Wines are decent. Great view of the harbor. Perfect weather. Excellent service. Super dog friendly…read more I did the red wine tasting and grabbed a bottle to go. I like how the CARL program donates a dollar from each bottle to help canine rescue and adoption.

My wife brought me here for Father's Day to enjoy some local wine, and it turned out to be a…read morewonderful experience. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The venue was busy enough to feel lively without being overcrowded, and the staff made us feel welcome right away. We started with two tasting flights, and based on the staff's recommendation, I ordered a glass of the "Helmet" Pinot Noir. It was exceptionally smooth, full of flavor, and paired perfectly with the pita bread and hummus, our charcuterie plate, and the delicious pizza we enjoyed. During our visit, we also learned about their VIP membership program. What stood out most was that there is no membership fee--just a commitment to purchase a bottle each month, along with member discounts on purchases. It's a fantastic value and a great way to support a local business while enjoying quality wine. Overall, this was one of the best dining and wine-tasting experiences we've had. We look forward to returning often and making the most of our new membership. Highly recommended

What a lovely way to watch the leaves sway in the autumn breeze while sipping on a glass of wine…read more This winery is host to a vast vineyard, large open event spaces, intimate sitting areas, and a working farm with chickens, goats, and wild birds (as well as coyotes, raccoons, opossum, rabbit, and deer in the wild landscape). THE FLIGHT We had the pleasure of trying a flight of bold reds & crisp whites. Standard Tasting Flight was $30 for six 1-oz pours. We felt tipsy halfway through so it was worth it. I noticed that most of the wines in this red selection hovered around 14% so it's no surprise we got giggly after a few. Our favorite choice in this flight was Red Handed. It's a Central Coast wine that's a Cabernet Franc-heavy Bordeaux with chassis notes and flavors of plum and blackberry. Their 2023 Cabernet Franc came in second. It's a balanced, dry red with hints of black cherry, plum, and charred strawberry jam toast. Service was casual and friendly. Sip in the experience slowly and enjoy every moment without feeling rushed. Or take a walk around the grounds and feel like you're off in the countryside in a very faraway place. Although there are gourmet snacks for purchase on-site, I recommend packing a picnic to complement your wine palette so you can pair the wines with the foods you love. Not only will it help you discern which vintage you enjoy the most, but what you'll enjoy with your special meal when you take home a bottle (or a case). NOTE Old Creek Winery is CLOSED Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Call to make a reservation to ensure a good experience. Kids 3-12 are NOT permitted. Dogs on leashes are ok.

We visited Old Creek Winery on a weekend, and overall it was just okay. The vineyard view is…read morebeautiful, but it was very hot and stuffy. I wish they had misters around the seating areas, especially since they already have them near the outdoor bar. The couch cushions also looked like they needed a good cleaning. My boyfriend and I tried the sparkling wine tasting four 1oz samples for a $30. The peach one was my favorite, but $30 for only 4 oz total feels very expensive when a whole bottle is around $35. We ended up getting a bottle and had to ask for an ice bucket because the wine wasn't cold enough. There are also almost no food options besides some overpriced snacks. Many people brought their own food, which I wish I had known before coming. The server seemed tired and didn't explain much about the wines unless we asked questions. Overall, nice views, but for the price and experience I can't give more than 3 stars.

Such a cute place, trivia on Tuesdays is a blast! Love coming here, everyone is so nice.read more

Buddy's Wine is such a gem in Midtown Ventura. The wine selection is always on point. Thoughtfully…read morecurated and approachable whether you're just starting to explore wine or already know your favorites. The owner is super friendly and genuinely great to chat with, and the space has a fun, relaxed energy that makes you want to stay a while. There's always something going on: * Happy Hour: Wednesday-Friday, 3-6 pm * Tuesday: Pizza pop-up 5-8 pm, trivia 7-9 pm * Wednesday: Fried chicken sandwich pop-up 5:30-8:30 pm * Thursday: Wine night with tasting flights, $20 for three pours They also carry cake and pie from local favorite Awkward Pastry Chef, which is reason enough to stop by. The space itself is roomy with a mix of bar seating and tables, making it great for date night, catching up with friends, a solo glass of wine, or casual celebrations. Street parking in Midtown is usually easy, which is always a plus. Wine by the glass typically runs $16-18, with a rotating list that keeps things interesting. They also offer non-alcoholic options, a thoughtfully curated pantry section, cute merch, and a wine club with perks for regulars who want to go deeper. They're open Tuesday-Saturday from 4-10 pm and closed Mondays and Sundays. You can also grab bottles to go, which makes it easy to pick up something special for dinner, a last-minute gift, or a night at home. Buddy's is more than just a wine shop. It's a welcoming neighborhood spot with good wine, good people, and a great vibe every time.

I came here for the first time to try some wine and snacks after dinner. We sampled some of their…read morewines from their very cool-looking dispensers. And we ordered the chefs charcuterie board. The charcuterie board was delicious! The bread was warm and obviously homemade. All the different cheeses tasted fresh and there were also candied walnuts which were fantastic. I was really impressed by their wine dispensers and how many varieties they had of different selections. I think overall we tried 4-6 different wines for less than $40. The ambiance of the inside reminds me a little bit of Squidwards house (but in a good way) with a high arched ceiling and classical decor. I would love to come back and try their other food and sample more wine.

Last December, a friend came across The Cave while looking for a place to have lunch in Ventura and…read moresuggested we give it a try. I'm really glad he did because it's the kind of place I probably wouldn't have found on my own. The first thing that caught our attention was the self-serve wine dispensers lined with bottles ready to sample. We had a lot of fun walking back and forth, looking over the different selections, and deciding what to taste next. Being able to sample wines by the ounce before committing to a full glass made the whole experience feel interactive. I especially liked that I could compare different Cabernet Sauvignons side by side, which isn't something you get to do very often. After trying a few different Cabernets, Chimney Rock ended up being my favorite. The dining room added to the experience. The cave-like ceilings, warm lighting, and comfortably spaced tables made it easy to settle in, enjoy our lunch, and catch up without feeling cramped or rushed. If you enjoy trying different wines, it's easy to lose track of time here. We started with a cheese plate, which turned out to be much more generous than I expected. It came with a nice assortment of cheeses, crisp apple slices, grapes, candied walnuts, crostini, and a savory relish on the side. It was a great dish to share with our wine. My friend ordered the tuna poke tower, and we shared the cheese flatbread and sweet potato fries. I went with the Original Cave Salad with salmon, which came with a generous piece of perfectly cooked salmon over fresh greens, apples, grapes, walnuts, and blue cheese. Everything tasted fresh, and the portions were generous enough that we left completely satisfied. One thing I appreciated was that we never felt rushed. Lunch naturally turned into an afternoon of catching up, comparing notes on the different wines, and deciding which pours we wanted to try next. Before we left, we wandered through the wine shop one more time. If you discover a favorite during lunch, you can pick up a bottle before heading home, which is a nice touch. I'm really glad my friend found this place. The next time I'm in Ventura, it'll definitely be on my list again.

we visited Majestic Oak today and had the grandest time! Rita and Kira are so knowledgeable about…read moreall of the wines and such a delight to talk to. I highly recommend visiting the tasting room if you ever come to Ojai. with love, Liz Collins

The Majestic Oak showcases well crafted wines from the local growing regions. They have a…read moredelightful Secret Garden outdoor patio with plenty of shade. Rita is so knowledgeable about the tasting notes and origins of all their wines. She always makes us feel at home while we're enjoying glorious wine selections out on the patio. She has a list of tastes and she'll add in a pour or two when she has something special off the list. They offer an accessible wine tasting experience that's enjoyable for both wine enthusiasts and a first time wine tasting encounter. Majestic Oak features Rhône varietals such as Syrah, Grenache and a lesser known Cinsault. We are members of their wine club because of the quality of their wines and the value. The rich reds that we selected were sourced from local Ojai vineyards as well as the best of the Santa Barbara County growing regions. They also offer beautiful white wine varieties that call for a summer picnic or garden party. We loved the Bruce's Rose that celebrates their mascot, Bruce. Highly recommend for the quality of their wines and for the wine tasting experience.

Perfect wine bar with generous quality wines by the glass or bottle from around the world. The…read moregarden setting is magical, it feels as if you are in a friend's lush backyard with the fountain drowning out any nearby traffic. Parfait, the all around perfect owner, host, server, and chef, will charm you as a newcomer or welcome you back as a regular. I love the salads, pâté, penne with various sauces, and he offers pizza and desserts if you have room for them. Only open for 2 more nights, so call and make a reservation to enjoy this fabulous experience before he closes!

A very charming restaurant unlike others in Ventura area. Reservation is a must since there is…read morelimited seating. I really liked the vibe and the atmosphere. I felt I was in Europe! The owner is very hard-working. From opening the door once you ring the doorbell, to seating you, and serving. We ordered two types of pizza and two types of pasta. They were all very good. The pizza is very thin crust. Do not be in a rush. If you are going to the restaurant, expect a slower pace. We will definitely be back !

Came with some friends for a nightcap after being impressed with the Yelp photos of this spot and…read moretheir unique cocktails on the menu. On a Thursday night it was pretty dead but we didn't mind, WE ARE the party! The restaurant/ bar is surprisingly spacious which wasn't outright apparent from the outside. Once you walk in there is a nice long bar on the right hand side. A couple of booths and plenty of tables. It was actually a lovely evening (plus our group gets loud & rowdy) so we decided to sit outside on the high top patio table. It was perfect as it could fit the seven of us no problem. Initially i worried how service would be as we were alone on the patio but immediately my concerns went away as we had a fabulous bartender named Jordan helping us out. Despite making the drinks inside and engaging with customers at the bar, he was very attentive to our outside patio group. The drinks were brought out at an impressive pace and we felt valued as customers. Jordan gave great suggestions for shooters for us to try and also was overly accommodating, by allowing us to all pay separate/individual checks per our request. I grow to appreciate that more nowadays because some businesses do give patrons a hard time about splitting tabs. I was grateful despite being a big group he was willing to accommodate us. We only came for drinks, so I can't speak for the food but this spot is a solid bar. They have some interesting cocktails and I liked that they had a couple of shooter/shot options. Good selection of beer and even some wines. I really enjoyed both my Mexican candy shot and the purple heater shot that Jordan recommended for me and a friend. Drinks were cold and they kept flowing. Easy to give this spot 5 stars as the service was good, atmosphere was welcoming, and reasonable prices for being on Main Street. I'd definitely come back and would be happy to try some appetizers next time to see how the food is. My only baby upgrade is that the patio cushions on the chairs need a good wash or to be replaced. Otherwise everything else was clean from the tables, to the bar area, to the restrooms etc. The patio just needs a tiny bit of TLC which a couple of us noted. We had a great experience here though and I'm glad we stumbled upon this spot.

Fun place to hang with friends. This spot does need a bit of TLC…read more Service was great. Friendly staff! Did not taste the food but would be willing to come back. Very chill on a Thursday.. not busy.

Great time visiting here…read more Mike treats you like a local. Pours heavy. Tells you about every wine. The service is in point. The ambiance is super chill. Definitely will be back. The reds, whites, roses, and ports are on point. Bought a couple bottles. Can't wait to come back. Thanks Mike and team for a great time! I really love how they give you packaged bread sticks in between tastings. Nice touch!

Tasting: $15 (return flight $9, because sometimes one flight is not enough)…read more Wonderful wines and awesome customer service sum up what this family owned/operated winery is all about. Two sisters (Elissa & Holly) married two brothers (Matt & Mike) and started this weekend project which has turned into quite a fun weekend escape. Elissa and her father, Walt, are usually manning the tasting room and are the most gracious hosts. It's a quaint, boutique winery and tasting room, which recently joined forces with the folks from Trois le Fou Winery. They each have their own tasting rooms, but they're joined and share a large production/barrel room area, which is also available for private events in addition to scheduled events and live music/comedy. They don't offer food, but you are welcome to bring in your own snacks/charcuterie. Parking is plentiful, as the business park is mostly closed on the weekends. WINES: Their wines change regularly, as they purchase their fruit from Paso Robles, Lodi, and San Antonio Valley, among other places. I think that their Sauvignon Blanc is a standard and we really enjoy it, but they also do a nice Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Malbec, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their "Speakeasy Wine Club" offers three levels of membership: "Blind Grape (6/yr)", "Bootlegger (12/yr)", and "Last Call (18/yr)", depending on the number of bottles you want per shipment/pick-up. Bottles currently run in the $38 - $50 range (before club member discounts). We love visiting the Lester Cellars family and highly recommend you stop in and check out their latest vintages. The service and wine are wonderful, and I'm betting you'll enjoy yourself as much as we do.

Swoooooooooon. Love staying at Ojai Rancho Inn and this little bar is a big reason why. I mean…read more"little" quite literally--it's tiny in . Never fear though, as you are welcome to hang in their cool back area with a pool, fire pit, hammocks, basically all the vacation-y things. The bartenders are really laid back and friendly--props to the bartender who even went out of his way to make sure the campfire didn't go out as we were hanging out with our drinks. Chief's Peak has a fun list of beer, wine, and soju + shrub cocktails. Really enjoyed one of their funky rosés and a soju cocktail on my last visit. They don't really have food--I think some fancy chocolate bars and potato chips--but we brought some snacks from our room to eat by the fire and they didn't mind a bit. This place is open to for hotel guests as well as the public--we learned the ceramic cups on the wall belong to Ojai locals, which is rad! Aside from wine bars it seems like Ojai gets pretty sleepy at night, so definitely put this on your list for a night cap next time you're in town.

This bar was so cute and had the nicest people. Not a ton of seating but really cool if you are…read morestaying at the hotel. I love how they styled everything.

Paradise Pantry is truly a gem and hands-down our favorite restaurant in the area. We keep coming…read moreback because we know every meal will be consistently delicious, thoughtfully prepared and made with the highest-quality ingredients. Their commitment to locally and sustainably sourced food really shines through in every dish. Everything tastes incredibly fresh and dishes are made from scratch. The service is always warm, attentive and welcoming. Tina is exceptionally knowledgeable about wine and has a wonderful ability to recommend the perfect pairing to complement your meal. Her passion and expertise elevate the entire experience. Her co-owner, the chef, is clearly talented and dedicated to creating memorable dishes that never disappoint. Paradise Pantry is one of those rare places where outstanding food, genuine hospitality and consistency come together beautifully. We always leave looking forward to our next visit. Highly recommend!

We visited for lunch on a Saturday during the farmers market and were seated right away, but we…read morefelt a little rushed to order. Our waitress wasn't rude, but she wasn't particularly friendly or attentive throughout the meal. Unfortunately, one of the salads we ordered had a hair in it, which my sister noticed immediately. She informed the food runner, and the kitchen prepared a replacement. However, our waitress never checked in on us or acknowledged the issue, and she didn't even seem to know what had happened until we brought it to her attention. Her response was not particularly apologetic, and no one offered to take anything off the bill. Having dined out frequently, I've encountered similar situations before, and the response has typically been a sincere apology and some form of compensation, whether that's removing the affected item or offering a discount. Instead, we were essentially told, "Well, she got another one, right?" My sister also had to wait until the rest of us had finished eating before she could enjoy her replacement salad. We eventually went to the front to speak with a manager or someone else about the situation. Unfortunately, that interaction was also disappointing. The woman we spoke with was dismissive and stated, "We don't do that here," emphasizing that it was a matter of principle. We had to push back to get the salad removed from the bill, and even then, the conversation involved unnecessary harsh commentary. Overall, the customer service was disappointing. Mistakes can happen, but the lack of acknowledgment, genuine apology, and willingness to resolve the situation professionally made the experience frustrating. We left feeling that our concerns were not taken seriously, and I would have expected a much more considerate response.