Meet Patti Mitchell, Owner of Ojai Pacific View Vineyard and Winery!

Mar 21

Patti Mitchell of Ojai Pacific View Ranch, enjoying a glass of her wine!

March is Women’s History Month so what better time than now to introduce you to one of our California-based women grower / makers, and ask her about her experience in the industry and her advice for other women starting in wine.

Patti’s winery is situated in the hills of upper Ojai, California and offers a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean. She focuses on Italian varietals such as Dolcetto, and the results are beautiful wines with great depth and structure. In our interview with Patti, her passion and love of wine really come to the forefront!

Q1. How did you get into the wine industry?

Patti: “I always enjoyed drinking wine, and traveled for many years to the Piedmont region of Italy. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to drink a lot of fine red wine there. My property in California, while once the ocean floor, is today up 3000 feet high in elevation with a southwest facing ocean view. The exposure and soil, of ocean bed limestone shale, is similar to what you find in excellent red wine regions like Piedmont. So, I was bit by a bug to try becoming a vigneron myself. My family was willing to help plant dolcetto, and voila! After 10 years of growing, we had our first release of Ojai Pacific View Dolcetto in 2017.

Q2. What is the best part of your job?

Patti: "I love the people you meet. The wine industry is full of fun nice people…plus it’s not bad that every social encounter is centered around good wine and food!"

Q3. What advice would you give women who want to get into the wine industry?

Patti: "Make what you like to drink! I chose my varietal because I love to drink it…so make sure when you start out producing, to choose wines that you really love, because your love and passion for it will come through, from you into your bottle!”

Q4. If you were a grape varietal, which would you be and why?

Patti: "I love my dolcetto because it is a great wine to drink every day and goes with a lot of foods... but as far as greatness goes, it’s hard to top the noble Nebbiolo grape. That's a hard choice though!"

Q5. Given the conditions we are under with the coronavirus pandemic, what advice do you have for us to get through it?

Patti: “Follow the procedures of our respective countries so we can ensure minimal victims and safety for all and to see the end of this pandemic as quickly as possible. And last but not least, have an evening glass of wine!”

Meet Patti in her vineyard with her wine dogs, Masha and Sasha, in this video .