Wine Trail weekend in bloom today, Sunday
Seven Madera Vintners Association wineries will host a Wine and Chocolate Weekend today and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chocolate sampling, live music, specialty gift shopping and food will also be available.
Below are the latest details on participating wineries. Unless stated otherwise, all can be found in Madera.
Birdstone Winery, 9400 Road 36. The winery will host live music both days with The Marie Wilson Band from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and The Henderson Project from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. Lunches will be prepared by Chef Michael Mazzoni.
Fasi Estate Winery, 42415 Road 208, Friant. The winery will pair its 2015 Chardonnay with warm flaky quiche, 2015 Syrah Rose with chocolate-covered strawberries, and Fasi Argentina Red Blend with premium Swiss chocolates.
Ficklin Vineyards, 30246 Avenue 7 1/2. Taste ports, including Rose Port with flavors of strawberry, pomegranate, watermelon and passion fruit. Sample toffee, truffles, chocolates, kettle corn, cheeses and other treats from Valley vendors. Mattie’s Mobile Pizza Oven will offer heart-shaped pizza. Smoke a Payne Mason cigar.
Idle Hour Winery and Kitchen, 41139 Highway 41, Oakhurst. New winter releases will be poured, including Chardonnay, Viognier, Tempranillo, Syrah, GSM and Cabernet Franc. Mountain vendors will offer their specialty products.
Papagni Wines, 9505 Road 30 1/2. Wines will be poured alongside handcrafted chocolates from Fab Delights, an array of pizzas from Paul’s Rustic Oven, and exhibits from local artists. Featured wines will be bold reds (2012 Alicante Bouschet and 2015 Tesoro D’Angelo Red Blend, refreshing (2014 Malvasia Bianca, 2015 Grenache Rose, and 2015 Pinot Grigio) and desert (NV Muscat Canelli and 2003 Alicante Bouschet Dessert).
San Joaquin Wine Company, 21821 Avenue 16. On-site will be an array of the winery’s red, white and sweet wines, gourmet food from Gastro Grill, and shopping with The Chocolate Dachshund, Terri Sue’s Toffee, Skylake pomegranate products, Granny Bea’s handcrafted soaps, and Miner’s Mix seasonings and rubs. Performing from 12:30 to 4 p.m. are Borrowed Time on Saturday and Rhythm Review on Sunday.
Toca Madera Winery, 36140 Ave. 9. Enjoy handcrafted estate wines, music, chocolate and craft vendors.
Passport wine glasses and wristband can be obtained for $30. The non-refundable glass and band are valid both days for wine tasting. Drinkers must be age 21 and older. Designated drivers welcome.
For information, visit www.MaderaWineTrail.com or call 800-613-0709.
