Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau Newsletter
January,  2013

Celebrate the New Year with us. This edition of the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau newsletter highlights the many activities in our area that will help you get 2013 started off right.

Read on for events, activities and of course travel deals and incentives that will help you stay and play for less.


Also, don't forget you can now "watch" our newsletters on Youtube! We are now broadcasting this information in easy-to-view consumer video format, no reading involved. Find us at www.Youtube.com/yosemitesierra

 Sincerely,
 Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
In this issue
:: Chimani To Release Update
:: Wine & Chocolate Weekend
:: Westbrook Wine Farms Estate-Grown Museum Wines
 
Celebrate New Year's Eve in Style

Fireworks and More

at Bass Lake 

The Pines Resort at Bass Lake kicks off the New Year with a festive four-course New Year's Eve dinner at Ducey'sBass Lake Fireworks, followed by the "Battle of the DJ's" Party at the Pines Bar and Lakeview Room.

   

 At midnight, celebrate the entry of 2013  with a spectacular FREE fireworks show.  For information contact The Pines Resort at 559/642-3121. 


Erna's Elderberry House Rings in the New Year  

For the past 28 years Erna's Elderberry House Restaurant has been splendidly decorated for New Years, and that tradition continues. The spirit of the night

Erna's Elderberry House logo
will be enhanced by soft

 jazz and romance.  

  

For early diners, a 5:00 pm seating is available at $125 per person. To celebrate at midnight, join the 9:00pm seating for only $195 per person.   

  

Click Here to view Chef Gunnar's Menu Carte or for further information, call 559/683-6800.      

  

A Mountain New Year's Eve at Tenaya Lodge
California's Mountain New Year's Eve Party! If the ski slopes of Badger Pass and four-diamond luxury weren't enough of a reason to come play this winter, we're pulling out all the corks for our New Year's Eve Bash.

Package Includes:

  • Deluxe or Cottage room accommodations
  • Tickets for Tenaya's Luxury New Year's Eve Bash for two adults
  • Reception and gourmet buffet dinner
  • Live entertainment
  • Party favors, midnight champagne toast, and balloon drop
  • VIP 1pm late check-out
  • Bring the kids for their own magical New Year's Eve Bash! Our guest services staff is planning a fun-filled evening with dinner, activities, party favors, and crafts.

 For information, contact Tenaya Lodge, 877-247-9241.

     
Chukchansi Gold
Live Music, DJ's, Magicians, Show Girls and More Make New Year's Come Alive!


Ring in the New Year at Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino with live music, DJ's, magicians, show girls and a wide variety of entertainment on December 31, 2012.  Enjoy free beads, party favors & hats (while supplies last).  Don't miss the best party in town and join us in  celebrating the Magic of Holidays as we ring in the New Year.  Ticket prices start at $25 go to Chukchansigold.com or call 559 692-5200 for more information.

 

New Year's Eve at ECCO:  A Sensible Celebration
     

New Year's Eve at ECCO: A Sensible Celebration  

ECCO invites you to spend New Year's Eve at our peaceful, forested conference center. Enjoy music, games, dancing, delicious food, and socialize with friends. Festivities begin at 6:30pm with a social hour and end after a New Year's brunch at 10:30 am. Ring in the New Year with a New York New Year's toast at 9pm;  enjoy optional festivities until midnight.  Prices: $29 for New Year's Eve festivities only. $77/person for a two-person lodge room, all festivities and brunch. $99/person for a private room. Reservations required. Telephone 559/683-8162 or register online. ECCO: 43803 Hwy 41, Oakhurst CA 93644    

 

El Capitan in Winter
 
Cross-Country Skiiers at Glacier Point

 
Yosemite winter photos courtesy of Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts
2013 Yosemite Sierra Visitors Guide Available Soon
 
The 2013 Yosemite Sierra Visitors Guide, the all-around most helpful Madera County: Gateway to Yosemite area information available, rolls off the presses and into visitors' hands in early January.

Watch for it to be released on January 1, 2013. Once released, it will also be available for viewing or download on our website.

California Restaurant Month


From savory soups to sweet deserts and everything in between, the restaurants throughout California's Gateway are renowned for their fare.

 
During California Restaurant Month many of these  restaurants give you the opportunity to try some of their latest creations or dine on their signature dishes while saving some of your hard-earned money. Once again restaurants throughout the area team up with Visit California's California Restaurant Month to feature some favorite feasts. Of course this comes at a perfect time as many of us may still be reeling from all that holiday spending.

 

The Blue Heron in Yosemite Lakes Park, Ducey's on the Lake at Bass Lake, The Vineyard restaurant in Madera and Yosemite Gateway Restaurant in Oakhurst all have specials that will leave both your stomach and your wallet full.  

 

Visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com/restaurant_month to learn more.

  

 

The Vineyard Restaurant Celebrates 35 Years Young


The Vineyard Restaurant, a Madera institution, celebrated its 35th anniversary on December 13, 2012, and it's still going strong.

The photo above shows the first customers through the door on opening day. The fellow seated at the counter is Ralph Larsen. The others? Tell The Vineyard Restaurant if you can ID them!   (559) 674-0923
Chimani Releases Yosemite App Update
 

Chimani will launch a major update to  their Yosemite National Park mobile app for iOS and Android during the first week of January.  

 

This includes completely redesigned, high definition topographic maps, an "augment reality" viewer, a local business directory listings and the introduction of the Chimani Travel Kit subscription.

 

All versions of the app will be free to download at www.chimani.com .

 
Madera Wine Trail
Wine & Chocolate Weekend - Saturday, February 9 & Sunday, February 10

10:00am to 5:00pm

 

A Special Two-Day Wine Tasting Event!

The Madera Vintners Association's family wineries are proud to present the Madera Wine TrMadera Wine Trailail's "Wine and Chocolate Weekend" on February 9th and 10th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.


Sample a wide variety of local wines, as you visit each participating winery on the Madera Wine Trail. On this special weekend, you will also enjoy chocolate pairings, live music, local art and delicious food! Take home some wine to share with loved ones and friends on Valentine's Day!  

 
Designated Drivers are always welcome on the Madera Wine Trail, and they are always free of charge! Please notify the check-in table at your first stop on the Trail to receive your complimentary pass.  

 

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $25 online or at participating locations. Tickets are also available at the door for $35. For tickets and more information, visit www.maderawinetrail.com or call 800-613-0709.

 

News From O'Neals

Westbrook Wine Farm's Estate-Grown Museum Wines Relish the Cold

At 24 degrees F., today's was the coldest morning in O'Neals since mid-January, 2012. Westbrook's Estate Grown Museum vines are finally getting some of the chilling hours necessary to begin their dormancy and fruitful bud generation.  They worked hard all year, against atypical weather patterns, and with little water to give us but one barrel of this intense co-fermented field blend of eight historic clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Gros Verdot and Cot.

 

Westbrook's 2009 Estate Grown Museum ($50) is the surprise of that superb vintage. Dark, earthy and layered, it rested for three years in barrel yet, still displays its freshness and youth, with less than 50 cases produced.  It is now  available at the pre-release price of $30 until January 15th, 2013, half the supply is deleted.

 

Twelve bottle multiples may be hand delivered or shipped FedEx to a business address for free in California. So, you see, there may still be time to get it there as a gift or for Christmas dinner. Check with Westbrook Wine Farms at  (559) 868-3499.  

 

 

 



Learning to Ski at Badger Pass
Yosemite's Badger Pass Opens
for Winter Fun
Head on Up for Nordic and Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Pack the family into the car and head up to Yosemite's Winter Wonderland, where you can learn to ski (if you don't already know) or hit the slopes if you do. Take a snowshoe walk with a ranger or head out on your own for the Glacier Point Ski Hut.

Seasonal discounts will be available soon. Check the Badger Pass website for all the latest information and specials.

Be sure to check road conditions for Yosemite at 209/372-0200. Outside the park, call CalTrans at 800/427-7623.

 

Fun events and travel incentives 

Businesses offer discounts and other travel incentives

Help some furry friends 

Oakhurst Feed and Pet Supply features inventory reduction sale for the entire month of January with 20-75% off on select items. Every 3rd Saturday, Oakhurst Feed sponsors a dog adoption (via Kellen Rescue) AND a low cost vaccination clinic. Every first Saturday the CatNip Society hosts a cat adoption. 
Call 559/683-7977 for further information. 

 
Apple Blossom Inn offers picnic packageApple Blossom Inn, Yosemite Area Bed and Breakfast

Enjoy the beauty and natural splendors of Yosemite National Park for a two-night stay at the award-winning Apple Blossom Inn. Ask for the picnic package to enjoy Yosemite National Park, luxurious accommodations and a delicious picnic lunch for a great price.  

 

Discounts on Bass Lake  Vacation Rentals 

Take a break from the Holiday Hustle & Bustle and treat your family to a relaxing weekend at Bass Lake.  Plan a family fun day in Yosemite or hiking around Bass Lake.  We have many homes to choose from and they will fit into any budget.  You may view our homes on our website at www.BassLakeVacations.com. We welcome your call should you wish to book a home or have any questions.  1-866-914-3888.

 

Dollar Rent A Car/Thrifty Car Rental  

The Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau is excited to announce their partnership with Dollar Rent A Car & Thrifty Car Rental.  Coming soon there will be a link on our website for big discounts on car rentals for now, use this link and SAVE BIG! 

 

 
Click here for discount

 

 

Planning on visiting? You can book your stay right on our website! Visit http://www.yosemitethisyear.com/where-to-stay, browse our properties and book your stay right there on the site!

You can also book your room on our Facebook page now as well.

 

Sincerely,

Jarrod Lyman
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau