In the realm of American culinary celebrations, prestigious events like those in Aspen and South Beach have long set the benchmark for gourmet gatherings. However, a new contender in Ojai is carving its niche by offering exclusive, high-quality experiences rather than mass-market extravaganzas. The second annual Ojai Food + Wine festival, scheduled for March 13–16, aims to redefine luxury dining without the chaos of overcrowded venues. This event promises an intimate setting where attendees can engage directly with chefs and winemakers, creating a more personalized and enriching experience.

Hosted by the Ojai Valley Inn, this festival prioritizes exclusivity over scale. According to Ben Kephart, the general manager of Ojai Valley Inn, the largest gatherings will accommodate only a few hundred people, while many seminars and tastings will welcome just a handful of guests. "You won't be standing in line for a bite; instead, you'll be having meaningful conversations with culinary experts," Kephart explains. This approach ensures that every participant enjoys a premium experience, far removed from the hustle and bustle of larger festivals.

The exclusivity comes at a premium price. Packages start at $3,250 for access to main events, including grand tastings and dinners with renowned chefs such as Nancy Silverton and Andrew Zimmern. For those seeking even more indulgence, a gold credential ($6,500) offers deluxe lunches, advanced seminars, and after-hours parties. The all-access platinum pass, priced at $10,000, includes VIP entry and rare tastings throughout the weekend, ensuring participants rub shoulders with culinary legends like Alice Waters and Grant Achatz.

The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn, a state-of-the-art culinary center built in 2019, serves as the perfect backdrop for these events. Attendees can indulge in seminars like a Burgundy for Breakfast session with Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey or a Best New Chefs Alumni Dinner featuring seven past recipients of Food & Wine’s annual award. The West Coast Barbecue lunch brings together California's top pitmasters for a unique culinary adventure. "This weekend feels like a gathering of friends and family with exceptionally good taste," Kephart notes.

The festival kicks off on Friday morning with concurrent seminars ranging from a Kistler Vineyards Chardonnay tasting to Italian cheese pairings with Eataly’s experts. Afternoon wine tastings with boutique producers like Jonata lead into collaborative dinners, such as the “Taste of the Twin Cities” with Andrew Zimmern and Gavin Kaysen. Saturday features a caviar master class paired with Louis Roederer Champagne, Matt Horn’s West Coast Barbecue experience, and an evening at Ci Siamo. Sunday wraps up with a Laurent-Perrier Champagne tasting and pastry demonstrations by Sherry Yard.

Ojai Food + Wine has no intention of becoming the largest food festival in California. Instead, it aims to be the best by staying true to its core values of exclusivity and authenticity. "We don’t need to be the flashiest," Kephart emphasizes. "We want to be the one that chefs, winemakers, and guests talk about long after it’s over." This philosophy sets Ojai apart, offering a refreshing blend of intimacy and world-class talent without the crowds.