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The Sierra Nevada Foothills offer the explorer endless opportunities when it comes to hiking, museums, even food. But what if you’re looking to explore fermented adult beverages? Madera County has you covered, from a new Oakhurst brewery to a string of wineries along the Madera Wine Trail. Here are three we recommend.
Fäsi Estate Winery
Nestled in the rolling hills between Oakhurst and Fresno, this sprawling winery is a delightful spot for adventurers to stretch their legs — and their palates. Proprietor Ralph Fäsi also owns Fäsi Argentina — yes, in Mendoza’s Uco Valley — so you get to taste rich, inky malbecs from Argentina, in addition to wines from Madera County, made with grapes grown on the organically-certified estate vineyard in Friant.
On chilly days, take shelter inside the wood-paneled tasting room, with its glowing, Mission-style chandelier and cellar views. Once the weather warms up, it’s all about swirling that glass of crisp rosé on the veranda while taking in the scenic vistas of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. There’s plenty of room for the kids to run around on the lawn or rest under the shade of the large oak tree.
The sips: We preferred the Argentine wines, especially the peachy, zippy 2016 Torrontes ($22), made from 30-year-old vines grown at 5,700-feet elevation in Salta, and the 2015 Malbec ($23), with its savory notes of herbs and smoke. Among the estate wines, the peppery 2014 Fäsi Crest Private Reserve Syrah ($35) was tasty, with notes of cocoa and a lengthy finish.
Details: Tastings are $10. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 42415 Road 208, Friant; www.fasiestate.com
Idle Hour Winery
Pulling into the driveway of Oakhurst’s first and only tasting room, you might think you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem. But this rustic little winery is well-known for its flagship Clarksburg tempranillo, restrained Monterey pinot noirs and other small production, vineyard-designate wines made on the premises.
Owner-winemaker Anna Maria dos Remedios has been crafting wines under the Idle Hour label since 2007, when the winery was located just south of Hollister. Remedios eventually relocated to Oakhurst, where she co-owns and operates the Queen’s Inn By the River.
That’s where you’ll find the barn-like tasting room, stuffed with barrels full of fermenting wines, various wine competition medals and aging bottles of French wines covered in dust. Tasting room staff are friendly and knowledgeable, guiding you through current releases and even pulling a few older bottles out from under the counter.
The sips: Both 2015 Arroyo Seco pinot noirs, the delicate Clone 828 ($40) and fruity Clone 667 ($40), were showing beautifully on our visit. Also look for just-released wines from the 2017 vintage, including an elegant Arroyo Seco Viognier ($28), inky Clarksburg Tannat ($40) and a nonvintage Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine ($36).
Details: Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 41139 Highway 41, Oakhurst; idlehourwinery.com
South Gate Brewing Company
You don’t have to drive to Fresno to get your craft beer fix. This award-winning microbrewery is located near the foot of Deadwood Mountain, at the crossroads of Highways 49 and 41, in Oakhurst. You’ll want to linger a while, because the brewpub also features a full menu of gastropub eats, including artisan brick-oven pizzas and grass-fed burgers.
Inside the industrial-style dining room — the bar is on the left when you walk in —you’ll find about half a dozen flagship beers on tap and an impressive selection of bottles, seasonal ales and experimental beers. Brewmaster Rick Boucke is known for his off-dry Oaktown Brown, which is brewed with pecans with and chocolate malts, but there are also lagers and stouts to tickle your sudsy fancy.
The sips: We’re partial to the crisp, cold-fermented Gold Diggin Blonde lager and the unfiltered, orange-like Honey Badger Wheat ale., If you like piney notes, try the South Gate IPA, a West Coast IPA brewed with Simcoe hops.
Details: Tastings are $5. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at 40233 Enterprise Road, Oakhurst; https://southgatebrewco.com
