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Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009

Wine Line: Wine country in Merced's backyard

MARIPOSA -- "Thirty-seven miles to Merced. Only 37? Is that right?" I asked my editor, sometime-navigator and all-time wife.

"That's what the sign says," she replied.

So here we are leaving Mariposa at 9:30 on a cool summer evening, realizing we would be home in less than an hour. What a great day and perfect evening. Let me explain.

A reader of Wine Line, Floyd H., wrote that he enjoyed the column and suggested I visit the Mariposa area wineries. We scheduled a tasting for Saturday and found out that the Bobtones were playing that evening at the Mariposa Art Park. I called someone who knew someone (in the band), and they had dinner reservations for 5:30 at a restaurant called Savoury's.

They invited us to join them, so not only did we taste wine, we had a fantastic dinner and then walked across the street and enjoyed an evening of high-energy blues music.

The Mariposa Arts Council sponsors Friday and Saturday night concerts in July and August. You can check its Web site at www.arts-mariposa.org to see who is playing.

There are many good reasons to schedule a wine tasting trip to Mariposa. Did I mention 37 miles? This is wine country in your backyard. This is the real thing -- four small wineries putting their hearts and souls into producing wine that expresses the region (terroir in French, which means "soil"). Pack a picnic and go!

After you climb up the hill from Catheys Valley, look for the Mt. Bullion left turn. Head to Highway 49, turn left and Mt. Bullion Vineyards will be on your left. Owner/winemaker etc., Harold Castro will greet you with a smile, give you an extensive tour, pour his estate zinfandel, zinfandel port and cabernet sauvignon. The winery is open Friday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and by appointment (209) 377-8450.

Next, take Highway 49 to Mariposa, turn left on Highway 140, turn right on Triangle Road, turn right on Carleton Road, then right on Morningstar Lane. Silver Fox Vineyards is on the left. The 2.5-acre vineyard of Bordeaux varietals produces a premium Meritage, a Sierra Cuvee and a Red Table Cuvee. They are open by appointment only (209) 966-4800.

Head back to Triangle Road, turn right, then right again at the winery sign and continue to the end of the driveway. Butterfly Creek Winery produces Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and a Sauvignon Blanc. Bob Gerken, owner/winemaker etc., who could also make a living as a standup comedian, will entertain you as you taste his fine wines. Open Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment (209) 966-2097.

Chappell Vineyard has opened a tasting room on Main Street in downtown Mariposa. It is open Thursday to Sunday 4 to 8 p.m. You can taste their estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, grenache and syrah. This location is walking distance to Savoury's, as well as other fine restaurants. Taste local wines, support local restaurants, enjoy a free outdoor concert and oh, by the way, did I tell you that all of this is just 37 miles from Merced?

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can reach me at rgwinton@yahoo.com.