If the scope of the festival feels daunting, an Ojai veteran offers some perspective. For the past twelve years, Ben Kephart has served as general manager of the historic Ojai Valley Inn, watching the town’s dining scene steadily evolve alongside it. For Kephart, working at one of the world’s remaining independent luxury hotels is more than a perk; it is central to what makes the role meaningful.
“Beyond the unmistakable beauty and magic of the location, working for an independently owned and operated resort is such a gift,” he says. “In a world where hotels are trending toward a ‘sea of sameness,’ we are so honored to celebrate our standalone nature by allowing the Inn to maintain a distinct personality, rather than following a corporate playbook.”
The property’s distinct personality carries through to the festival itself, a quality Kephart sees as central to its appeal. “Unlike large, scattered city festivals, ours is an immersive experience contained entirely within the grounds of the resort,” he says. “This environment fosters a personal, relaxed, and focused atmosphere set against Ojai’s natural backdrop. All told, there will be over 40 events, including wine tastings, seminars, cooking demonstrations, lunches, and dinners, over the course of the weekend.”
Every festival is shaped by its setting, but this one is closely tied to the history and atmosphere of the hotel that hosts it. The resort environment lends the event a more intimate feel, allowing guests, speakers, and VIPs to move through the property and interact on equal footing.
“It allows for meaningful, personal connections between the chefs, winemakers, and attendees,” Kephart says. “It creates an exclusive, collaborative retreat, almost like a summer camp, rather than a conventional festival. Our goal is never to be the biggest festival, just your favorite.”
That focus on guest experience is central to the festival. The relative informality of the hotel takes pressure off choosing the “right” event or meal, since scheduled programming is only one of many opportunities for guests to connect. As with any multi-day event of this scale, attendees can tailor their experience through tiered packages. Guests choose from Silver, Gold, or Platinum options, with each tier including access to five seminars or cooking demonstrations, along with the option to add dinners, lunches, and VIP after-hours events.
While the festival leans heavily into California talent, it also welcomes a strong international contingent, including Italian butcher Dario Cecchini, who will travel from Panzano in Chianti to host a special dinner. The programming extends beyond the kitchen as well, with former Eleven Madison Park co-owner and Unreasonable Hospitality author Will Guidara scheduled for a book signing and conversation.
“Above all, we are continually touched by the esteemed hospitality friends who continue to say ‘yes’ and champion Ojai Food + Wine,” Kephart says. “The chefs and winemakers joining us are truly our heroes of the culinary and viticultural universe, and we are humbled to share our home with them for one special weekend in Ojai. It’s so humbling to welcome back true icons like Nancy Silverton, Ruth Reichl, and Jonathan Waxman, while also shining a light on some of the region’s most revered restaurants like Bell’s (Los Alamos), Rory’s Place, and The Dutchess (Ojai).”
Tickets can be purchased here.
