Madera is known among the locals as the Southern gateway to Yosemite. It’s a relative unknown to many, though wineries in Madera have been producing since the late 1930s. Madera is an easy stop along the way to Yosemite or Tahoe, and perfect for an enjoyable, relaxed, and casual day, or days, of wine tasting.
Wines produced in Madera stand out largely because the wineries aim at growing beautiful fruit, valuing quality over quantity. The concept of Madera wineries is to offer a less “stuffy” experience for visitors, with hands-on and knowledgeable staff, and the added personal touch of a small town.
Madera, California - Napa's Stepsister
Madera’s Own Dessert in a Glass
You may be wondering, what exactly is “dessert in a glass”? Well, dessert in a glass consists of wines from Quady Winery in Madera. Quady Winery takes things a step beyond other wineries by specializing in dessert wines, a curious choice for an American winemaker.
While most winemakers produce traditional offerings such as Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet, Quady Winery has created a niche market that is unique and distinct. Owners Andrew and Laurel Quady chose to make their wines about the complete experience – one of enjoying a fine dessert wine with the company and conversation of family, friends or that special someone.
The Quadys found their passion for dessert wines. Living in the larger Los Angeles area, the Quadys grew tired of congestion and longed for greener pastures. They quit their respective jobs in explosives and merchandising and Andrew Quady returned to school, obtaining his degree in enology (wine and wine-making).
Wine Tasting at Quady Winery
Quady wines began life with the Orange Muscat grape. These grapes are used in the Quady Essensia wine, which features a vibrant taste of orange and apricot that dances on your tongue. Their Elysium uses the Black Muscat grape, which produces a deliciously intense dessert wine. This incredible sweet red wine has beautiful berry flavors that holds its own as dessert in a glass, but also provides quite the treat when combined with a luscious dessert such as chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce, for example.
Quady Winery’s other wine offerings include Starboard Batch 88, incredibly smooth with chocolate and raisin flavor visiting your palate; Deviation, with its Essensia base coupled with citrus notes and herbs; Vya, a vermouth that is fused with botanicals and produces a crisp “fresh mouth” feel; Purple, tasting much like Welch’s Grape Juice or Jolly Rancher candy; and Visao, a soft dry red similar to the Roija wines of Spain, that can only be obtained at the winery; and Palomino Fino, an elegant aperitif.
Quady Winery
If you are taking a trip to Tahoe or Yosemite, or just need to break away, you owe it to yourself to stop by the tasting room at Quady Winery to sample some of the best dessert wines created. You may even be privileged to try some of the limited wines that are only available at the winery. Visit www.quadywinery.com for more information. Quady Winery also has Quady North www.quadynorth.com in Jacksonville, Oregon, which produces Viognier, Syrah, Rose and Cabernet Franc.
Napa’s Stepsister
When thinking of California wines, the name Napa Valley often comes to mind. However, if you have not had the chance to discover the wineries of Madera you don’t know what you are missing. Madera is home to many family wineries that have the time and the inclination to share their knowledge with you. Wineries in the area include Quady Winery, Ficklin Vineyards, Birdstone Winery, Vineyard 208, Mariposa Wine Co., Idle Hour Winery, Chateu Lagoity Winery, Golden Valley Grape Juice & Wine Company, San Joaquin Wine Company, Westbrook Wine Farm, Whelchel Ruffalo Family Winery, Oak Hollow Winery, and Pacific Crest Winery.
Madera Wine Trail
Several times a year, the Madera Vintners Association offers Wine Trail Weekends where the family wineries of the Madera encourage wine lovers to purchase a passport wine glass and experience a diverse array of current and new vintages. Visitors can indulge in special food pairings, view local art, listen to live music and just relax. The next Wine Trail Weekend is Saturday-Sunday, November 14th-November 15th, 2009. For more information on the Wine Trail Weekends or Madera wineries, visit www.maderavintners.com.
And Beyond
The Vineyard Restaurant
When in the area don’t forget to visit The Vineyard Restaurant, an integral part of Madera for over 30 years. Owner Chris Mariscotti offers the best cuisine in an elegant yet comfortable environment that resembles a winery in its decor. Mariscotti not only offers a wonderful menu that has something for everyone but features wines from many of the local wineries. www.vineyardrestaurant.com. Accommodations are reasonable in Madera as well. Check in at the comfortable Holiday Inn Express.
Spend a few days getting to know “the other wine country”. It will be a tasty experience.
by AJ Ogaard
