Ponderosa2023

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Wine Tours Madera Wine Trail

Madera County is an area known for premium wineries that produce internationally recognized dessert wines and ports. Several family-owned wineries have cropped up in the past several years to join the already established world-class wineries, because it has long been known that Madera County is a prime location for growing grapes. The San Joaquin River to the southwest and the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the east contribute greatly to the climate, cooling the region from its warm summer temperatures. A variety of soil types combine with the warm temperatures to produce fully developed grapes. Because of these distinct characteristics, Madera County was recognized as an American Viticultural Area in 1985. O’Neals has its own winery nestled in the foothills: Westbrook Wine Farm.

Art Tours Sierra Art Trails

An open studio tour that gives art enthusiasts the chance to see fine art and to get a first-hand view of how artists live and work. Participating communities include Ahwahnee, Bass Lake, Coarsegold, Oakhurst, North Fork, Mariposa and Yosemite Lakes Park. Visit their website at www.sierraarttrails.org for dates and Fresno is a 90-minute drive to three national parks – Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia. Each provides breathtaking scenery and endless activities for its visitors, and all just a stone’s throw from the accommodations, restaurants and on-going events in Fresno. Side trips to the national parks may be added to any itinerary listed. Tours are also available for groups with special or technical interests. For information, call Refined Journeys and Central California Explorations at 1-877-581-0745 and inquire about the Majestic Mountain Loop Tours. details, or call 559-658-8844. National Park Tours

The tasting rooms along the Madera Wine Trail welcome guests year round, and the winemakers hold three “Wine Trail Weekends” per year (see Calendar of Events) plus several Wine Showcase Days. Designated drivers are always welcome on the Madera Wine Trail, and they are always free. Call 800-613-0709 or visit www.themaderawinetrail.com for information about the Madera Wine Trail.

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