Take a break for lunch or dinner in historic Madera. As you approach The Vineyard Restaurant and Bar, you will notice the beauty of the colorful grapevines that grow around the building. Enjoy their indoor and patio seating. Family-owned and operated, The Vineyard has proudly served food and wine grown in the San Joaquin Valley for over 40 years.  See why locals and visitors choose this charming eatery for garden-fresh goodness.

 Family-owned nano brewery serving as a local community gathering hub with a relaxed taproom, offering 19 beers on tap, frequent live music events, food trucks, and trivia nights.

It’s second nature for our restaurateurs and chefs to purchase quality ingredients from local farms and gardens. The Elderberry House Restaurant showcases the freshest California produce in sophisticated, flavor-packed dishes. Evenings in this fairytale setting feel like a European escape. This insta-worthy establishment blends the charm and beauty of France's Provençal region with central California's verdant landscape.  

Madera County is one of the richest agriculture hubs in the United States. Taste why the food scene at Yosemite’s southern entrance is elevated above the rest. South Gate Brewing Company is a full-service brewery and gastropub with farm-fresh food and incredible microbrews. Acclaimed Brewmaster Rick Boucke takes no shortcuts when it comes to creating the beers in their seasonal draft lineup. Take their ‘1864 Amber Lager’, named for the year that the Yosemite Grant was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln. Brewed with hops sourced from Yosemite’s Wawona region, it doesn’t get more local than that.

Plazuelas Mexican Restaurant sources local ingredients—like fresh mint from nearby Kern Family Farm in North Fork—and makes everything from scratch, from crispy tortilla chips and handmade flour/corn tortillas to real-juice margaritas free of premixes. Their traditional dishes, like Caldo de Pollo and Gorditas, feature hand-chopped seasonal vegetables and slow-cooked proteins with no shortcuts.

Oakhurst Spirits Distillery is a gold nugget find in the High Sierra. Sample small-batch brandy, gin, vodka, and seriously smooth bourbon created by owner and distiller Michael Benbrook. Premium grains purchased from local farmers create the mash used to produce the spirits. Once the process is complete, the discarded mash of grain and rye is then returned to farmers as food for their animals. This process is lovingly referred to as “farm-to-table and back-to-farm again” by the mastermind behind Oakhurst Spirits. Stop in for a tasting, and leave with an education in the finer things in life.  

Aroma Tavern and Buffalo Bar brings farm-fresh flavor to the table, sourcing from Kern Family Farms for produce that tastes like it was picked that morning. Whether you're settling in for a hearty tavern meal or grabbing a drink at the bar, everything here is made with the same care and quality ingredients that keep locals coming back.

Taste estate-grown wines that capture the character of the region, with the tasting room open daily. It's an easy stop any day of the week

Sip easy-drinking wines at this family-owned and operated winery, where the welcome is as warm as the pour. Plan your visit for Wednesday through Sunday.

Savor renowned dessert wines with bold, sweet profiles, crafted for more than 40 years. The tasting room is open daily.

Visit a true landmark: the oldest and most awarded Port winery in the United States. Stop in Wednesday through Saturday to taste a piece of California wine history.

Taste wines inspired by the winery's Italian roots, with the tasting room open on weekends. Weekday visits are available by appointment.

Enjoy handcrafted wines with scenic vineyard views. Visit Friday, Saturday, or Sunday for a relaxed afternoon in the vines.

Sample estate-grown varietals in a stunning outdoor space. The tasting room is open Friday through Sunday.

Pair premium wines and cold-pressed olive oils with stunning views of the High Sierra. Visit Wednesday through Sunday for a tasting with a view.

Taste farm-grown, Bordeaux-style wines in a private rural setting. Visits are by appointment, which makes for an intimate and personal tasting.

Bring your four-legged friend to this dog-friendly wine bar and tasting room, where California-branded wines and beers you won't find at the grocery store are served alongside local snacks. Every vendor donates a portion of its sales to a non-profit animal agency, so each pour supports a good cause

Explore a curated selection of global wines paired with a charming culinary experience. Stop by Wednesday through Sunday for a relaxed bite and a glass

Wander the pond and native plant exhibit, where Central Valley wildflowers and grasses grow just as they have for centuries, then strike a pose beside the 20-foot Mammoth Orange for a photo that's pure California road-trip nostalgia.

Tour 120 acres of olive groves in the Sierra Nevada foothills, where El Campo Olive Ranch crafts high-quality California olive oil, with visits by appointment only for a truly personal experience. Call for an appointment to tour: (559) 674-4418

Step inside the beautifully restored 1901 granite courthouse, where three floors of historic artifacts and photographs bring the stories that shaped Madera County to life, then stroll the shady park next door.

Stroll the two-acre Three Sisters Demonstration Garden, a certified wildlife habitat where Master Gardeners showcase sustainable growing ideas and more than 250 varieties of iris put on a colorful show each spring.

Settle into a lawn chair under the shade trees at this three-acre outdoor venue, where live music plays all year long. It's a laid-back, open-air night out surrounded by almond orchards.

Cast a line in one of the fishing ponds or paddle the San Joaquin River by canoe at this 600-acre riverside retreat. About six miles of trails make it easy to turn a quiet morning into an all-day adventure.  

Meet a mini-donkey and Nigerian Dwarf goats at the big red barn, then try your hand at fiber arts. It's hands-on farm charm for visitors of all ages

Lace up and explore more than 14 miles of trails that wind down to the banks of the San Joaquin River. Whether you walk, run, or ride, the river views are worth the trip.

Greet rescued cattle, horses, camels, emus, and llamas at this peaceful sanctuary where every animal has a story. Guided visits are by appointment and support their lifelong care

Join a guided hike through a protected foothill habitat along Fine Gold Creek. It's a chance to see the landscape and wildlife that have been preserved for future generations.

Wander through terraced garden beds awash in color when the irises bloom each April. It's a rare chance to tour a private garden at the peak of spring.

Come face-to-face with a mountain lion, bobcat, gray fox, and barn owl at this wildlife care center. Every animal here has found a lifelong home, and visits are by appointment.

Stroll through an extensive iris display at this private home garden, open for tours in April when the blooms are at their best. It's a colorful springtime stop for gardeners and photographers alike.. Customer Service: Contact John (559) 859-7800

Let the kids loose on the community playground, then follow the trail from the central trailhead for a scenic stroll along the Fresno River. It's an easy, family-friendly stop right in town.

Wander the paved trails past peaceful streams and open meadows, with large-scale sculptures adding a surprise around every bend. It's a relaxed, accessible way to enjoy art and nature together.

Step into a living piece of history at the traditional meeting place of the Southern Sierra Miwok people. A visit here offers a meaningful look at the culture and heritage of the foothills.

Hike through 400 acres of rare natural oak habitat, an uncommon find that's open to the public. Bring your binoculars, because the oak woodland is a great place for birding.

Watch for bald eagles and osprey, which nest around the lake year-round. Mornings and late afternoons are the best times to see these majestic birds fishing over the water

Venture off the beaten path to the marker at the geographic midpoint of the Golden State. It's a quirky stop that makes a great photo and a fun story to tell.

Enjoy a scenic recreation area where poppies and lupine put on a colorful show each spring. Bring a camera, a picnic, and plenty of time to soak in the views.

Dig into a giant hamburger and a slice of homemade pie with a view of a wildflower-filled mountain meadow. It's a classic mountain stop that's worth the drive up Beasore Road.

See a massive, nearly perfect semi-spherical boulder that once served as a gathering place for the Mono Indians. It's a striking natural landmark in a peaceful forest setting.

Stock up on fresh produce and groceries in a welcoming, small-town market atmosphere. It's an easy stop for road-trip snacks and local flavor.

Pick out a pumpkin on October weekends, and take home a bottle of pomegranate juice, available all year. It's a seasonal family favorite with a local twist."

Stock up on Madera-grown pistachios and more, straight from the source. They make great snacks and gifts.

Browse an open-air market of fresh produce and local vendors every Wednesday and Sunday morning through mid-afternoon. Arrive early for the best finds.

Join the celebration of local agriculture and food on the first Saturday of November, with pomegranates, fruits, and nuts at the heart of the fun. It's a tasty way to meet the growers behind Madera's harvest.

Pick up juicy stone fruit, sweet watermelon, and more, fresh from the field from June through October. It's a taste of Madera summer to take home. Bring cash, and call for hours: (559) 674-8117

Go behind the scenes on a factory tour and see how California olive oil is made. Tours are scheduled in advance, so call or email to reserve your spot. Call 559-299-0203 x133 or email info@enzooliveoil.com.

Pull over for fresh fruit, vegetables, and nuts sold roadside, with a friendly, local stand to shop Monday through Saturday. It's the perfect quick stop for a taste of the harvest.

Grab fresh strawberries, fruits, and vegetables at this roadside stand, open seven days a week from March through July. Spring and early summer taste better here.

Wander through an outdoor plant nursery full of large trees in the Bonadelle Ranchos neighborhood. It's a great place to find something green for your own backyard.

Explore local vendors offering fresh foods and goods every Thursday evening from 5 to 8. It's a lively neighborhood market with something tasty for everyone.

Pull over at this self-serve farm stand for fresh seasonal finds. It's a simple, trust-based stop that lets you shop at your own pace.

Make this your harvest fun headquarters, with plenty of pumpkins and autumn memories to take home. It's open seven days a week in October.

Shop fresh local produce and goods on Thursday afternoons from 4 to 7 at Bryant's Ace Hardware. It's a friendly, seasonal market right in the heart of Oakhurst.

Browse local artisans and makers on the third Saturday of the month at Fresno Flats. Hours shift with the seasons, with daytime shopping in spring and fall and evening markets in summer.

Visit a family-run farm for produce, flowers, and nursery starts. It's a welcoming place to pick up something fresh for the table or the garden. 

Pick up fresh produce and artisan goods lakeside at The Pines Village every Wednesday from 4 to 7 all summer. It's a relaxed way to enjoy the market and the mountain scenery.

Enjoy live music, local products, and great vibes as the sun goes down over Bass Lake. Dates vary, so check ahead before you go.

Stock up on farm-fresh produce and local specialty foods in the foothills near North Fork. It's a great stop for something fresh and homegrown.