11 Mar Ojai’s Hidden Gem: A High-Elevation Vineyard with a Vision

Nestled in the secluded hills of Ventura County, Ojai is often overshadowed by its more prominent neighbors, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. While the town is home to a handful of tasting rooms, true wineries in the region are scarce. Among them, one stands out—not just for its wine but for its pioneering approach to high-elevation viticulture: Ojai Mountain Vineyard.

A Vineyard Above the Clouds

Perched at an impressive 2,800 feet above sea level, Ojai Mountain Vineyard is among the highest-elevation vineyards in California. Situated at the top of Sulphur Mountain, the drive to Ojai Mountain Vineyard is long and winding. But with views that extend over the Channel Islands, the final destination is worth the drive. Of course, this remote and private estate which offers an exclusive and intimate tasting experience, is accessible by appointment only.

The story of this vineyard began in 2015 when its founders, Mike Chernova, a UCLA professor, and his wife, Olga Chernova, a former hedge fund executive, fell in love with Ojai’s stunning landscapes. Initially seeking only a cottage and orchard, they were mesmerized by the views of the 120 acres on Sulphur Mountain. A house stood on the property, and they were advised to plant crops for an agricultural tax benefit. Traditional options like oranges and avocados were water-intensive, especially during California’s drought. A friend pursuing a Ph.D. in viticulture at UC Davis suggested they conduct soil tests. The results, combined with the vineyard’s altitude and ocean proximity, revealed an opportunity for grape growing.

From Experiment to Excellence

Though the initial plan was to plant and sell grapes, the vineyard quickly evolved into something much greater. By 2018, viticulturist Martin Ramirez had planted the first 7.5 acres to an experimental mix of Rhone and Bordeaux varieties, as well as Tempranillo and Nebbiolo.

Then, while on a trip to Sonoma, Olga and Mike were at an event with winemaker Erich Bradley. A fan of his wines, Olga mentioned that she, too, had a vineyard. This was not uncommon for Erich to hear someone tell him. However, she piqued his interest when she told him the vineyard was planted between 2700 and 3000 feet of elevation.

A respected Sonoma-based winemaker, Erich had never been to Ojai, but he took an interest in the site’s unique elevation and joined the project in 2019. Viticultural Phil Coturri, known for his meticulous, organic approach, began consulting with the estate in 2020. With a minimalist approach, the vineyard practices biodynamic farming, utilizing native yeasts, no additives, and neutral French oak to showcase the purity of its mountain-grown fruit.

By 2021, through trial and error, it became clear that Rhône varietals, especially Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul, and Roussanne, thrived in this terroir. The Bordeaux varieties have since been removed, and there is a small amount of Tempranillo planted.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Beyond winemaking, the vineyard embodies a deep respect for the land. The vineyard’s philosophy revolves around enhancing the purity of its fruit rather than manipulating it. “Wine is an agricultural product—it starts with good grapes,” the Erich emphasized.

The property spans 300 acres, though only a fraction is planted. With a focus on preserving its pristine environment, the estate features cover crops, beehives for honey production, and a no-till farming approach since 2022. In 2023, the vineyard began dry farming, a practice they intend to continue. In 2024, three additional acres were planted.

With mineral-rich shale and ancient ocean bed soils, the site provides excellent drainage and a natural foundation for viticulture. The region’s large diurnal temperature swings—100°F days and 60°F nights—help maintain acidity and balance in the fruit. The vineyard sits above the coastal fog, enjoying clear blue skies throughout summer while benefiting from cool ocean breezes just 10 miles away.

The estate also embraces regenerative agriculture, housing 150 chickens and cultivating citrus trees and a small garden. “I live here,” Olga explained. “My kids eat the grapes, my dogs run through the vineyard—I want this place to be pristine.”

A Distinctive Portfolio

Ojai Mountain Vineyard currently produces three core wines: a white blend, a red blend, and a Syrah, with plans to introduce a Tempranillo in the near future.

Their white blend is a co-fermented mix of Grenache Blanc, Picpoul, and Roussanne, aged in neutral oak to enhance structure and texture. The Grenache Blanc is the base and the Picpoul adds the acidity and the Roussanne gives the wine some structure. Each vintage tells a unique story:

• 2020 Estate White ($75): A warm year producing a blend of 75% Grenache Blanc and 35% Picpoul. The wine showed riper citrus notes, a touch of tropical fruit, and a pleasing touch of oxidation.
• 2021 Estate White ($75): A blend of 49% Grenache Blanc, 44% Picpoul, and 7% Roussanne, 2021 had a cooler spring which resulted in more hang-time, yielding a wine with high acidity and minerality.
• 2022 Estate White ($75): A balance between the two previous years, with 60% Grenache Blanc, 34% Picpoul, and 6% Roussanne, the wine was rounder on the palate but with bright, juicy acidity.

Their Estate Red has evolved over the years. At the base of the blend are Grenache and Mourvèdre co-fermented and Syrah fermented separately. In 2020 and 2021, the blend included Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. In 2022, the blend included Tempranillo.

• 2020 Estate Red ($60): 30% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 18% Mourvèdre, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc – Aromas of blackberries, cassis, and tart cherries, fresh on the palate with supple tannins.
• 2021 Estate Red ($60): 30% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 19% Mourvèdre, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc – A blend of fresh dark berry and leather aromas with gripping tannins and fresh acidity.
• 2022 Estate Red ($60): 45% Grenache, 44% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah, 6% Tempranillo – A vibrant ruby-purple color with aromas of dark fruit, spice, and earth. Elegant on the palate.

Their 100% Syrah is from the Estrella clone.

• 2021 Syrah: Powerful yet elegant with structured tannins and vibrant acidity and aromas of dark fruits, spice, and dusted cocoa.
• 2022 Syrah ($90): Bold and complex with dark berry, floral, and savory notes.

Looking Ahead

As the vineyard continues to evolve, every decision is made with patience, precision, and a commitment to sustainability. There are plans for future plantings that include Clairette Blanche and more Mourvèdre.