Frequently asked questions

Yes — all tastings are by appointment only. The estate is private property at 2,800 feet in Upper Ojai, and every visit is prepared individually. We don't accept walk-ins. Online booking is available anytime and requires 48 hours' notice. If you're hoping to visit sooner, email or text us and we'll do our best to accommodate. → Book a visit

Yes — the minimum is 2 guests. Tastings involve a sommelier traveling to the mountain and wines being opened specifically for your visit, so we're not able to accommodate a single guest. If you're visiting solo, reach out at info@ojaimountainestate.com and we'll see what we can arrange. → Book a visit

Our tastings are designed as private, sommelier-led experiences at a remote mountaintop estate, and the minimum reservation we are able to accommodate is two guests. Each visit includes opening five estate wines and serving a curated charcuterie accompaniment, along with time to explore the vineyard story and farming practices. Hosting a single guest unfortunately is not viable within this format.

We host tastings between 11 am and 5 pm, with most visits beginning at 11 am, 2 pm, or 4:45 pm (the sunset slot, available mid-March through September). Each has its own character: 11 am is cooler and quieter with the vineyard at its freshest; 2 pm gives warm afternoon light across the valley; and 4:45 pm ends with the Ojai sunset — the orange flare over the Pacific followed by the Pink Moment over the Topa Topas. If none of the listed times work, email or text us at info@ojaimountainestate.com or 805.214.4339 and we'll do our best to accommodate.

You may cancel or reschedule up to 48 hours before your visit for a full refund — no questions asked, no fees. Cancellations inside the 48-hour window are non-refundable because tastings are private and prepared specifically for your group: wines are pulled, the board is assembled, and staffing is arranged in advance.

Weather exception: if a significant storm is forecast, you may cancel or reschedule regardless of timing and receive a full refund. In the rare case that we need to cancel due to unsafe road or ridge conditions, we'll always refund in full and help you find an alternative time. → Book a visit

Online booking requires 48 hours' notice to allow us to prepare properly. If you're in Ojai and hoping to visit sooner, email info@ojaimountainestate.com or text 805.214.4339 — we'll let you know if there's availability. We can sometimes accommodate last-minute requests, especially mid-week. Last-minute requests for special occasions — proposals, surprise celebrations, spontaneous group visits — are particularly worth asking about.

All three time slots — 11 am, 2 pm, and 4:45 pm — offer the same experience. The 11 am slot tends to be cooler and the vineyard is freshest in the morning light. The 4:45 pm slot, available mid-March through September, gives you a chance to catch the famous Ojai sunset and, on clear evenings, both the orange moment over the Pacific and the Pink Moment over the Topa Topas. → Book a visit

Three options, each suited to a different kind of visit:

• Private Wine Tasting ($125/guest) — a private open-air vineyard walk followed by a sommelier-guided seated tasting of estate wines with small bites. Bookable online for groups of 2–20.
• Tasting & Jeep Transport ($225/guest) — transportation from anywhere in Ojai to the ridge in an open-air vintage jeep with Cloud Climbers, followed by the full tasting experience at the estate. 4-guest minimum; jeep capacity up to 6.
• Custom & Special Occasions — for proposals, anniversaries, corporate groups, or any visit that calls for more than the standard format. Extended time, optional photographer, light food, or décor can be arranged. Contact us at info@ojaimountainestate.com to plan.

→  See all visit options

Yes. Cloud Climbers offers transportation from anywhere in Ojai in one of their open-air vintage jeeps — a scenic mountain drive that folds naturally into the experience. Jeep tours are priced at $225 per guest, with a 4-guest minimum. Each jeep holds up to 6 guests:

• 4–6 guests: 1 jeep
• 7–12 guests: 2 jeeps
• 13–18 guests: 3 jeeps

The tasting experience at the estate is the same regardless of how you arrive.

Yes. A helicopter landing pad is available on the property for guests arriving by private charter — no extra landing fees. It's a remarkable way to arrive: dropping down onto a 2,800-foot ridge above the Ojai Valley with the Pacific visible in the distance. Please contact us at info@ojaimountainestate.com or 805.826.3212 well in advance to coordinate landing details, timing, and parking for any ground transport. The experience works equally well for a day tasting visit or an overnight stay at The Ridge villa.

Yes — and the estate is exceptionally well suited for it. The private setting at 2,800 feet, panoramic Pacific views, and the intimacy of a working vineyard create an atmosphere that's genuinely hard to find anywhere close to Los Angeles. Here's what works well here:

• Bachelorette parties — we've hosted groups of all sizes, including a bachelorette party of 20 who described it as "so classy, intimate and with stunning vistas." The combination of a private vineyard walk, sommelier-led tasting, cheese and charcuterie, and the mountain setting makes for a memorable and elegant afternoon without having to travel far.
• Proposals & engagements — the estate has been the backdrop for multiple proposals and engagement shoots. Our photographer partners know the property well, and we can help coordinate timing around the sunset for the most spectacular light. Guests have described it as "a place you'll always remember."
• Anniversary and birthday visits — private by nature, unhurried in pace. We can arrange extended time at the estate, add a photographer, upgrade the food, or simply make sure the wines reflect the occasion.
• Corporate visits & team experiences — the setting changes the conversation in a way a conference room never can. We host corporate groups with a focus on quality over scale: a guided tasting led by our sommelier, the vineyard context, and time to think. Contact us for group pricing and logistics.
• Weddings & elopements — the estate is available for intimate weddings and elopements. Because the vineyard and The Ridge villa sit adjacent to each other, the most memorable format combines a ceremony at the vineyard with an overnight stay at the villa for the couple and their closest guests. The Ridge sleeps up to 10, so small wedding parties can use it as a full private retreat. For larger weddings, contact us to discuss what's possible. → The Ridge

For any special occasion beyond a standard tasting, the best first step is a conversation. Email info@ojaimountainestate.com or text 805.214.4339 and describe what you're envisioning — we'll tell you what's possible and help shape it from there.

Standard tastings for 2–20 guests can be booked directly online. Larger groups are welcome with advance arrangements — we need a bit of lead time to prepare the setting, confirm staffing, and plan the pacing so the experience feels right for your group size rather than rushed.

For groups of 7–18, jeep transport with Cloud Climbers is a natural fit: each vintage jeep holds up to 6, so larger groups arrive in convoy up the mountain, which tends to become part of the story of the visit. For bachelorette parties, corporate groups, and milestone celebrations, we can discuss additional elements — extended time, food upgrades, photographer coordination — when you reach out. → Book a visit

Every season at 2,800 feet offers something distinct — there's no wrong answer, but here's what each brings:

• January–February: The hills are vivid green from winter rains. Quiet, crisp, reflective. In the winery, barrel tasting and blending trials from the previous vintage are underway. Wildlife: red-tailed hawks, deer, bears, and mountain lions.
• March–April: Wildflowers bloom between the vine rows and bud break begins — the vineyard waking up. One of the most photogenic times on the mountain. Local highlight: Ojai Pixie Month.
• May–June: Vines are in full leaf, grape flowers bloom and self-pollinate, and warm days stretch into golden evenings with coastal breezes. Perfect picnic conditions. Local highlight: Ojai Music Festival and Ojai Wine Festival.
• July–August: Golden hills, clear skies, veraison beginning — the moment grapes soften and start changing color. The vineyard team is managing leaf pulling and crop thinning. Peak summer stillness.
• September–October: Harvest season. Whites picked first, then reds. The vineyard hums with early morning activity. Crisp nights and golden afternoons. The most energetic time to be on the mountain.
• November–December: Vine leaves turn red, gold, and copper. Occasional rain returns green to the landscape. New wines are racking off lees in the cellar. Slower, quieter — but genuinely beautiful.

Views of the Pacific and Channel Islands tend to be sharpest in winter and early spring. For the full seasonal breakdown — including what's happening in the vineyard, winery, and locally each month — see our sesonal guide. → Book a visit

Yes. The estate sits at 2,800 feet on Sulphur Mountain, and the Valley View Preserve and Sulphur Mountain trails are right in the area for visitors who want to earn their wine. Book your tasting in advance regardless of how you arrive — all visits are private and by appointment only. If you'd prefer a scenic ride up, we also offer tastings with vintage Jeep transport in partnership with Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours. → Book a visit

Yes — all tastings are private and by appointment only. We don't accommodate walk-ins regardless of how you arrive: hiking, driving, or by Jeep. Book ahead at ojaimountainestate.com/visit so our team is ready for your group when you arrive. → Book a visit

Yes, and it's one of the better ways to experience the mountain. Wine Enthusiast featured Ojai Mountain in their guide to California hikes that end in a tasting room, pairing the Valley View Preserve above Ojai with a visit to the estate. Hike in the morning, then finish with a private tasting at 2,800 feet with panoramic views of the Santa Barbara Channel stretching from Point Mugu near Malibu all the way to Lake Casitas and the Channel Islands. A reward on top of a reward. Book your tasting in advance so the timing works. → Book a visit

The estate at 7070 Sulphur Mountain Road is approximately 14 miles from downtown Ojai — but the drive takes 35 to 40 minutes, not what the mileage suggests. The final stretch is a steep mountain road where travel is naturally slower. If you're coming from the Ojai Avenue area, plan a full 35–40 minutes door to door. Written directions are sent after booking — GPS frequently misroutes the final section, so please follow those rather than your maps app.

We believe hospitality should be unhurried. Every visit to Ojai Mountain is private, prepared in advance, and designed to immerse you completely in the landscape and the wines. Here's what's included:

• Guided Vineyard Walk — a walk along the first terrace with views over Ventura County and the Pacific, where we talk through the farming, the soils, and what makes this particular mountain site so unusual.
• Flight of Five Estate Wines — all grown at 2,800 feet on our Sulphur Mountain estate, poured and explained in sequence. The lineup shifts each vintage.
• Sommelier Guidance Throughout — not a scripted presentation. A real conversation about what's in the glass, how it was grown, and what makes it taste the way it does.
• Cheese & Charcuterie Board — thoughtfully paired to complement the wines.
• Complete Estate Privacy — guaranteed. No shared seating, no other groups, no fixed clock. The estate is yours for the duration of the visit.
• Children & Dogs Welcome — by request. We can serve sparkling non-alcoholic cider for younger guests.

Please let us know of any dietary restrictions in advance. → Book a visit

Five estate wines, all grown at 2,800 feet on our Sulphur Mountain estate. The focus is on Rhône varieties — Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Picpoul — plus Tempranillo. The lineup shifts each vintage to reflect what that growing season gave us. → Explore our wines

Most visits run about 90 minutes from arrival to departure — roughly 20–30 minutes in the vineyard and 60 minutes at the tasting table. But because every visit is completely private, there's no fixed pace and no one waiting for your table. Guests who want to linger over a particular wine, spend more time asking questions in the vineyard, or simply sit quietly with the view are welcome to do so.

Groups who book the sunset slot (4:45 pm, mid-March through September) often stay longer naturally — watching the light change over the Pacific and the Pink Moment settle over the Topa Topas tends to make people forget the time. Budget at least two hours if you're booking that slot.

The vineyard sits at 2,800 feet on Sulphur Mountain — well above the valley floor and most wine regions in Southern California. At that elevation, the air is cleaner, the sun is stronger (bring a hat and sunscreen), and the temperature is noticeably cooler than Ojai below. On clear days you can see the Channel Islands. The same elevation that shapes the views shapes the wines: diurnal swings of 40–50°F between day and night drive the structure and freshness you'll taste in the glass. → Learn about our terroir

It's a short, gentle stroll along the first terrace — mostly flat, with wide views over Ventura County and the Pacific opening up as you go. The terrain is natural and uneven in places, so wear comfortable shoes. The walk is optional and can be shortened or skipped if you prefer to go straight to the tasting, and the cost is the same either way. That said — we genuinely think you'll love it. Seeing where the wines come from, walking the rows, understanding what the shale soils and the winds actually feel like — it changes the way the glass tastes. Don't skip it if you can help it.

Yes. Wines are available for purchase at the estate, and we can ship your order home. If you'd like to bring bottles back with you, let us know in advance. Visiting the estate is also the primary way to join the Wine Club — membership is limited and generally offered to guests who've experienced the vineyard in person. It's a rare opportunity: club members receive first access to new releases, library bottles not available to the public, invitations to private events including the annual Harvest Dinner, and a discount on stays at The Ridge. If you're interested, mention it during your visit and we'll tell you more. → Shop wines

Every tasting includes a curated cheese and charcuterie board, thoughtfully assembled to pair with the wines. The combination of mountain-grown Rhône varieties and well-selected artisan cheeses and cured meats is intentional — high-acid, mineral-driven wines like ours are among the most food-friendly pours you'll find, and the board is chosen to show that. Guests often remark that the pairing turns the tasting into something closer to a meal.

If you have dietary restrictions — dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, or other — please let us know in advance and we'll adjust accordingly. We want everyone at the table to feel taken care of.

Yes — children are welcome at Ojai Mountain but must be closely supervised

How it works:
* Children must be supervised at all times.
* No Alcohol is served to minors.
* The $125 tasting fee applies only to adults participating in the wine tasting.
** Non-alcoholic sparkling cider is available for younger guests

You must include in the reservation notes if you plan to bring children and ages so that our host can plan accordingly

We recommend bringing a non-tasting adult or a babysitter along so that tasting adults can focus fully on the wines while the kids explore the grounds under supervision.

Leashed dogs are welcome in our outdoor spaces and on the vineyard walk. The estate is a genuinely wild mountain environment at 2,800 feet — uneven terrain, chaparral, and resident wildlife including deer, hawks, and ground squirrels — so a leash is required and we ask that you keep dogs close throughout the visit.

The Ridge villa is also dog-friendly. The property's half-mile hiking loop is a favorite with dogs, though the terrain is rugged. Bring a leash. Well-behaved dogs have been guests at both the tasting and the villa many times — they tend to enjoy the mountain air as much as anyone.

The estate is located at 7070 Sulphur Mountain Road, Ojai, CA. Written directions are sent after booking — GPS can misroute on the final approach, so please follow our directions closely, especially for the last turn up the mountain.

The road up Sulphur Mountain is winding and steep in places. For an experienced driver it's perfectly manageable, and the views on the way up are part of the experience — you'll pass through layers of chaparral and canyon before breaking out above the valley. Budget 30–40 minutes from downtown Ojai or the Ojai Valley Inn.

If you'd rather not drive, Cloud Climbers offers transportation from anywhere in Ojai to the ridge in one of their open-air vintage jeeps — a scenic option that becomes part of the visit itself. See Tasting & Jeep Transport above for pricing and details.

For guests arriving by private aircraft, a helicopter landing pad is available on the property with no extra landing fees. Contact us at info@ojaimountainestate.com or 805.826.3212 in advance to coordinate. Private parking is available for all guests driving up.

The ridge runs noticeably cooler than the valley below — often 10–15°F colder, and breezier year-round due to the Pacific winds that come up over the ridge in the afternoon. A light layer is useful in summer; a proper jacket is recommended from November through March. In winter, mornings at 2,800 feet can feel genuinely cold even on a clear day.

The sun is stronger at elevation than it looks — bring a hat and sunscreen regardless of the season. For the vineyard walk, wear shoes you're comfortable walking in on natural terrain: the rows between the vines are uneven, rocky in places, and not suited to heels or slick soles. If you're booking the sunset slot, bring an extra layer — the temperature drops noticeably once the sun goes below the horizon.

Rain is rare in Southern California but it does happen. If a significant storm is forecast, you're welcome to keep your appointment, cancel, or reschedule — we ask for a decision at least 24 hours in advance. If you keep the visit, the tasting moves indoors. If you cancel, we'll issue a full refund. In rare cases where weather makes the road or ridge unsafe, we may need to cancel ourselves and will refund the fee in full.

Approximately 90 minutes from central Los Angeles — an easy day trip or the start of a weekend in Ojai. The drive itself is scenic: the last stretch up Sulphur Mountain Road gives you a preview of what the elevation feels like. Many guests combine the tasting with lunch or dinner in downtown Ojai, which is about 35 minutes back down the hill.

Ojai Mountain is the only winery in Ojai where you're tasting wines at the vineyard they were grown on, at 2,800 feet above the valley floor. Most other local tasting rooms pour wines sourced from elsewhere in California. Here, the vines are outside. The views span the Pacific Ocean, the Channel Islands, and Ventura County. The sommelier who pours your wine can point to the specific blocks where each grape was grown.

Guests who visit consistently say the setting exceeded what they expected — and that photos don't capture it. One described it as "Ojai's best-kept secret." Another: "it feels like another planet." A third said the views "rivaled Hawaii." For people who love wine and are spending time in Ojai, it's consistently the experience they remember most from the trip.

Ojai Mountain also happens to be one of the highest-elevation active vineyards in Southern California, organically farmed, with critical scores that place it alongside some of California's most respected cool-climate producers. As Vinous critic Billy Norris wrote: "Without tipping into hyperbole, Ojai Mountain may be the next great vineyard in California." → Book a visit

A tasting at Ojai Mountain works well as an anchor for a day or weekend in Ojai. A few ways guests structure it:

• Day trip from LA: Drive up mid-morning, tasting at 11 am or 2 pm at the estate, then head down to downtown Ojai for lunch or dinner. Ojai Rôtie, The Dutchess, and Izakaya Full Moon are all worth stopping at. About 35 minutes from the estate to town. → Check Out Our Dining Guide
• Full Ojai weekend: Stay at The Ridge villa on the estate — wake up at 2,800 feet, walk to the vineyard, taste the wines. Spend afternoons in downtown Ojai: shops on Ojai Avenue, the Ojai Valley Inn for spa or dinner, the Ojai Valley Museum, or hiking in the Topatopa Mountains.
• Special occasion trip: The estate is available for proposals, bachelorette parties, anniversaries, and elopements. Combine a private tasting with an overnight stay at The Ridge for a self-contained mountain experience. Horseback riding is available 10 minutes down the hill at Peppercorn Ranch.

The best time to arrive for the full light show: book the 4:45 pm slot (available mid-March through September) to catch the orange moment over the Pacific followed by the Ojai Pink Moment over the Topa Topas. Guests describe it as one of the most memorable parts of the visit. → Book a visit

Context changes everything about how wine tastes. You can buy Ojai Mountain wines and open them at home, and they'll be excellent. But you'll taste them differently after standing in the vineyard at 2,800 feet and feeling the winds that cause the thick skins. After walking the shale rows and seeing how little soil there is. After the sommelier explains what the 40–50°F diurnal shift between day and night actually does to a grape.

Guests who visit consistently say they understand the wines differently afterward. The freshness makes sense when you've stood above the fog line with the Pacific visible 10 miles away. The mineral quality makes sense when you've looked at the fractured shale under your feet. The structure makes sense when you've felt the afternoon winds.

One guest wrote: 'You can taste the intention and the land in every glass.' That kind of connection between place and wine is exactly what a visit provides — and it's something no description, however detailed, fully replaces. → Book a visit

Absolutely. A tasting visit runs approximately 90 minutes and requires no overnight stay. Most day-trip guests drive up from Los Angeles or Santa Barbara, taste at 11 am or 2 pm, and continue into downtown Ojai for lunch or dinner before heading home. The estate is 90 minutes from central LA and 45 minutes from Santa Barbara.

For guests who want a more immersive experience, The Ridge villa is available for overnight stays directly adjacent to the vineyard. But a day visit is complete in itself — the setting, the wines, and the conversation are fully delivered in 90 minutes. → Book a visit