As 1977 Reunion class comes ‘home’ and approaches the big 5.0… here is a valuable life lesson. “Change with the times, and keep current.”

The two restaurants where the homecoming festivities are being held have done just that.

Traveling down memory lane, you may remember Reunion weekend restaurants and winery. Both have longstanding, century-old family traditions in the business. Both continue to evolve and reinvent themselves. So it’s worth a visit to see how what’s old IS new, again.

Robert and Helen Mariscotti opened The Vineyard Restaurant (605 South I Street) in the present location at the junction of Highway 99 and Highway 145 on the southern edge of Madera after its predecessor, the Berenda Ranch Restaurant was torn down in the early 1970s. Some may even remember how it evolved from a grocery store to a bar to a 24-hour establishment and gas station. The casual menu harkens from century-old traditions of this restaurant’s Italian heritage. They now even bake their own breads and deserts and boast an extensive wine list. The Vineyard was picked by “The Wine Spectator” as one of the restaurants to eat in the San Joaquin Valley.

Siblings John Lasgoity and Michele Lasgoity own and operate the Chateau Lasgoity winery, which has been a family tradition for 4 generations. Chateau Lasgoity’s inaugural crush was in the Fall of 2000. Their 2000 Blanc du Val has received two top local medals and the 2001 Blanc du Val received a GOLD MEDAL in the 20th Annual West Coast Wine Competition held in Santa Rosa. This beautiful venue (11219 Road 26, Madera) offers daily tours and wine tastings.