Editor's Letter
“Wine is bottled poetry.” —Robert Louis Stevenson
As I write this, I have a glass filled with a lovely little number with a garnet hue and blackberry and red currant notes. It is as poetic as Stevenson described.
The wine is from a Ventura County winery, picked up on a wine-tasting afternoon when we decided chores could wait. We tend to do that a lot. Call it an occupational hazard. And one we’re happy to indulge.
Looking back through our archives, I realized we’ve been fans of our local wine scene since the beginning. We’ve written a lot about winemakers, vineyards, varietals, you name it. We continue that tradition with this issue, which encourages you to visit our local wineries for some wine tasting (drinking responsibly, of course, especially if driving), and to visit local wine shops or websites to discover local wines that aren’t offered in tasting rooms.
We also talk about the art of wine tasting in this issue, in case you’re a bit intimidated. Don’t be. As The Ojai Vineyard’s General Manager Fabien Castel says, “Be open and curious. Don’t have preconceived ideas. Ask questions.” (See page 26 for more from Fabien.)
As a reader of Edible Ojai & Ventura County, you’re probably familiar with some of our county’s wines. But chances are you’ll find some new ones when you explore.
Of California’s 2,843 wineries, nearly 40 are in Ventura County. So while we have plenty of choices, it’s entirely possible to try all that our county has to offer. We think you’ll have fun and be impressed.
Best of all, it supports local people, the local food scene and the local economy. And it’s easy to grab a bottle (or a case) of wine for later, perhaps to serve with your Thanksgiving feast. (We usually serve Pinot Noir with our turkey, but there are other options. Ask the tasting room or wine shop staff for their ideas.) Or simply to enjoy when you’re in the mood for some bottled poetry on a quiet night this fall.
P.S. Wine your way through Ventura County with this issue’s Map and Guide. And check out the Source Guide on pages 58 and 59 to learn about each sponsor winery.
Founded 2002 by Tracey Ryder and Carole Topalian, Edible Ojai & Ventura County is published seasonally, four times a year. We are an advertising- and subscribersupported publication, locally and independently owned and operated and a member of Edible Communities, Inc. Distribution is throughout Ventura County and by subscription for $28 per year. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please accept our sincere apologies and let us know.
