Madera Vintners Association to honor industry leaders

The Madera Vintners Association Awards

Winery of the Year, Winemaker of the Year and Winegrower of the Year

Madera, CA. - 2012 marks the 10th year anniversary of the Madera Wine Trail, and the Madera Vintners Association (MVA) is celebrating by honoring three wine industry professionals who have contributed to the region's winemaking success. Three awards have been given out by the Association for: Winery of the Year, Winemaker of the Year, and Grower of the Year.  The MVA will honor these recipients on April 19, 2012 at a special "Evening of Accolades" wine dinner at The Vineyard Restaurant in Madera.  

The Madera appellation is one of the oldest American Viticulture Areas in California. Madera County has a long tradition in the wine industry and strives to promote excellence in winemaking throughout the region.  The Madera Vintners Association was established by local wineries to ensure that the long standing tradition of wine making continues in Madera County.  The MVA has selected three honorees:

Birdstone Winery has been selected as Winery of the Year and is a family-owned winery located on the Eastern edge of the Madera AVA (American Viticulture Area). Birdstone Winery was established to produce world-class wines from the outstanding grapes available in the Madera appellation. This accomplishment has been rewarded with numerous medals and accolades from a variety of Local, Regional and International wine competitions. "Since the day we opened our doors, we've been obsessed with finding the best fruit, creating great wine, and making sure our guests have the best experience possible" - Tony Kirk, Owner/Winemaker.

Peter Ficklin has been awarded the title of Winemaker of the Year.  He is a third generation winemaker and President of Ficklin Vineyards.  Ficklin Vineyards is renowned for its California Port-style wines.  The winery was established in 1946 and planted authentic Portuguese grape varieties. During his career at Ficklin, Peter has not only continued producing the award winning Old Vine Tinta Port from the solera started in 1948, but also revived the Vintage Port program and founded a Tawny Port solera system producing 10, 15, 20 and 25 year-old Tawny Ports, all consistently receiving national recognition. 

John Simpson, a man who has largely shaped the wine business in California, is deservingly being honored as Winegrower of the Year. From Madera, Simpson has over the years been one of the largest grape land owners and managers in the state of California. John continues to push the boundaries of grape growing proving Madera grown grapes produce internationally acclaimed wines. Many wineries in Madera, and California, receive their grapes from Simpson. 

The MVA is proud to recognize these individuals who have helped bring success to the region's wine industry. The Madera Wine Trail will be hosting "Meet the Winemaker Weekend" on May 12 & 13, where guests can visit over 10 wineries and taste dozens of excellent local wines.  More information about the MVA and the Madera Wine Trail can be found on www.MaderaWineTrail.com or by calling 800-613-0709.

Winter finally arrives in time for extended President's Day weekend

Winter finally arrives in the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite area

Oakhurst, CA. – Many have been wondering where winter had gone to, but it’s finally shown its face in the Yosemite and Sierra Nevada region.

Snow fell as low as nearly 2000 feet in Madera County, known as California’s Gateway to Yosemite. At the Yosemite Sierra Visitor Center in Oakhurst, a few inches coated the ground of the building, offering a glimpse of the recreation opportunities that await President’s Day Weekend travelers. 

“A lot of people have been coming out because the weather is so nice, but may others have been waiting for this snow,” said Jarrod Lyman with the visitors bureau. “They’ve wanted to hit the slopes up at Badger Pass, or go snowmobiling in the Sierra National Forest. Now they can,” he said.

The snow came at a perfect time as many people will be enjoying a three-day weekend thanks to President’s Day, which is observed Monday, Feb. 15 this year. Snow play areas near Yosemite and the Sierra National Forest around Bass Lake make for perfect trips for families looking to get their winter fill.

“It’s absolutely beautiful this time of year, and there aren’t as many people during the winter. It’s a great time to visit Yosemite and the gateway communities,” Lyman said.

Anyone that is currently in the snow and looking for respite has options here as well.

“Our valley communities of Madera and Chowchilla make the perfect retreat for those looking to get out of the snow. They can explore the Madera Wine trail, visit the Fossil Discovery Center in Chowchilla and enjoy some amazing restaurants specializing in local ingredients .” 

Many lodging properties, restaurants and more are offering various deals and other travel incentives. Visit www.Yosemitethisyear.com then click the “specials” link for discounts.

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Quady Winery seeking area artists for annual art show

Press Release

 

Please add the following event to your calendar of local arts listings:

Call to local artists for submissions to juried art show.

Deadline January 22^nd, 2012.

Exhibit: ‘Reveiller’ (pronounced Rev-i-aee) The 11^th annual exhibit of regional artists.

Gallery:  Quady Winery production area will be converted into an art gallery space.

Exhibition Dates:  February 11^th – 12^th from 10:00- 5:00 p.m.

Contact: Adam Longatti (559) 270-6217 reveiller@quadywinery.com

                                                                                                                             

Quady Winery is proud to present our 11^th annual ‘Reveiller’ Exhibit to Regional Artists. All of the winery will be transformed into a gallery space for the weekend event.

Artists of all media are encouraged to submit up to 3 photographs of artwork for consideration. A brief artist’s bio or one paragraph statement is required with submissions. There is no fee to submit and no commission taken for works sold. Deadline for submissions is January 22^nd, 2012. Submit your entries and artwork online! Deadline is January 22^nd, 2012. Please visit our Reveiller webpage for more details at: www.quadywinery.com  Click on ‘Reveiller Registration’.

Please refer any questions to Adam Longatti.

Mail Submissions to:       Quady Winery

                                      C/O Reveiller

                                      13181 Road 24

                                      Madera, CA 93637

                                      1-800-733-8068

12 days until Christmas: Madera County Wineries

Today the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau is counting down the final 12 days until Christmas, and taking a page from the popular song 12 Days of Christmas by showing ways you can celebrate the Holidays in Madera County and Yosemite style.

With 12 days 'till Christmas, my true love gave to me: A trip to the 12 Madera County wineries!

Find the perfect Christmas gift for the wine lover in your life by touring the Madera Wine Trail. The award winning wineries in Madera County have a wide array of varieties, meaning you'll find that perfect wine no matter how picky your friend or loved one is.

Visit www.MaderaWineTrail.com to start planning your adventure. From sweet to dry, white to red, the wineries of the Madera Wine Trail are a perfect spot to start you Christmas countdown in Madera County: California's Gateway to Yosemite.

To plan your entire vacation, visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com