San Francisco Chronicle:

by Michael Bauer, Chronicle Restaurant Critic

Yosemite conjures up images of rugged granite mountains, arduous hikes and spectacular sequoia groves, not a luxury French chateau where guests cuddle in Lisa Galimberti Italian sheets and dine on six-course meals surrounded by European antiques.

Yet this is all part of the essential experience at the Estate by the Elderberries, conceived, designed and owned by Erna Kubin-Clanin, a 62-year-old Austrian who by sheer determination created a country inn that could rival the Michelin three-star experiences of France.

It wasn't an easy road from Austria to the foothills of the Sierra. Fantasy, dreams and memories are the mortar of her life, and are held in sacred trust here. With its white stucco walls, rock turrets and multilevel terra-cotta roof, the building looks like a European castle perched on a hill -- an incongruous vision looming over Oakhurst, a Madera County town of 18,000 where the most upscale department store is Sears.

The compound consists of Kubin-Clanin's Elderberry House, a restaurant patterned after the grand country destinations in France; Chateau de Sureau, which includes 10 country-elegant rooms; and the even more citified Villa Sureau, a two-bedroom house that's decorated in the Empire style.

"I have a passion for making people happy, to be a part of their lives from the beautiful side,'' Kubin-Clanin says. "We are here to give people memories they can take home.''

In addition, to Michael Bauer's commentary on her exquisite restaurant, and Executive Chef, James Overbaugh, we encourage you to read what Departure's Gary Walther wrote about this special place in their Jan-Feb 2000 issue. For the full story go to: Departures.com | Ultimately, Connected

Erna's Chateau, Villa and Elderberry House, are located in Oakhurst, California, just 20 minutes from the South Gate of Yosemite Park. Horseback riding are golf are readily available nearby. In the winter, skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are the adventures of choice. In the summer, Bass Lake offers fishing, swimming, waterskiing, and boating. Whitewater rafting is also a favorite in the area. For reservations, please call 559.683.6800. Their annual closing is from January 4th - 23rd, so book your reservations now. This Mobil Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond, Relais & Chateau is the perfect indulgence after backpacking through the wild of Yosemite, or a hike up Half Dome.

~Jennifer