I love everything about Ojai and my wine tasting experience from one or their world-class wineries was no exception!
Style Details
Dress :: ASOS Strapless Dress In Floral Print (similar here)
Heels :: Salvatore Ferragamo (similar)
Clutch :: Prada (similar here & here)
Jewelry :: Peridot Chip Necklace, Jade Necklace, Jade Dangle Earrings
Sunglasses :: D&G (similar)
The sun was sparkling brightly which exclaimed that it was a lovely day to go wine tasting. I decided to wear my sweetheart cut dress embellished with an oversized bow on the waist. I’ve seen the bow trend all over the Spring 2013 feature on Fashion Week. I like the bow because it adds a punch of personality. All in all, I feel the outfit really comes together. Cute & feminine details like these are guaranteed to make the day so much more colorful!
I used to think that tasting rooms are always next to a vineyard until I was introduced to one in Ojai. Wineries in remote locations often have tasting rooms in downtown and other popular areas, as the case of The Ojai Vineyard. Most wineries will let you taste a selection of their wines.
Enticed with a view of various bottled reds, whites, and dessert wines, I found the tasting room of The Ojai Vineyard a quaint and beautiful location to sample and savor some of Ojai Valley’s most represented wines.
It was certainly a well-run tasting room! Inside, we saw a simple wooden bar showcasing old world style wines with a modern flair. The room is airy, cozy, charming and peaceful. The staff is also friendly, entertaining and very knowledgeable. We definitely gained a lot of understanding about their wines and Ojai.
The winery is owned by Adam & Helen Tolmach. Their wines are known as the best in Ojai as well as south of Napa Valley. There wasn’t a lot of wineries in the area when they started in 1983, but after 27 years, they finally opened their tasting room in downtown Ojai in July of 2010. I had a flight of their select wines which I found to be unique, striking, and most of all, delicious.
We started with the Riesling, then the Chardonnay, then Rose, then the Pinot Noir, the Syrah and finally, their fabulous Dessert Wine.
I discovered that The Ojai Vineyard is best known for its Syrah, Pinot Noir and crisp Riesling. The Syrah is one of my favorites since it’s full-bodied, fruity and a little spicy. Because of it’s flurry of flavors, it stands up to big bold flavors. Therefore it would go with just about any beef dish. Pinot Noirs pair well with pork and chicken while Riesling is best served with fish and vegetables or anything spicy.
The Ojai Vineyard is a local Tasting Room, but the winery is in the midst of picturesque Ojai Valley, within downtown. They have a wonderful selection of wines in the $30-$100 range. This small tasting room is worth visiting in Ojai, and is excellent enough to be a destination unto itself.
In Los Angeles, we are blessed to be close to some of the greatest grapes in the world but I never realized it until a professional from the Ojai Vineyard explained it to me. Now that I know, it is a shame to miss out on one of the best ways to enjoy them. So, as we get closer to autumn and the vineyards are full of ripe grapes, make sure to take the time to go out there and enjoy some wine tasting!
The Ojai Vineyard: 109 South Montgomery Street Ojai, CA 93023 – (805) 798-3947
Where to Stay? The Emerald Iguana Inn (read my reviews on this lovely hotel here & here)!