Ready to taste the Sierra one bite (and sip) at a time? Then you’ll want to check out these farm experiences and restaurants near Yosemite.
Just west of Yosemite National Park’s granite peaks and waterfalls lies Mariposa. It’s where California’s agricultural roots run deep and modern-day farm-to-fork living thrives. Whether you’re a food-focused road-tripper or wine lover, there’s plenty of local flavor to explore.
Mariposa County isn’t just a gateway to Yosemite. It is a region with a rich story of indigenous Miwok culture and tales of the argonaut era. Here, Gold Rush-era towns hum with small-town appeal while regenerative farms and micro-wineries carry the region’s legacy into a new era.
The land is a mix of oak woodlands and rolling hills. This is ideal for growing everything from heirloom apples and summer squash to pumpkins, potatoes, and dry-farmed winegrapes. Add to that a vibrant community as passionate about sustainability as they are about flavor, and you’ve got a region ripe for exploring.
The California Grown team has traversed Mariposa County to bring you firsthand recommendations highlighting the best in local agriculture. This list is curated with care to help you eat and drink like a local while supporting the small businesses and food producers that make the western edge of Yosemite National Park so special. From cozy cafés and olive oil tastings to cider sips and no-till farms, we’re here to help you dig in and discover it all.
8 Farm Experiences And Restaurants Near Yosemite
Let’s dive into the best farm experiences and local restaurants near Yosemite. From farmers markets and farm-to-table meals, there’s so much to savor just beyond the park gates.
Casto Oaks Fine Wine and Art
Located on historic Highway 140 in downtown Mariposa, Casto Oaks is a boutique tasting room. They offer handcrafted wines alongside local art. Their estate-grown Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon highlight the depth and structure that Mariposa-grown grapes can achieve. Guests rave about the friendly vibe and the chance to pair bold reds with conversation and creativity.
CostaLivos Mountain Gold Olive Oil
Across the street from Casto Oaks, you’ll find the CostaLivos Mountain Gold Olive Oil tasting room. Their ultra-premium, cold-pressed olive oil brings a touch of the Mediterranean to the Sierra foothills. Sourced from California-grown olives and crafted in small batches, their oils range from bold and peppery to mellow and buttery. Stop by the tasting room and gourmet shop to sample oils, vinegars, and tapenades made with local ingredients.
Happy Goat Farm to Fork Kitchen
Happy Goat is A local favorite that delivers big on freshness and flavor. They serve up hearty breakfasts and lunches that spotlight local farms. Their seasonal menus feature produce from Raw Roots Farm and other nearby growers. The focus is on vegetarian and vegan options that don’t skimp on taste. Think pasture-raised egg scrambles, local greens, and house-made biscuits—simple, satisfying, and straight from the Sierra. Fun fact: they also raise goats for fresh dairy products. As such, don’t miss any seasonal specials that include chèvre or yogurt!
High Country Health Foods & Café
Equal parts market and café, High Country Health Foods is your go-to for organic eats and local goods in Mariposa. The café menu leans plant-based (hello, tempeh Reuben!) and is packed with hearty salads, smoothies, and grain bowls. Need hiking snacks or picnic fare for your Yosemite adventure? This grocery stocks locally grown produce and healthy pantry staples—perfect for travelers who want to stay nourished.
The Local Grape
Located in Mariposa’s historic downtown, The Local Grape is a tasting room focused exclusively on local Sierra Foothills AVA wines. Here you’ll find numerous local wines to sample from Casto Oaks, Lavender Ridge, Gianelli Vineyards, Holly’s Hill, and other micro-producers.
Mariposa Farmers’ Market
Held weekly in downtown Mariposa during the growing season, this community market celebrates all things local. Expect organic veggies, small-batch honey, baked goods, and handcrafted items from local producers across Mariposa, Merced, and San Joaquin counties. It’s the perfect place to meet the farmers behind your food and fill a tote with seasonal Sierra bounty.
Sierra Cider is a small but mighty cidery that produces traditional and creative apple ciders from its estate fruit. They have over 700 trees growing 19 varieties of apples, with some ciders made from Gold Rush-era heirloom apples. You can stop by for a tasting on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday afternoons. But orchard tours are by appointment only, so plan ahead.
Raw Roots Farm
Raw Roots Farm is a pillar of Mariposa’s local food movement. They are a regenerative, no-till farm growing organic produce on four acres in Catheys Valley. Run by Andrew and Lauren Glikin since 2012, the farm supplies CSA members, local markets, and restaurants like Happy Goat. Their carrots, lettuces, and tomatoes are prized for their flavor and role in building soil health and biodiversity. Check their website for events and visitor opportunities; this is agritourism at its most community-minded.
The Mariposa area seamlessly blends Gold Rush history with vibrant, modern-day agritourism. Across the region, you’ll find everything from heirloom apples to small-batch wines and regenerative farms. Whether sipping cider under an apple tree, sampling local wines, or eating at one of the many restaurants near Yosemite, this region has much to explore.
With this list of farm experiences and restaurants near Yosemite, you’re ready to travel to the High Sierra. Read more about farm tours, restaurants, and other ag adventures in the High Sierra.
This article was written by Aida Mollenkamp, @aidamollenkamp, opening by Stephen Lam photo courtesy of Visit California, photos of apples and lettuce by James Collier for California Grown; photos of Casto Oaks and Sierra Cider by Aida Mollenkamp; other photos by Mariposa Farmers Market