Spring 2009 Notes from the Vineyard

SPRING 2011

I mentioned in the last newsletter that we opened a tasting room in downtown Ojai, and I have to say it has been both a delight and an educational experience. When I started The Ojai Vineyard in 1983 there were not many wineries in the area, perhaps 25 from Paso Robles to Ventura—now there must be close to 500. It’s a number so large that it’s hard keeping track of who is who, and that is precisely why we are so excited to be able to talk directly with you at the tasting room and have you sample our crafted wines. The Ojai Vineyard is quite unique in the California wine scene, and opening the tasting room has given us a venue to explain the special attention we take in making our wines. So far, the response has been great—the tasting room has been abuzz with visitors. Customers have enjoyed the wines so much that many have signed up for the Wine Club, enabling them to receive wine selections I personally make quarterly.

We anticipate a busy spring, as Ojai has many planned events this time of year. Of particular note is the 65th annual Music Festival in early June, which we are the proud wine sponsor. It will take place at the newly rebuilt Libby Bowl, which is a stone’s throw from the tasting room. We are also planning after hours wine education classes and a couple of visits to the winery to taste barrel samples of the exciting 2010 wines.

At the tasting room you will meet Dusti Pelow, a personable and knowledgeable advocate of The Ojai Vineyard. After much perseverance she convinced me to open the tasting room in her and Frank Masserella’s charming Firehouse, an old WPA built fire station, and she agreed to manage it using her extensive restaurant and wine sales experience.

Occasionally you will find Fabien, Frederick or Dominic from the winery staff serving, however, the regular alternate for Dusti is John Anderson, who started with us just after we opened. He is a recent Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo graduate and brings an avid enthusiasm for all things wine.

The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room is open every day from noon to 5pm, and a little later on Friday and Saturday if it’s busy. We’re located at 109 S Montgomery Street in downtown Ojai. The phone number is 805-798-3947, and email: ojaivineyard@gmail.com

Adam Tolmach

Notes from the Vineyard Past "Notes from the Vineyard" Home Email us or join the mailing list Handmade wines since 1983.


	SPRING 2011 I mentioned in the last newsletter that we opened a tasting room in downtown Ojai, and I have to say it has been both a delight and an educational experience. When I started The Ojai Vineyard in 1983 there were not many wineries in the area, perhaps 25 from Paso Robles to Ventura—now there must be close to 500. It’s a number so large that it’s hard keeping track of who is who, and that is precisely why we are so excited to be able to talk directly with you at the tasting room and have you sample our crafted wines. The Ojai Vineyard is quite unique in the California wine scene, and opening the tasting room has given us a venue to explain the special attention we take in making our wines. So far, the response has been great—the tasting room has been abuzz with visitors. Customers have enjoyed the wines so much that many have signed up for the Wine Club, enabling them to receive wine selections I personally make quarterly. We anticipate a busy spring, as Ojai has many planned events this time of year. Of particular note is the 65th annual Music Festival in early June, which we are the proud wine sponsor. It will take place at the newly rebuilt Libby Bowl, which is a stone’s throw from the tasting room. We are also planning after hours wine education classes and a couple of visits to the winery to taste barrel samples of the exciting 2010 wines. At the tasting room you will meet Dusti Pelow, a personable and knowledgeable advocate of The Ojai Vineyard. After much perseverance she convinced me to open the tasting room in her and Frank Masserella’s charming Firehouse, an old WPA built fire station, and she agreed to manage it using her extensive restaurant and wine sales experience. Occasionally you will find Fabien, Frederick or Dominic from the winery staff serving, however, the regular alternate for Dusti is John Anderson, who started with us just after we opened. He is a recent Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo graduate and brings an avid enthusiasm for all things wine. The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room is open every day from noon to 5pm, and a little later on Friday and Saturday if it’s busy. We’re located at 109 S Montgomery Street in downtown Ojai. The phone number is 805-798-3947, and email: ojaivineyard@gmail.com Adam Tolmach