The Ojai Mountain Estate.
Nestled in a picturesque valley framed by the Topatopa Mountains, Ojai (pronounced ‘OH-hi’) derives its name from the Chumash word ’Awha’y, meaning ‘moon.’ Just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles and southeast of Santa Barbara County’s wine country, this small yet vibrant town on Chumash land offers wine, food, art and nature, perfect for filling a weekend getaway.
Grape-growing in the Ojai region dates back over 150 years to the arrival of Italian immigrants and Spanish missionaries. However, modern winemaking in Ojai took root in the early 1980s with Adam Tolmach, who founded The Ojai Vineyard.
Tolmach initially co-founded the iconic Au Bon Climat alongside Jim Clendenen. After parting ways with Clendenen in the early 1990s, Tolmach returned to his roots in Ojai, where he dedicated himself to crafting wines that have since put the region on the map.
Unlike other mountain ranges in the Americas that run north and south, the local mountains are part of the unique Western Transverse Range, an east-west-oriented formation that draws cool ocean air from the Pacific. This rare geography creates a Mediterranean climate further inland – warm days, cool nights and a gentle coastal influence – ideal for grape-growing and Ojai’s flourishing agriculture.
The centre of it all: The town of Ojai
The town of Ojai is quaint and local-focused with its strict prohibition of chain stores, allowing local storefronts to thrive. With the popularity of the destination for out-of-towners, the culinary scene is robust.
Ojai is known for its organic and sustainable farming, as well as its strong local artist community with numerous galleries and studios. The town has a focus on spirituality, offering a variety of retreats and wellness centres. Its natural hot springs have long been valued for their healing properties. The culinary scene is robust now that out-of-towners dominate local tourism.
Ojai Valley Inn Resort. Credit: Ojai Valley Inn
Thursday
Check into the Ojai Valley Inn for the weekend. Tucked within the Topatopa Mountains, the 100-year-old property redefines luxury. Located on 90 sprawling hectares, the resort balances relaxed and luxe amenities with a reverence for the unspoiled natural beauty of the region that embodies the authentic spirit of Ojai. Ojai Valley Inn offers championship-calibre golf, world-class dining, spa, wellness pursuits and kid-friendly activities.
Relax in your suite with unrivalled mountain views before dinner at Olivella onsite, a fine-dining restaurant focusing on seasonal and local produce with valley-to-table dining. California cuisine with Italian influence includes signature dishes such as kabocha squash caramelle, Petrossian Royal Ossetra caviar with stracciatella pannacotta, plus a ‘milk and honey’ dessert featuring local Brokaw Ranch kiwi and honey from the onsite apiary. Wine pairings feature local producers and wines from classic regions of the world.
Spa Ojai. Credit: Ojai Valley Inn
Friday
Morning
A visit to Ojai would not be complete without coffee and fresh pastries at The Dutchess in downtown Ojai, a mile from the Ojai Valley Inn. Bustling from open to close, The Dutchess features classic French baked goods, coffee from locally roasted beans and a popular weekend brunch. Come dinnertime the menu is full of dishes with Burmese-California flavours. Highlights include the lamb masala and tea leaf salad.
With a full belly, head up the windy, narrow roads of Sulphur Mountain for a private wine tasting at Ojai Mountain Estate, close to 3,000 feet (915 metres) above sea level and above the fog line, where on a clear day, you can see the Pacific and Catalina Island. With a focus on Syrah and other Rhône varieties, this high-elevation vineyard is biodynamically farmed. The tight selection of wines is intense in colour with immense fruit concentration.
Lunch
Return to the Ojai Valley Inn for a late lunch and treatment at the 31,000-square-foot luxury Spa…
Source : https://www.decanter.com/wine/ojai-wine-and-travel-guide-the-perfect-three-day-itinerary-552358/
