Steven H. Ficklin founded Madera Port works in 2015 with the vineyard his grandfather had planted here in Madera, California, in the early 1940’s. Originally, there were both reds and whites grown, along with a couple different varieties of table grapes. As the earlier generation of his family committed to producing a premium California Port, the other grapes were phased out and four Portuguese varietals became the focus. Souzåo, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Madeira, and Tinta Cåo are currently grown in what is now known as Susie’s Vineyard, named for Steve’s beloved late wife.

Steve, a purple heart veteran, became the vineyard manager when he returned home from serving his country during the Vietnam war, and continued to be a faithful steward of the land until his passing in May of 2020.

Today his son, also a Steve, has returned home to Madera to continue Madera Port Works and carry on his family’s tradition as a fourth generation central valley winegrower.