EVENTS
SCHEDULE
SATURDAY
march 7, 2026
SATURDAY MORNING SEMINARS:
10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
WINE SEMINAR
the precision of domaine guiberteau
This in-depth tasting celebrates the quiet power and precision of Domaine Guiberteau, one of the Loire Valley’s most compelling and exacting producers. Rooted in the limestone-rich terroir of Saumur and Brézé, Domaine Guiberteau has earned a cult following for its razor-sharp Chenin Blancs and structured, energetic Cabernet Francs—wines that speak with clarity, restraint, and a deep sense of place. This tasting will feature a focused selection of both whites and reds, offering a rare opportunity to explore the domaine’s evolution and the striking purity that defines its style.
AVAILABLE IN PACKAGES: PLATINUM, GOLD, SILVER
CULINARY DEMO
pasta school with evan funke & vsb bologna
Alessandra Spisni joins her star pupil Evan Funke as she brings La Vecchia Scuola Bolognese (VSB Bologna) to Ojai for a rare and inspiring demonstration of traditional Italian pasta craftsmanship.
Guests will observe the time-honored techniques of sfoglia—the art of rolling fresh egg pasta by hand with a mattarello—passed down through generations in Bologna, the birthplace of Italy’s most iconic shapes. The duo will demonstrate the precision and cultural reverence behind classic pastas and share insights into the importance of preserving these disappearing skills in the modern kitchen. Whether you're a pasta enthusiast or simply curious about the artistry behind Italy’s most beloved food, Pasta School offers an unforgettable window into the soul of Bolognese cuisine.
AVAILABLE IN PACKAGES: PLATINUM, GOLD, SILVER
IN CONVERSATION
behind the scenes of chef’s table
Go beyond the screen in this behind-the-scenes conversation with the creative minds and culinary stars of Netflix’s Chef’s Table. Executive producer and director Brian McGinn joins an all-star cast of chefs Nancy Silverton, Nok Suntaranon, and Chris Bianco for an inside look at how the groundbreaking series brings the personal stories, philosophies, and passions of the world’s most inspiring chefs to life.
Together, they’ll discuss what it’s like to be part of the iconic show—how episodes are crafted, the collaborative storytelling process, and the unique ways each chef’s journey is captured through film. Guests will receive a signed copy of Nancy Silverton’s latest cookbook, The Cookie That Changed My Life: And More Than 100 Other Classic Cakes, Cookies, Muffins, and Pies That Will Change Yours.
AVAILABLE IN PACKAGES: PLATINUM, GOLD, SILVER
FOOD AND WINE SEMINAR
caviar dreams with nyesha arrington, stephanie izard, & nini nguyen
It has been almost 100 years since the Petrossian Family came to Paris and began a love affair between caviar and the City of Light. Discover how their passion and commitment to excellence have made the Petrossian name synonymous with timeless elegance, sophistication, and the art of caviar. Alongside a guided tour of caviars, chefs Nyesha Arrington, Stephanie Izard, and Nini Nguyen will present small bites with Champagne from Laurent-Perrier.
AVAILABLE IN PACKAGES: PLATINUM, GOLD
RESERVE WINE SEMINAR
champion of chablis, domaine françois raveneau
This curated tasting will offer a rare opportunity to explore a selection of Raveneau's iconic Premier and Grand Cru bottlings, showcasing the domaine's unmatched expression of terroir, precision, and finesse. Guided by expert commentary, guests will delve into the history, winemaking philosophy, and distinctive characteristics that have made François Raveneau a benchmark in white Burgundy.
AVAILABLE IN PACKAGES: PLATINUM
SATURDAY LUNCH:
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
LUNCH
bbq & bordeaux
Join Nick Priedite (Priedite Barbecue), Jason Paluska (The Lark), Travis Swikard (Callie), and Aaron Bludorn (Bludorn) as they fire up the grill and craft a collaborative family-style barbecue feast, blending regional smokehouse traditions with refined culinary techniques. Each course will be expertly paired with selections of world-class Bordeaux wines, showcasing how the complexity and elegance of Bordeaux can shine alongside the rich, smoky depth of barbecue.
AVAILABLE IN PACKAGES: PLATINUM, GOLD
LUNCH
the gramercy tavern experience
For over three decades, Gramercy Tavern has been one of the most beloved restaurants in the country. In this Ojai Food + Wine marquee event, Chef Michael Anthony and Pastry Chef Karen DeMasco will present a refined, seasonal menu that blends East Coast culinary elegance with California’s vibrant ingredients. Known for its warm hospitality and ingredient-driven cuisine, Gramercy Tavern brings its signature style to Ojai for a unique, multi-course dining experience—complete with a special wine accompaniment by Maggie Harrison and Brad Grimes.
AVAILABLE IN PACKAGES: PLATINUM
SATURDAY AFTERNOON SEMINARS:
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
WINE SEMINAR
the standard of the sta. rita hills, brewer-clifton
Explore the celebrated wines of this acclaimed Santa Barbara County appellation through the lens of one of its most influential producers. Led by Greg Brewer, the tasting highlights the purity, balance, and sense of place that define Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Guests will taste through a collection of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Brewer-Clifton’s prized holdings in the Machado and 3D vineyards.
AVAILABLE IN PACKAGES: PLATINUM, GOLD, SILVER
CULINARY DEMO
cook like a king with melissa king
Chef Melissa King is an award-winning chef, author, curator, and television personality. She is best known as the winner and Fan Favorite of Top Chef All-Stars: Los Angeles (Season 17), and holds the record for the most challenge wins in the history of the show. She is the host of National Geographic docuseries Tasting Wild and has served as a judge and educator on shows like Top Chef, America’s Test Kitchen, and Pamela Anderson’s Cooking with Love. Join Melissa as she demos recipes from her new cookbook that debuted in Fall, 2025. Guests will receive a signed copy of Cook Like a King: Recipes from my California Chinese Kitchen.
AVAILABLE IN PACKAGES: PLATINUM, GOLD, SILVER
IN CONVERSATION
exploring the larder of blackberry farm: dana cowin & cassidee dabney
Join food-obsessed journalist, tastemaker and advocate for nature Dana Cowin in conversation with Executive Chef Cassidee Dabney of The Barn at Blackberry Farm, one of America’s most celebrated culinary destinations. Together, they’ll delve into the farm’s rich pantry—where heirloom ingredients, Appalachian traditions, and chef-driven creativity come together. Expect stories of how Blackberry Farm’s kitchens are deeply connected to the land, showcasing the bounty of its fields, foraged goods, and artisan producers. This discussion highlights not only the flavors of the region but also the importance of responsible farming practices and a thoughtful approach to sustainability, ensuring that the land continues to nurture future generations as richly as it does today. Guests will receive a takeaway gift curated from the Blackberry Farm pantry.
AVAILABLE IN PACKAGES: PLATINUM, GOLD, SILVER
FOOD AND WINE SEMINAR
afternoon decadence: eunji lee’s heavenly desserts & sweet wines
Indulge in an elegant pairing of artistry and flavor. Renowned pastry chef Eunji Lee (Lysée), celebrated for her delicate technique and imaginative creations, will present a selection of her signature desserts that balance tradition with modern flair. Each will be thoughtfully matched with some of the world’s most iconic sweet wines - such as Château d'Yquem and Royal Tokaji Essencia - highlighting the harmony between texture, sweetness, and acidity. This indulgent afternoon promises a rare opportunity to experience Chef Lee’s celebrated desserts in dialogue with exceptional wines, creating a truly heavenly tasting experience.
AVAILABLE IN PACKAGES: PLATINUM, GOLD
RESERVE WINE SEMINAR
icons of piedmont with rajat parr & carlin karr
A rare exploration of one of the world’s most revered wine regions, guided by acclaimed sommelier and winemaker Rajat Parr alongside Carlin Karr, wine director at Boulder’s Frasca Food and Wine. Guests will journey through the great appellations of Piedmont—Barolo and Barbaresco—showcasing benchmark producers and legendary vintages, illustrating why Piedmont continues to stand as a pinnacle of fine wine. This intimate tasting promises exceptional bottles, and the expertise of two of today’s most respected wine voices in Italian wines.
AVAILABLE IN PACKAGES: PLATINUM
SATURDAY DINNER:
7:00PM – 9:30PM
DINNER
new chinese-american cuisine with mei lin & brandon jew
Two visionary chefs redefining the landscape of modern Chinese dining in America join forces for one special night in Ojai. Mei Lin and Brandon Jew will collaborate on a multi-course dinner that celebrates heritage while pushing boundaries, weaving traditional flavors with contemporary technique and personal storytelling. Guests will experience an inspired menu that reflects the evolution of Chinese-American cuisine today—bold, inventive, and deeply rooted in cultural identity.
AVAILABLE IN PACKAGES: PLATINUM, GOLD, SILVER
DINNER
dinner with dario cecchini, the world’s most famous butcher
Celebrate an unforgettable evening with legendary Tuscan butcher Dario Cecchini, whose passion, craft, and larger-than-life personality have made him an international culinary icon. Known for his artistry with meat and his reverence for the whole animal, Cecchini brings centuries-old traditions from his hometown of Panzano in Chianti to the table in a feast that honors both flavor and integrity. This special dinner showcases his philosophy of respect for ingredients, lively hospitality, and the joy of sharing a meal—an experience as soulful as it is delicious. Carne Diem!
AVAILABLE IN PACKAGES: PLATINUM, GOLD
DINNER
food & wine best new chefs alumni dinner
Since 1988, FOOD & WINE has named the Best New Chefs in the United States by celebrating their achievements, restaurants, and concepts, and honoring our community and the broader hospitality industry. Aisha Ibrahim (‘23), Christopher Kostow (’09), Josiah Citrin (’97), Suzanne Goin (’99), Dave Beran (’14), Matt Horn (’21), and Nancy Silverton (’90) team up in a Best New Chefs alumni collaboration for the ages.
AVAILABLE IN PACKAGES: PLATINUM
SATURDAY AFTER-HOURS:
10:30 PM – 12:00 AM
after-hours party presented by black market spirits
Gold and Platinum ticketed patrons are invited to keep the good vibes going with light snacks, libations, and lounging at the fire pits are the perfect way to wind down.
AVAILABLE IN PACKAGES: PLATINUM, GOLD