Think of California wine trips and you immediately think of Napa Valley and Sonoma. But before Prohibition, the area around Yosemite National Park known as the Sierra Foothills was more famous for its wine production. This area is having a long overdue renaissance, and once again is producing some fabulous wines. Relatively new vintners are doing some exciting things with grapes, and where better to taste them than in the beautiful surroundings of the Sierra Mountains.

There are some great wineries and vineyards to visit in the Mariposa area, but my favourite is the Chappell Winery. We were recommended this family-run vineyard and winery by the fine sommelier at Elderberry House and were not disappointed. Visit their tasting room in downtown Mariposa and try the wonderful grenache, an absolute steal at $12 a bottle. Even better, buy a case at $120 and get them to ship it for you. Don't forget to buy a couple of extra bottles to take away with you on the day, because you won't want to wait until you get home to drink it!

www.chappellwinery.com
Chappell Winery
5888 Colorado Rd.
Mariposa, CA 95338

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When you drive up to a fairy tale style chateau and staff line up to greet you with wine and hor d'oeuvres, you know you're somewhere special. A truly individual and luxury inn, with fabulous food at the adjacent Elderberry House, and some amazing local wines - we were recommended a wonderful local Zinfandel at a very reasonable price which I still dream about! Beautiful touches like homemade cakes in your room and handwritten goodnight notes add to a magical experience. You might not feel you want to leave once you're there, but if you must, Yosemite is really close by, as are some great local vineyards to rival Napa and Sonoma.

www.chateaudusureau.com

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