Discover Why Ojai’s Intimate Culinary Festival is a Must-Visit for Food Lovers!

When it comes to food festivals in the U.S., names like Aspen and South Beach easily come to mind. These events are known for long lines and extravagant dishes. But the Ojai Food + Wine Festival is shaking things up. Now in its second year, this festival is all about intimate, quality experiences, not overcrowded gatherings.

Set in the picturesque Ojai Valley, the festival from March 13–16 promises an exclusive vibe. You won’t have to fight through a mob just to enjoy a bite of gourmet food. Attendees can expect to interact closely with renowned chefs and winemakers.

My past experiences at food festivals have been mixed. Even those touted as “exclusive” often feel chaotic. However, Ojai Food + Wine stands out for its smaller scale. According to Ben Kephart, general manager of the Ojai Valley Inn, “Our largest events host a couple hundred people. Many tastings are even more intimate, allowing guests to chat directly with the chefs and winemakers.”

While this exclusive experience comes at a cost—packages start at $3,250—the perks might be worth it. Higher tiers offer access to special dinners with top chefs like Nancy Silverton and Andrew Zimmern. For those willing to splurge, a VIP all-access pass provides rare tastings and entry to exclusive parties.

The setting is equally impressive. The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn, a modern culinary center, will host events that include expert-led seminars and dinners featuring past winners from Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs award. You can even join top pitmasters for a West Coast barbecue lunch.

Kephart describes the festival as a weekend where people share exceptional food and drinks in a friendly atmosphere. “It’s like gathering with friends and family who happen to have fantastic taste,” he says.

A Peek at Festival Highlights

Friday kicks off with seminars on topics ranging from Chardonnay tastings to cheese pairings with Eataly experts. The day continues with a focus on boutique wine producers, and ends with collaborative dinners featuring chefs like Zimmern and Gavin Kaysen.

Saturday includes a caviar master class paired with Champagne, a barbecue session with chef Matt Horn, and a dinner at Ci Siamo. On Sunday, attendees can enjoy a Champagne tasting and pastry demonstrations by renowned pastry chef Sherry Yard.

Interestingly, Ojai Food + Wine isn’t aiming to be the largest food festival. “We want to be the best, not the biggest,” says Kephart. The goal is to create authentic, memorable experiences that chefs, winemakers, and guests will discuss long after the festival ends. It’s a fresh concept—focusing on quality and accessibility without the crowd.