Ojai, California, is often overlooked as a wine destination. I should know—I was guilty of overlooking it as I motored past it on my way to the nearby wine country locations of Sta. Rita Hills and Paso Robles.
I am happy to report that at least I’ve no longer overlooked Ojai, and I am finding more and more wonderful expressions of wine right in the magical location of Ojai.
When pondering on what finally made me stop to consider Ojai an up-and-coming wine destination, a simple answer sprung to mind – the wine is good. Then there is the deeper answer – wine is something new to discover that isn’t bound by rules and expectations. The region feels like a place where winemakers and viticulturists experiment with what grows best in this fertile land.
Where is Ojai Wine Country?
Let’s set the scene. About 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean, Ojai sits nestled in a serene valley of the Topatopa Mountains. The Chumash people inhabited this region of Ventura County long before European settlers arrived. Derived from the Ventureño Chumash word ʼawha’y, Ojai (pronounced “Oh, hi”) means “moon.”
As a celebrated region for produce, the fragrant scent of the famous Ojai Pixie Tangerine fills the air. Lorenzo Nicola, chef/owner of the popular restaurant Ojai Rôtie, says, “It’s like the produce just rolls down the hills here.”
Ojai has a population of about 7,500 residents, giving it a tight-knit feel. It is earning praise for its wine scene, with several wineries and tasting rooms scattered throughout the area. From high-altitude vineyards offering panoramic views to cozy tasting rooms along the lively Ojai Avenue, this main street is lined with a blend of charming restaurants, shops, and galleries, creating a vibrant yet relaxed ambiance.
Known as one of the world’s spiritual vortexes—a status claimed by Sedona and Crater Lake as well—Ojai offers an environment conducive to meditation and spiritual soul-searching.
Welcome to Ojai Mountain Estate
My own soul-searching came in the form of wine tasting, which brought me to Ojai Mountain Estate. Owner Olga Chernov, a finance executive and fintech entrepreneur, bought the property in 2015.
“My wife is crazy – she planted a vineyard at 2,800 feet!” says Mikhail Chernov about his wife Olga and her 2018 plantings. This got the attention of renowned Sonoma-based winemaker Erich Bradley. “I fell in love with these mountains the moment I first saw them,” Bradley says, “and when I realized they could produce high-quality wines, I felt compelled to make it happen.”
Long known as a haven for artists – painters, sculptors, potters – Ojai’s list now includes winemakers. Speaking to a winemaker conjures up an artist sharing the secrets of their craft. Ojai provides the perfect canvas for winemaking experimentation, on which Bradley and the Ojai Mountain team proudly paint.
Photo courtesy of Ojai Mountain Estate
Wine That’s All About Ojai
Bradley makes Ojai Mountain wine along with head viticulturist Martin Ramirez and viticultural consultant Phil Coturri. They use minimal intervention in their winemaking and employ biodynamic farming practices.
You often come across wines that focus more on their creators than their place of origin. Bradley sits on the opposite end of the spectrum – it’s all about the place.
“I’m a minimalist when it comes to intervening in the winery,” Bradley says. “I devote my energy to making sure we’re in a situation where the harvested fruit that comes into the winery doesn’t need help. It is magnificent in its own right.” Their winemaking style is a shining example of perfectionism and passion.
On the steep slopes of Sulphur Mountain, the vines of Ojai Mountain Vineyards capture optimal sunlight all day. This unique location ensures even grape ripening, directly influencing the wines’ rich flavor and exceptional quality. The shale soil, once the ocean floor, offers abundant minerals and effectively retains moisture, which is crucial for the dry Ojai climate.
This unique soil imparts a distinct minerality, complexity, and freshness to Ojai Mountain wines. Further, the soil conditions encourage the vines to struggle, resulting in smaller yields with intensely concentrated fruit flavors.
“We’re trying to express the uniqueness of our rugged terrain, where grapes grow at almost 3,000 feet in a severe and challenging site,” Bradley says. “This situation is truly unusual, as there are not many grapes being cultivated for wine production at such high elevations anywhere in the world.”
Tasting at Ojai Mountain Estate
Intimate tastings at Ojai Mountain Estate, by appointment only, begin with the ride up the mountain. Reaching the top, you tour the vines and settle in to taste their wines while enjoying light snacks and the cool mountain breeze. They also offer private Jeep tour options, picking you up at any Ojai location for your journey to the mountain. You could not ask for a better view while sipping wine.
They focus on Rhône blends (wines made from grape varieties commonly grown in the Rhône Valley of France, such as Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre), but their 100 percent Estate Syrah never disappoints. Rhône wines thrive in this stretch of California because of the climate, soil, and coastal influence—all similar to the Rhône Valley in France.
Their Estate White, a beautiful blend of Grenache, Picpoul, and Roussanne, has melon and floral notes on the nose and lovely citrus and Asian pear flavors on the palate. Their Estate Red blends Bordeaux and Rhône varietals in perfect harmony, including Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre, and Cabernet Franc.
Ojai Mountain wines capture the essence of the unique mountain terroir—a blend of boldness and elegance that reflects the wild beauty of the land. These wines tell the story of a high-altitude vineyard near the Pacific, where the cool ocean influence and intense sunlight combine to create vibrant, complex wines.
Owner Olga Chernov says, “We want people to walk away from their Ojai Mountain experience with a sense of connection—to the land, the winemaking process, and the unique character of our wines. So many talented people have been inspired by this place, pouring their skill and passion into crafting something truly special.”
More Wineries Around Ojai
Other opportunities exist to get your Ojai wine fix, with artistic vintners delivering on the vision of minimal intervention winemaking, speaking to Ojai’s natural way of life.
Benny Holland at Walson Holland crafts exceptional Rhône blends. Taste these wines at their vineyard, tucked away off the beaten path in Ojai. Coming soon, you’ll also be able to sample their unique wines at their new tasting room in downtown Ojai.
Fabien Castel at Side Street Wine offers his spin on winemaking for another intriguing option. He champions Ojai wines, and his “Moment” Rosé of Grenache is a tribute to Ojai’s famous “Pink Moment” sunset.
Ojai offers a rare opportunity to begin your day tasting wine on a mountaintop and then unwind in the heart of the town by afternoon. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tasting rooms and connect with the local community. It’s a place where stories of the future of Ojai wine unfold with every sip.
For me, this journey is far from over—I’ll continue my search, eager to see where Ojai’s wine culture takes me next.
If You Go:
You can make a trip out of your Ojai wine journey. The town is brimming with charming restaurants, unique shops, and a wide range of accommodations to suit every taste.
For information, see the Ojai Visitors website.
You may also enjoy:
- Paso Robles Winemakers Are Thinking Outside the Bottle
- Taking a Ride with Fess Parker in California Wine Country
Nicole Leonetti blogs about food, wine, and travel at LeonettiLiving.com
