(OJAI, Calif.) — For 30 years, the Ojai Wine Festival has served as the primary non-profit fundraising effort of the Rotary Club of Ojai-West and its numerous philanthropic endeavors that serve to preserve the distinct events and qualities that make Ojai unique. This year, the 30th Annual Ojai Wine Festival will be taking place Sunday, June 12, from noon-4 p.m. on the shores of picturesque Lake Casitas.
Proceeds from the signature Southern California fine wine and craft beer event have supported Ojai’s historic free summer concerts in Libbey Park for the past 15 years. Funds are regularly contributed to maintain the bandstand, purchase instruments, and provide supplies for the concerts which attract 300-400 attendees each. Libbey Park’s natural oak tree canopy provides the perfect backdrop for the concerts, but other areas of the town’s iconic park are in need of upgrades.
The Rotary Club of Ojai-West is spearheading the funding and installation of the beautiful Libbey Park shade sail project to cover and protect the city’s most popular children’s play area from extreme sun exposure during the summer months. The club’s $15,000 commitment to the costly project will be funded with proceeds from the Ojai Wine Festival.
This year’s festival has been expanded to include exceptional collection of wineries with an extensive VIP tasting experience and winery tours, a silent wine auction, a beer garden with over 30 craft beers, a selection of local restaurants selling culinary delights, arts and crafts vendors, musical entertainment, a lakeside dance floor and 30th Anniversary cake cutting ceremony sponsored by Barefoot Wines.