Description

Madera Vineyard Overview

Located in central California, Madera Vineyard is an 80-acre property owned by the Church, dedicated to supporting humanitarian efforts both locally and globally through its unique approach of volunteer-driven raisin production.

History and Background

Madera Vineyard engages the community in its mission by hosting thousands of volunteers each year. The vineyard's primary function is to produce raisins which are used in humanitarian relief efforts worldwide, including donations to food banks, soup kitchens, and rescue missions across the United States.

Vineyard Details and Wine Production

The vineyard focuses on the cultivation of grapes specifically for raisin production. Each year, during the months of August and September, volunteers participate in the grape harvest. These grapes are then naturally sun-dried on trays to produce raisins. Madera Vineyard operates under a robust volunteer program, where people are involved in various stages of production:

• Picking grapes
• Rolling dried grapes
• Boxing raisins for shipment

Pruning of the vines occurs during the cooler months of December and January.

Visitor Information and Experiences

Visitors are primarily volunteers who participate in the vineyard operations, contributing to the extensive labor required during the harvest and boxing periods. Volunteer activities are concentrated from late August to early October, with major tasks including:

• Grape picking
• Grape rolling
• Raisin boxing

Most volunteers prefer to start early in the morning at sunrise to avoid the midday heat. It is recommended that volunteers wear:

• Long-sleeve shirts
• Long pants
• Sun protection (hats, sunscreen)
• Bring water for hydration

Volunteering

Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact the vineyard to schedule a visit during the specified months. The vineyard offers a series of instructional videos detailing the various service activities, helping volunteers understand the tasks before arrival.

Notable Specialties

Madera Vineyard is known for its community-driven approach to agriculture, focusing on the production of raisins specifically intended for charitable purposes. The vineyard does not commercialize its product but instead dedicates the entirety of its produce to aid efforts.

Contact Information and Location

• Address: 8605 Road 35, Madera, CA 93636
• Phone: (559)-232-9022

Madera Vineyard welcomes individuals and groups willing to contribute their time to a noble cause, assisting in both local and global humanitarian initiatives through the simple, yet impactful medium of agriculture.