Wine trail set to take on a ‘Holiday Spirit’

Madera wineries plan to celebrate the season with a Holiday Spirit Weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 12-13 with wine tasting, live music, local art, food and shopping.

Pre-sale tickets can be bought for $25 before the Wine Trail Weekend at participants San Joaquin Wine Company (21821 Ave. 16), Toca Madera Winery (36140 Ave. 9) and Fasi Estate Winery (42415 Road 208).

Other participating wineries are Birdstone Winery (9400 Road 36), Idle Hour Winery (41139 Highway 41 in Oakhurst) and Papagni Wines (9505 Road 30 1/2). Ficklin Vineyards (30246 Ave. 7 1/2) will only take part from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and Westbrook Wine Farm (49610 House Ranch Road) will be open by appointment only.

Tickets purchased during the wine trail will be $30. Each ticket includes a keepsake wine glass that is one’s event pass. Designated drivers can attend the Holiday Spirit Weekend at no charge and can pick up a VIP kit at their first stop on the trail.

Birdstone Winery is marking its 11th anniversary this year with live music by J.J. Brown on Saturday and Flamenco Sol on Sunday. Chef Mazzoni will prepare lunches on both days.

Fasi Estate Winery will pair 2014 Syrah with hand-carved turkey garnished with cherry tomato, 2015 Syrah Rose with warm cranberry and brie bites, and 2014 Chardonnay with baked cinnamon apple slices.

Toca Madera Winery will showcase its Temperanillo Reserve and Grenache/Syrah/Mouvedre blend along with music such as Marie Wilson on Sunday, food by Gonzales Taqueria and Meltdown Bistro, Cuban cigars from Aldo, and crafts.

San Joaquin Wine Company will share its Moody Press 2015 Katelyn Rose and Moody Press 2013 Zinfandel. On sale will be Scribble & Script’s modern calligraphy, Munch & Grub’s corn nuts and jerky, You Sweet Thing’s jellies and jams, Miners Mix seasonings, Gastro Grill meals and more. Rhythm Review will perform from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Westbrook Wine Farms will celebrate its 18th vintage by pouring eight wines from “ghost vineyards” — wine grape sources that no longer exist.

Other wineries will announce details next week. Summer Peck Ranch Winery, Quady Winery and Chateau Lasgoity no longer participate in Wine Trail Weekend.

For information, visit www.maderawinetrail.com or call 800-613-0709.