variety of cheese and crackers for the refined palate along with the wines.

Quady Winery - 13181 Road 24, Madera, (800)733-8068,

Aloha! Be sure to stop by our lanai to enjoy luscious spring/summer concoctions with the coolest winemakers on the trail. Michael Blaylock and Darin Peterson will be hanging out to answer all of your dessert wine questions. Back by popular demand are the Electra Freezes, light effervescent wines straight from the slushy machines. You will also delight in Essensia Spritzers, Elysium Coolers, and the beloved French Kiss. Joel of Perfect Blend Fine Cigars will bring a unique selection for the cigar enthusiasts. Enjoy all this while listening to Howl'n Howard jam. Wear your Hawaiian shirt and get a lei at Quady. Luʻau, waina (wine), hula, pila ho'okani (music), a perfect way to enjoy the wine trail. Aloha!

San Joaquin Wine Company - 21801 Avenue 16, Madera, (559)673-0066,

Winemaker Eric Natali is anxious to meet those who make SJWC a stop on the spring wine trail. He is very proud of our new releases, 2008 Moody Press Cabarnet, 2008 Moody Press Zinfandel, and 2010 Green Eyes Chardonnay. We are excited to welcome back the California Fig Advisory Board and first time winery visitors, Bari Olive Oil Company and Miner's Mix Seasonings. For the sweet tooth, Mr. O's Gourmet Chocolates is bringing his delicious toffee. There's no need to hang on to your pants, Wendy Ozburn will be selling her Blue Ribbon Belts and Buckles. Purchase a barbecue lunch, sit back, and enjoy the sounds of Moody Press Favorite, Rhythm Review Band. Wine Club Members will be able to pick up their next club shipment. We look forward to seeing you.

Westbrook Wine Farm - 49610 House Ranch Road, O'Neals, (559)868-3499, www.westbrookwinefarm.com

By Appointment Only

A truly remarkable experience awaits you at Westbrook Wine Farm, perhaps because we, as grower / winemakers, personally

greet and pour for all of our visitors, all the time.

Possibly it's our stone fireplace and the rustic authenticity of our

earth-bermed Foothill Barn-style winery. It could even be our earned reputation for wines which will hold their own among the world's best. No doubt, your short trip through our wooded hillsides will help set the mood.

What we think you will find even more remarkable will not only be in front but also alongside you. You'll find young adults, seasoned citizens, expert and novice alike sharing their views and passion for good wine and good people. People like you, leisurely sharing civilized conversation and their wine experience with us.

We are proud to admit that we have never had a guest with whom we would not wish to shake or hold hands. Truly remarkable!

We accept reservations from but fifty serious wine lovers each day. Please call 559-868-3499 or email us early westbrookwine@sti.net to secure your confirmed reservation.

We are looking forward to meeting you,

Ray and Tammy

Must be 21. A non-smoking property

Tourism Partners

The Redwoods in Yosemite ~ Vacation homes to fit every travel need and budget! Make your wine tasting weekend a mini-vacation. Escape to The Redwoods and receive 3 nights for the price of 2 in May! Call 877-565-5739 to book your get-a-way today! Mention this ad and receive 2 Redwoods In Yosemite wine glasses when you check in!

Sierra Heritage Magazine - Celebrating our 30th Anniversary as the largest magazine serving the Sierra Nevada region. www.sierraheritage.com

The Vineyard Restaurant in Madera will be open for lunch and dinner, Saturday May 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free corkage will be offered on Madera Wine Trail wines. Contact the Vineyard at 559-674-0923.

Falls flowing mightily in Yosemite

Prolific winter fuels beautiful display

Yosemite Falls

The heavy snows the region saw this winter are now melting, resulting in amazing displays at Yosemite's beautiful waterfalls.

This is the time when the falls put on their biggest show, and this year is one to remember. The snow pack has been reported as much as twice the average this past winter. If you'd like to see the splendor for yourself, there are plenty of options. You can book a tour with Discover Yosemite, XRoads Tours and Limo or Yosemite and Beyond, Yosemite Private Tours. If you'd like to get some memorable photos, book a tour with Photo Safari Yosemite.

Any trip to Yosemite is spectacular. Combine this year's amazing waterfall runs with a tour from one of our companies, and you'll talk about your trip for years to come.

Popular Event Returns Bass Lake Triathlon logo

The sport of triathlon returns to Bass Lake June 4, the site of the first-ever triathlon national championships. The Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau is bringing the event back.

There are still entries available, as well as lodging deals to be had for traithletes competing in the event. If you would like to learn more, visit www.BassLakeTri.com or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BassLakeTri.

Historic Parade in Madera Ranchos

Flatlander Day Parade May 14

This small community, founded by Hollywood celebs Jackie Gleason and Jack Haley, has a rich history; a history that is on display every year during the annual Flatlanders Day Parade.

The residents of Madera Ranchos put on a big event with scores of entries including unique equestrian riders, gunslingers and more. This fun event takes place the second Saturday of every year, with this year's parade landing on May 14.

To see images of last year's parade, visit the Ranchos Independent.

Annual Home and Garden Show

Chamber event to have something for everyone

The Annual Oakhurst Home and Garden Show is gearing up for another big year at the Oakhurst Community Park May 21 and 22.

The event will feature numerous booths with gardening tips, home decor ideas, various demos and DIY projects and even ways to go green.

If you get hungry at the event, you will be covered as there is also food and beer-tasting, featuring many local vendors showing off their specialties.

For the gearhead, the Spring in the Sierra Car Show sponsored by Kitahara Pontiac Buick GMC features works of automotive art. Classic hot rods, beautiful antique touring cars and more will be on display.

For more information, visit the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce Website.

Coarsegold Peddler's Fair

Annual Event brings in numerous venders

The Annual Coarsegold Peddler's Fair has become a Memorial Day tradition for many. Stop by to scope out the vast array of items and catch up with old friends.

Located in the Coarsegold Historic Village, the event marks the unofficial start of summer as thousands of visitors and residents alike browse scores of booths with everything from antique, collectibles, toys, crafts and more.

To learn more about the event, visit www.CoarsegoldHistoricVillage.com.

Discounts, Deals and Promotions

Stay & play for less in California's Gateway to Yosemite

Enjoy the beauty and natural splendor of Yosemite National Park for a two-night stay at the award-winning Apple Blossom Inn. You'll be provided with deluxe accommodations and gourmet Candy 'Apple' breakfasts each morning, Yosemite National Park entrance fees (good for seven days) and a country-style picnic lunch packed in an insulated cooler back-pack, including Sparkling Apple Cider and our homemade trail mix. After hiking and picnicking at Yosemite's scenic sites, return to the Apple Blossom for a relaxing evening in the spa under the stars overlooking the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Two-night packages including lodging for two, breakfast each morning, a picnic lunch and Park entrance fees, start at just $346 plus the applicable 11% room tax.

Bass Lake Boat Rentals has 50% off all non-motorized equipment during the month of May, 2011. Come get in shape for the summer and enjoy the lake for a day.

Book three nights for the price of two with Bass Lake Realty. Enjoy beautiful spring weather, wildflowers and outdoor activities. The 3-for-2 promotion runs through May 26 on select properties. Call 559-642-3600 or click to browse participating properties. Maximum of one free night per booking, subject to availability. Offer good for participating properties only. Some restrictions apply, cannot be combined with other options. Good for reservations made for stays from May 1, 2011 through May 26, 2011. Ask about additional specials as well. Special Offer must be referenced at time of booking and cannot be applied to existing bookings.

Book your Bass Lake vacation rental today with Century 21 Ditton Realty Vacation Rentals. Dates throughout summer are still available, with stays of 3,4,5, and 7 nights still vailable. Book today, while they still have openings.

The Raymond Museum: Charles Miller House is celebrating Museum Month with exhibits about the train coming to Raymond for 60 yers. The museum will be giving free pomegranate jelly from the tree on-site with donations throughout the month. Photos commemorating President Teddy Roosevelt's 1903 trip to Raymond with John Muir wil also be on display. Call 559-689-1886 for more information.

The Town Hall at Fresno Flats Museum presents Tim and Susan

Madden who will show a film "Haiti Today," documenting the earthquake. A light supper at 5:30 will be available. Dinner and speaker events are on the second Friday of every month at 5:30. Contact Phyllis Campbell at 642-3518 for information.

The Golden Chain Theatre debuts their new show All Aboard for Broadway. Set in 1917 New York, Harry Harrigan, a down-and-out Tin Pan Alley tunesmith meets a young dancer, Mary Conklin, auditioning for a Broadway Show. They fall in love, but because Harry is deeply in debt, he enlists and leaves his portfolio of songs with Mary. When the show turns out to be a big flop, Mary saves the show using some of Harry's songs. Adult tickets are $12, seniors, $10 students (13-18) and active military only $8 and chilren are $6.

Hampton Inn & Suites in Madera offers a $79 rate for a Standard room, $89 for a Studio and a fun-filled weekend in a Jacuzzi Suite for only $99 for anyone for Mother's Day weekend May 6 - 9 as well as Memorial Day Weekend May 27 to 31. Be sure to ask for the special.

May is for Moms at Ravensbrook Bed and Breakfast. Give mom a pampered weekend - kid-free- and everyone enjoys a lovely Sunday Brunch when you book 2 nights at Ravensbrook May 6-8. 2 hours free babysitting included! Check out the concerts at Chukchansi Resort for the rest of the month and summer and reserve your room(s) now. We will pick up your tickets for you, saving you even more!

San Joaquin Winery is proud to announce the release of their Sanctus Vinia label. Proceeds from the wines benefit St. Joachim School in Madera - the alma mater of the Schafer and Sagariballa children and many friends and family members. Taste these new wines at "Dads Can Cook" Saturday, May 7 or on the Madera Wine Trail May 14 and 15. Or, order online.

Visit the Sierra Mono Musem in North Fork to see an amazing array of tribal art and dioramas of North America. A special open house takes place May 6 from 4 to 7 pm. Tickets will also be on sale for a raflle for a handmade quilt and a 80-cubic-inch S&S Baker 4-speed transmission /street-legal custom-built chopper.

What better way to create lasting memories than let Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides design a tailor-made camping adventure? Perfect for families, friends or couples who want to get away on their own terms. Choose a private departure of one of our popular itineraries or let Southern Yosemite Guides help you plan your Yosemite dream trip. Book early for limited permit space.

Treat mom to a very special buffet on Mothers Day at the Tenaya Lodge. The amazing menu features a full carving station with options ranging from prime rib to Seafood Newburg and more. For more details and menu, see their advertisement.

Timberline Art Gallery presents Finish It and Fix It with Kathleen Mattox June 4. Bring a few (not more than 3 to 5) of those unframed paintings that you aren't happy with and don't know how to finish. We'll work together to improve them using our knowledge of the principles of good design, cropping, reorientation, and mixed-media techniques and materials to turn your ugly duckling rejects into amazingly-improved paintings! Call 559-905-3517 for more information.

The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad has officially kicked off their season! Ride the logger daily at 11:00 am and weekends at 11 and 12:30. Moonlight specials start May 28 including dinner, entertainment and a moonlit ride through the Sierra National Forest. You can now order your tickets online at their newly-redesigned website.

Visit Our New Website

Site features new design, new info

Check out our new website, www.VisitMaderaCounty.com. The site features a new layout and information plus all the deals above and more! In the coming weeks, YosmiteThisYear.com will also receive a new look, complimenting this new site. Hope to see you there!

	Come celebrate National Tourism Month with us! Bring this coupon to the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau Visitor Center in Oakhurst and receive a free packet of California Poppy wildflower seeds so you can take a bit of California's beauty home with you! Limit on packet per group.
Offer Expires: May 31