Experience the Magic at Casa Locé | Ojai's Premier Vineyard for Wine Tasting

 

Welcome to Casa Locé, Ojai's top vineyard, where tranquility meets fine wine. Here, our lush landscape and rolling hills create an unmatched ambiance for wine tasting.

Our winemaking offers a distinctive experience by fusing current techniques with traditions. Discover a selection of Rosé, Syrah, and Grenache grapes. Our guides will help you understand each bottle.

As twilight casts soft light over the valley, your experience becomes even more enchanting. There's always something fresh to see at Casa Locé, so why not experience the magic yourself?

Key Takeaways

1. Casa Locé, Ojai's premier vineyard, offers exquisite wine-tasting experiences with expert guidance on flavor knowledge and pairing techniques.
2. The vineyard provides a serene ambiance with calm valley settings, blooming flowers, and soothing nature sounds, perfect for relaxation.
3. Visitors can explore the captivating vineyard landscape, learning about grape harvesting and winemaking processes.
4. Casa Locé offers an array of unique wines like Rosé, Syrah, and Grenache. Each with detailed tasting notes and food pairings.
5. The vineyard also offers curated pairing experiences, special events, grand accommodations, and practices sustainable winemaking for an unforgettable experience.

Casa Locé's Unique History

Casa Locé, a unique blend of tradition and innovation, has an intriguing history. Originating as a family-run vineyard, this establishment evolved into an exclusive major wine destination, continuously striving to merge age-old winemaking methods with pioneering techniques. Architectural charm is a key aspect of Casa Locé. Echoing past eras, buildings combine old-world allure with modern elegance. Stone walls, rustic wooden beams, and contemporary glass accents offer a stunning setting for a narrative rich in history and viticulture tradition. Yet, its history doesn't merely dwell in the past. Focused on the future, this vineyard continually evolves, aiming to refine the wine-tasting experience while maintaining its leadership status within the winemaking sector.

Knowing Wine Flavors

Wine tasting is an art form where comprehension of wine flavors extends beyond the palate, encompassing aroma and texture. Here are the flavor profiles and tasting notes that shape these sensory experiences significantly:

1. Aroma: Each wine has its own unique scent, varying from fruity notes to earthy essences, contributing significantly to the overall taste.
2. Texture: The structure, or body, of the wine can be experienced in your mouth. This characteristic, which can be light, medium, or full-bodied, influences flavors.
3. Taste: Flavors range from sweet or dry to acidic or bitter. Combined with aroma and texture, these elements craft the distinctive flavor profile of each wine.

Palate preferences evolve through exploration and discovery. Trust your senses, relish each sip, and learn to appreciate the intricate symphony of flavors that fine wines offer. Personal taste has no right or wrong, so let your senses guide you on your next visit to Casa Locé, immersing yourself in the wine-tasting experience.

Wine Tasting Techniques

To detect notes of fruit, flower, spice, or earthiness in your wine, swirl it around a bit.

Learn wine etiquette, like savoring small sips to detect various flavors.

Expert guides make wine tasting engaging for both beginners and enthusiasts, helping you appreciate not just the taste but the full experience of wine.

Immerse yourself in the captivating realm of food and wine pairing at Casa Locé. Know the fine art of mixing flavors and tasting notes beyond mere culinary indulgence. Foods and wines originating from the same region often pair well. They've grown side by side over time, forming a harmonious fusion of taste and fragrance.

Exploring the Vineyard

Our place also offers stunning vineyard views with lush greenery and rolling hills. You'll not only see the beauty but also learn about grape harvesting and winemaking.

Experience handpicking grapes and see how traditional methods are used to make our wines. Watch the processes of sorting, crushing, and fermentation.

Take your time to enjoy the vineyard, ask questions, take photos, and savor the fresh grape aroma. Make this visit a memorable experience.

Exquisite Wine Pairing Options

You'll be amazed by Casa Locé's unique pairing selections, which elevate each dish to new culinary heights. Their seasonal wine recommendations ensure you're always tasting the best and freshest flavors. And if you're after a truly bespoke experience, their curated pairings won't disappoint.

Unique Pairing Selections

Casa Locé invites you to try their unique pairing selections, offering a range of exquisite wines expertly matched with every dish on offer. Each wine sip turns into a delightful journey, harmoniously melding with the culinary choices you make.

1. Tasting Menus: Showcasing Casa Locé's dedication to gastronomy, their tasting menus help you explore diverse wine options and pairings. Both seasoned wine lovers and novices find these menus helpful, ensuring an unforgettable visit.
2. Wine and Cheese Pairings: Casa Locé boasts a selection of local and international cheeses. Each cheese is carefully matched with a specific wine to highlight its unique taste.
3. Culinary Creations and Wine: Talented culinary professionals at Casa Locé excel in crafting dishes that complement their wines. Every course, from light appetizers to hearty mains, is paired with a specific wine to heighten its flavor.

Special Events at Casa Locé

Casa Locé hosts special events, carefully planned to create a memorable experience. The team handles everything, from wine choices to decor, making sure every detail is perfect. They excel at personalizing events, whether it's a birthday, corporate retreat, or a quiet dinner. Expert sommeliers guide guests through the wines, making each event unique. 

Casa Locé also offers comfortable, luxurious rooms with vineyard views, perfect for relaxing after wine tasting. Stay longer with packages that include vineyard tours, wine tastings, and gourmet meals.

Organic Grape Cultivation

Casa Locé dedicates an impressive 80% of its vineyards to organic grape farming, placing sustainability at the heart of our wine creation process. We don't simply use sustainable farming and biodynamic practices as buzzwords; they form the foundation of our operations.

There are a few sustainable practices that benefit both the wine lover and the environment:

1. Sustainable Farming: Casa Locé embraces methods that respect our environment and ensure our vineyards thrive for years to come. These include water conservation and biodiversity promotion, along with a conscious effort to limit harmful pesticide usage.
2. Biodynamic Practices: Our approach to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition is holistic, ecological, and ethical. We view the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem.
3. Soil Health and Natural Fertilizers: Focusing on soil health, we recognize its vital role in the lifecycle of our vines. Utilizing natural fertilizers, we keep the soil healthy and productive.

These practices help produce high-quality wines and support a healthier planet. Casa Locé believes that great winemaking and environmental protection go hand in hand. Join in the journey toward sustainable, high-quality winemaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wine is Ojai known for?

Ojai is known for its Rhone varietal wines, particularly Syrah and Viognier. In addition to Syrah and Viognier, Ojai also produces fantastic Grenache and Roussanne wines.

Who is the owner of Casa Locé Winery?

The owner of Casa Locé is Entrepreneur and Health Advocate Dr. Bill Releford. He is a well-known podiatrist and author of “5 Colors for Better Health.”

What is the difference between a winery and a tasting room?

A winery is the actual production facility where wine is made, while a tasting room is a designated area, often within the winery, where visitors can sample and purchase the wines.

Why is Ojai so popular?

Ojai is popular for its vibrant arts scene, boutique hotels, wellness retreats, organic farms, and wineries. Its scenic beauty, with mountains and valleys, also attracts many visitors.

Is Ojai, California worth visiting?

Yes, Ojai California is worth visiting. It's a charming town with plenty of outdoor activities, great food and wine, and a relaxing ambiance.

What do you wear to a wine-tasting room?

Wear comfortable and casual clothing to a wine-tasting room. Avoid wearing heavy perfumes, as they can interfere with the wine aromas.

Can you drink the wine at a tasting?

Yes, you can drink the wine at a tasting. The purpose of a tasting is to experience the flavors and characteristics of the wine.

What is a room full of wine called?

A room full of wine is typically called a wine cellar. Most wine lovers prefer to have one in their home as a way of preserving their best wine collection for their visitors.

What was the original name of Ojai?

The original name of Ojai was 'Awha'y, meaning 'Moon' in the native Chumash Indian language. Now, the place is home to beautiful vineyards where anyone can enjoy the best views of sunsets in the valley.

What is the owner of a vineyard called?

The owner of a vineyard is typically referred to as a vineyard owner or viticulturist. To become one, you need to be passionate about wines to be able to appreciate the taste and the extensive labor from growing the grapes to harvesting and getting its essence placed in an oak barrel to age until it’s poured into your glass to enjoy.

Can you tour the winery without tasting it?

Yes, you can tour the winery without tasting it. However, tasting is often part of the experience to understand the winemaking process better.

How many wines are in a tasting?

The number of wines in a tasting can vary but typically ranges from three to six. The number of wines presented during a tasting depends on various factors, such as the event's purpose, the host's preference, and the guests' tolerance levels. For instance, in a casual social gathering, three to four wines may suffice. However, in a more formal or educational setting, like a wine appreciation class or a sommelier certification program, the number can go up to six or even more.

Join us for a look into our elegant approach to winemaking and gracious hospitality. We welcome our members and their guests by appointment only. Become a member or book an event by visiting casaloce.com