Five Great Places to Drink Wine in Ojai
From established wineries to a backyard wine bar tucked behind a picnic store, there are plenty of watering holes in Ojai. Whether you’re looking to buy wines to take home, want to indulge in tasting flights or simply enjoy a bottle over a meal, there are many options to satisfy your inner oenophile. Here are five great places to drink wine in Ojai.
THE OJAI VINEYARD
This tasting room is housed in a colonial-style building off Ojai Avenue that was once a firehouse. The huge room features a large wall of wine at the back that fittingly sets the scene for there are more than 300 wines available to sample or buy here. A typical tasting flight at the Ojai Vineyard showcases five wines and my personal favorite is their elegantly aged Syrah. But their very moreish Rosé, crisp Sauvignon Blanc or delicate Pinot Noir are also not to be scoffed at. The highly knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help and there are tables both inside and out where you can sit and enjoy a glass, flight or bottle.
BOCCALI’S
Nestled on a corner at the edge of Ojai’s East End just as you leave town, Boccali’s is a full service Italian inspired restaurant that offers wines from its family-owned vineyard. The family produces 100% estate wines, made from fruit grown on their Boccali Ranch in the Upper Ojai Valley, with vintages including the aptly called Shangri-La Grenache Blanc, Pink Moment Rosé Syrah and the Topa Topa Syrah. Boccali’s is open for outdoor wine tastings on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-5pm only and the tasting fee for a flight of seven wines is $10. The Boccali family also owns a second pizza and pasta restaurant in nearby Oak View.
OJAI ROOTS
Tucked away on Montgomery Street, Ojai Roots is housed in the former Tipple & Ramble space, and offers a serene escape for wine lovers with a blend of rustic charm and refined flavors.
This farm shop and wine garden serves a thoughtfully curated wine list, featuring both their own small-batch vintages and selections from boutique producers. Guests can enjoy a glass of their Ojai Estate Syrah or explore international offerings like the Perluca Montepulciano while tucking into a menu of light bites that highlight the region's bounty. From marinated olives and charcuterie samplers to greenhouse veggie plates, each dish is crafted with ingredients sourced from their regenerative farm and local artisans.
OLD CREEK WINERY
Tucked between Ojai and Ventura along Highway 33, the Old Creek Ranch Winery offers a laid-back yet refined wine tasting experience. Set on a sprawling ranch with mountain views, the property features shaded trellises, fire pits, and picnic tables—ideal for a relaxed afternoon.
The tasting flight includes six one-ounce pours, showcasing a rotating selection of varietals like Sangiovese, Albariño, and Rhône-style blends. While the winery is reestablishing its own vineyards, the current wines are sourced from top California growers and crafted on-site. Guests can explore the landscaped grounds, enjoy a game of bocce, or simply unwind with a glass of wine. Leashed dogs are welcome, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnics. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to ensure seating.
FERROS FERIO
Feros Ferio Winery, located in downtown Ojai, offers a refreshing and unpretentious wine tasting experience. Founded by Nigel Chisholm, it has a relaxed vibe, where guests get to enjoy wine without the typical industry pretensions.
The tasting room is bright and cheerful, adorned with local artwork, including a 1910 piano painted by artist Amy Lynn Stevenson. Feros Ferio sources grapes from its own vineyards and collaborates with renowned vineyards in Santa Ynez and beyond. The winery focuses on blending, aiming for a French-style approach that highlights specific flavors and profiles, moving away from the classic California 'fruit bomb' experience.
Beyond wine, Feros Ferio hosts live music on weekends, and karaoke nights on Fridays.
