Located in the Ojai Valley northwest of Los Angeles and east of Santa Barbara, this small town was given its name by Native Americans who called it Valley of the Moon back in 1837. This little city is free from chaos and traffic, even though it’s located inland; just 12 miles away from the ocean!
Artists, musicians, health enthusiasts, and a few quality-conscious winemakers have settled here recently due to its nestled or tucked away location surrounded by hills and mountains. If you happen to go down Highway 33 – stay patient because it’ll take about 25 minutes to reach this hidden paradise!
The Emerald Iguana Inn
There are plenty of options for those looking for different types of lodging around the main bolete. But if you’re looking for a real experience, there’s no better option than the Emerald Iguana Inn. Every inch of this serene property transports guests to a different era. When you settle down in one of the rustic rooms and relax on one of the soft carpets or take a bath in either clawfoot tubs or whirlpool baths, you’ll forget everything outside these pristine walls.
This iconic bed and breakfast has been owned and designed by award-winning architects Julie Whitman and Marc Whitman since 1997. Marc created all of the curated paintings, sculptures, and metal works, and much of the furniture is from their international travels. The inn also offers many spa services and lounging at their beautiful courtyard pool with stone sourced from local quarries for its walls – some of which date back to 1906.
It’s only a 12-minute walk into town, but if you’re planning on eating and drinking, get a ride.
Keep in mind that, even though the town is busy, there aren’t many taxis, and Uber/Lyft services will take 20 minutes because most will be driving from Santa Barbara or Ventura city proper.
Request “Dean Shuttle Bus Services” for your convenience.
Pack a picnic basket full of local delicacies from one of the many open-air markets in town; you’re bound to find something unexpected! You should start your day at Topa Mountain Winery for an elegant meal on top of the beautiful blue sky with Ojai’s unique culture surrounding you.
Topa Mountain Winery
Situated beneath the towering mountains of Ojai, one can find the serene and beautiful vineyard of Topa Mountain Winery. Owned by Lauro Guerra since 2009, he planted Barbera, Tempranillo, Carmenere, and Rhone grapes – all after careful consideration for what would grow best on this soil. Dominic O’Reilly is responsible for blending these wines together as well as making wine out of all other grape types; drawing inspiration from what he learned while harvesting fruit in Australia and New Zealand.
The wines have a lot of fruit aromas and have been aged in old and new French oak. Produced to be drunk young in order to highlight their vibrant character and smooth mouthfeel.
Tastings are $15 per person, or you can buy a bottle and enjoy a picnic in the midst of ancient oaks and redwoods, open bike trails, and live music. Topa Mountain Winery is a friendly place for couples, families, and four-legged friends.
Phone: 805-640-1190
Email: info@topawines.com
Tasting Room Address:
821 W. Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA 93023
The End of the Road Winery offers the most magical and exceptional wine-tasting experience in the valley. Bob Levin, the winemaker, meticulously crafts these wines. It does not yet have a tasting room open to the public, but you would be well rewarded to check in when it is stated to open! In the meantime, please see the epicureanangel.com review.
No stop would better represent the styles of Ojai Valley wines than…
Ojai Valley Vineyard
A legend and face of the valley, for over forty years Adam Tolmach dedicated his life to finding a balance between the generosity our temperate clime bestows on our wine-growing territory and the sensibilities of European winemaking philosophy. In 1976 he planted vines on what was once his grandfather’s property since 1933 to farm agriculture. After receiving a degree in enology in 1982, he worked at Zaca Mesa Winery in Santa Barbara County before co-founding Au Bon Climat with Jim Clendenen until they parted ways. He had already grown Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc when planting wine grapes in his own Ojai vineyard but sought to include more varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay too. The practice continues in the winery where the wines are not fined or filtered and polished.
A word of caution: the valley is a very tight community, and Fabian Castel, who was Bob Levin’s mentor at End of The Road Winery, has been the manager of The Ojai Vineyard since 2001. Talent spreads like wildfire!
Over 300 wines are available for purchase or consumption on the premises in the tasting room. Tastings are $17 or free with the purchase of two bottles, with scheduled private tastings and library flights available on weekends.
109 S Montgomery St, Ojai, CA 93023
For a cozy cellar style, the setting is…
Majestic Oak Vineyard
Founded in 2015, it’s a great place for those who want to recline both indoors or outdoors with its homey vibe feeling more like a bar than a tasting room.
Though centrally located, this inn is easy to miss. From afar, you’ll see the brown gate at the bottom of the stairs and past an enchanting garden courtyard.
The vineyard is located in the uppermost reaches of Ojai Valley. Surrounded by nothing but centuries-old majestic oak trees, it was bought back in 1967 by the Gustafson family from its previous incarnation as a horse ranch. Nowadays, this estate boasts one acre of Rhone varietals, Sauvignon Blancs, and Pinots – all grown there naturally over time to perfection. If you’re looking for information about hosting an event at the winery or on any other occasion – check out
facebook.com/majesticoakvineyard
321 E. Ojai Ave. Ojai, Ca 93023
When the sun begins to set, there is only one place in town on this list that is a local haunt, part wine bar, crafted libations, and made-to-order small plates by pop-up chefs.
Tipple & Ramble
When you combine a shop with quality locally made specialty items for sale designed for entertaining, food, and drinks, it naturally feels like you’re walking into someone’s home.
- Market totes
- Picnic baskets
- Blankets & beach towels
- Games
- Textiles
- Home, tabletop decor & accessories
- Cocktail & bar wares
Pro Tip: When you come, make sure you’re sitting outside when the sun sets. You’ll want to be able to catch this once-in-a-lifetime moment – it’s one of Ojai Valley’s most unforgettable sights! If you arrive early enough, you can order a glass of rosé from the bar and then head out onto the patio for some evening relaxation with your friends before dinner.
Since 2014, Tipple & Ramble has been owned by Sune Goldstein – the kindest, most down-to-earth person you’ll ever meet. It doesn’t take long for this man to make everyone feel at home at his establishment. No one feels uncomfortable or out of place. You can come alone and never worry about being overlooked again because there are always seats available – so grab a glass of wine from behind the bar and sit back; relax!
315 N. Montgomery St.
Quality dinner options abound without breaking the bank, but a warm and remarkable pure family find is…
Osteria Monte Grappa
Since 2009, Tammy and Stefano Bernardi rooted in Veneto Italy don’t define their restaurant as Italian cuisine, but rather as a seasonally changing menu. Combined with authentic imported Italian foods and resources from well-connected locals – including homemade pasta and housemade sauces – every dish is delicious for any taste buds. While there are mixed reviews about this place, it does meet expectations for a hidden gem of an off-the-beaten-path Northern Italian spot; just know that because everything’s made to order here – you may need to wait for some time!
Pizza Nani: smoked mozzarella & burrata cheese, prosciutto & sautéed shitake mushrooms.
Insalata all’Amicizia, lettuce mix in vinaigrette with local citrus, fennel, avocado & mediterranean olives, topped with shaved grana padano cheese.
Bacala’, fresh wild local cod, simmered in olive oil, cream, milk, onions, garlic & capers, served over creamy soft polenta
Merluso Nero al Miel e Mandarin: fresh wild local central coast black cod filet with Ojai wildflower honey, tangerine & turmeric butter
Maltagliate alla San Zenonese: hand-cut wide pasta ribbons, house-made pork sausage, tomato sauce, local organic lacinato kale & torpedo onion, with shredded pecorino cheese.
It would not be the purpose if you didn’t end dinner without a glass of Grappa or house made Limoncello…Buon Appetito!!
This small town of 8,000 people still thrives on its natural resources for its primary tourism economy. It offers enchanting shops, music festivals, visionary chefs, and enticing hotels; allowing visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of their daily lives.
Much of the town’s development is credited to Edward Libbey, the man behind the Libbey Glass Company. Back in 1917 when a fire destroyed the original western-style downtown – Mr. Libbey helped fund rebuilding efforts and designed what would eventually become the city’s Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture. This led his grateful citizens to honor him by holding an annual event on March 2nd called Libbey Day. He politely declined this offer, so they changed its name to Ojai Day – today which continues every October.
The Historical Arcade and Bell Tower still stand, serving as symbols of the city and majestic surrounding valley. This is just one more reason to journey back when you’re in these parts.
Ciao! I hope you enjoyed the article about Ojai
Please comment below. I Love your feedback. Thank you and remember Taste Small Live Big!
Follow me on Instagram @epicurean.angel