*** This was a sponsored trip by Visit Yosemite | Madera County. All opinions are my own ***
This guide will help you plan a fun fall weekend in Madera, California that includes wine tasting, nature exploration, and breathtaking fall foliage. Madera is an ideal destination for a fall weekend getaway, located right in the Central Valley of California. With its close proximity to Yosemite National Park, a variety of vineyards, and charming scenic beauty, Madera provides an experience for travelers that blends nature, great food, and outdoor adventures.
About Madera
Madera means βwoodβ in Spanish, which pays homage to the thriving timber and logging industry that the region was historically known for. Madera is most known for its diverse landscapes, including vineyards, and orchards, and transforms into a beautiful tapestry of colors during the autumn months. Fall is synonymous with the wine harvest season in Madera County. The local vineyards and wineries come alive with activity as grapes are picked and processed. Visitors can partake in grape stomping events, and wine tastings, and even take tours of the wineries to witness the winemaking process firsthand.
Fall Foilage in Madera
The best time to visit to enjoy the vibrant colors and fall leaves is mid-October through mid-November. The colors will be at their peak during this time offering the best chance for seeing the most variety of colors. This is the perfect time to plan a weekend in Madera, California.
Where to Stay in Madera
This is where I stayed and I highly recommend this hotel. The wrap-around porch is the perfect spot to take in the fall colors while you enjoy your morning coffee or tea. This hotel is a historic property that was originally built in 1875 and has served as a homestead, rest stop for cowboys, and rehab center for World War II soldiers. It is also a popular place to stay for visitors going to Yosemite Park as it is centrally located in Oakhurst.
Madera has a lot of chain hotels in the area as well so if you want to find a hotel that offers the best travel points or loyalty rewards, Marriott, IHG, and Wyndham are all available in the Madera area.
Madera Activities
Experience Yosemite VR at the Yosemite Cinema
Immerse yourself into the Yosemite Park experience in a new way. This virtual reality experience will allow you to get a bird’s eye view over Yosemite Valley, and get up close to Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and the legendary sequoia trees. You will also learn about the intricate weaved baskets of the Ahwahneechee tribe and climb El Capitan. It is 17 minutes long and will awaken all the senses through world-class technology.
Wine Tasting at FΓ€si Estate Winery
Enjoy a taste of the award-winning Argentinean and Syrah wines or from their selection of rosΓ©s and white wines. The outdoor patio will give you an amazing view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and This gem features a beautiful outdoor patio, an onsite residence, and an incredible view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. FΓ€si Estates Winery is one of the oldest grape-growing regions in California and its hosts are incredibly knowledgeable about their wine and winemaking.
Tour ChΓ’teau du Sureau
The Chateau du Sureau is a European-style estate on nine acres of stunning courtyards and gardens. It was founded in 1984 and operates as a luxury hotel with a spa in the Sierra Nevada mountains. You are only 16 miles from the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park and the Elderberry House offers premiere fine dining that you will want to take time to experience.
Book Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures
Enjoy a guided trail ride on horseback through the pine forests, open meadows, and flowing streams while you take in the autumn scenic views. You learn so much about the local wildlife and nature as well as enjoying time in nature.
Ride Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
Hop on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad for a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the charm of logging railroads that once crisscrossed the Sierra Nevada mountains. The scenic ride is driven by restored locomotives that provide you with the real authentic railroad experience. The train does make stops so you can take photos and take in the fresh mountain air.
Enjoy a picnic in Yosemite
There is no better place to enjoy a picnic and immerse yourself in nature. I recommend the El Capitan Picnic Area or Swinging Bridge picnic area. You can bring a packed lunch or pick up something from inside the park. I like the Yosemite Valley Pizza Deck in Curry Village.
While in Yosemite National Park, here are some other places to explore.
Three Brothers Peaks – The best view is from the Cathedral Beach picnic area
Madera Dining
The Elderberry House Restaurant
This is the only restaurant in the Central Valley to win the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award repeatedly. Ingredients are mostly sourced from local farms that harvest seasonal ingredients exclusively for The Elderberry House assuring that you will have a culinary experience like nowhere else. There is a three-course or five-course dinner menu to choose from and their sommelier will provide you with expert wine pairings for your meal.
There are a lot of places to dine inside Yosemite National Park and in the Madera area. Check this list for reference of what meals are offered and the type of dining.
Follow My Weekend in Madera Itinerary
Day 1
Start off with a wine tasting at FΓ€si Estate Winery
Stop for the Experience Yosemite virtual reality show at Yosemite Cinema
Check-in at Sierra Sky Ranch, check-in is at 3 p.m.
Take a tour of ChΓ’teau du Sureau
Enjoy dinner at The Elderberry House Restaurant
Day 2
Start your day with sunrise at Glacier Point and enjoy exploring Yosemite National Park.
Be sure to visit the following spots for great photography locations and iconic park views while in Yosemite:
Taft Point
Yosemite Chapel
El Capitan picnic area
Cookβs Meadow
Sentinel Bridge
Swinging Bridge picnic area
Three Brothers Peak
Southside Drive along the Merced River and Highway 41 leading to Yosemite are spectacular in the fall. The combination of evergreen trees and deciduous forests creates a beautiful and colorful display.
End your day with dinner at The Ahwahnee Dining Room
Day 3
Round out the weekend with a relaxing horseback ride with Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures
Make your final stop at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad before heading home.
Are ready to start packing for your next trip? Madera is waiting for you! You are all ready to plan your weekend in Madera, California!
Looking for more California travel ideas? Read my post: Things to do in Buellton – A Weekend Itinerary