Welcome to the Heavenly Honey Company of Ojai Honey Tasting Room!
Are you ready to dive into the rich world of honey tasting? At Heavenly Honey Company of Ojai, our unique honey tasting room is designed to provide an immersive experience into the delicious and diverse flavors of California honey. Whether you are a honey connoisseur or someone who’s curious about the sweetness of nature’s nectar, we invite you to explore a journey of taste, education, and family warmth.
The Story Behind the Honey Tasting Room
Over a decade ago, we participated in the Harvest Festival, a popular makers’ fair that travels across the Western United States. From that experience, we learned that people had a genuine curiosity about bees and were also looking for the highest quality honey. It became apparent that tasting honey was the perfect “ice breaker” for starting conversations about our favorite subjects—bees and honey! This realization sparked the idea for a honey tasting room here in Ojai, where we could share our passion with others.
Our first tasting room was in the industrial section of Ojai, tucked away next to our honey pouring room. It was a humble beginning, but the love and enthusiasm of our visitors inspired us to take a big leap of faith. We knew we needed a space in the heart of downtown Ojai, a spot where more people could experience our locally produced honey and learn about bees. With some encouragement from my Dad’s spirit, we finally found the perfect location—right where it was meant to be. Downtown, in the heart of Ojai!
A Family-Driven Vision
I truly believe my Dad played a role in finding our spot downtown. (You can read more about Dad in our About Us page.) I like to think that he’s just as involved in our family business today as he was during his lifetime. It felt like fate when the lease became available just as we were ready to move. Everything about it—the timing, the space, and the neighborhood—made sense, and we knew it was the perfect next step for Heavenly Honey Company of Ojai.
The transformation of the space came naturally. From the moment we stepped in, we had a clear vision of what we wanted to create. From the warm, honey-colored walls inspired by our signature label, to the custom-built shelves made to fit my Dad’s bee boxes, it all came together beautifully. Even our tasting bar, adorned with the largest glass pane sitting atop my Dad’s old bee boxes, serves as an educational display to inspire conversation. People often comment on how welcoming and comforting the room feels, and that’s precisely what we wanted—a space where people feel at home.
Experience Honey Tasting in Ojai
In our cozy honey tasting room, we offer visitors the chance to sample some of the best California honey. We currently have 13 varieties available, with only three originating from outside the state. Every honey has its own unique taste and character, from the light, floral notes of Sage Honey to the deep, rich molasses-like flavor of our Avocado Blossom Honey. During a honey tasting session, you’ll get to explore these differences and discover the versatility of honey.
People often ask us, “What makes each honey flavor so different?” The answer lies in the flowers that the bees visit. The nectar source directly impacts the honey flavor, color, and even its aroma. For example, Sage Honey is delicate and mild (no taste of the herb!), while our Wildflower Honey is more complex, reflecting the diversity of Ventura County’s wild blooms. Each type tells its own story, and we love sharing those stories with you.
A Family-Friendly Experience for All Ages
Our tasting room isn’t just about tasting honey; it’s about learning and connecting as well. We welcome everyone, from backyard beekeepers to those who are initially hesitant around bees. We pride ourselves on creating a space that is both educational and entertaining, where children and adults alike can learn more about the importance of bees, the intricacies of honey production, and the incredible variety of honey flavors.
We also love it when visitors share their own honey experiences and recipes. There’s nothing quite like exchanging ideas and discovering new ways to enjoy our heavenly honey. Whether it’s drizzled on toast, used in a marinade, or stirred into tea, we guarantee that there’s always something new to learn about this locally produced treat.
The Magic of Ojai Honey
Our honey is sourced primarily from the beautiful Ojai Valley and neighboring regions. This area, known for its rich biodiversity, produces an array of nectar sources that result in our high-quality honey. From dark honey like our robust Avocado Blossom to the light honey of our yummy Orange Blossom, our selection showcases the best of what California honey has to offer.
Did you know that honey can vary not only in taste but also in texture and color? Each variety we offer has its own unique characteristics—some are thick and creamy, while others are light and golden. During your honey tasting experience, we’ll help you identify these nuances, relating them to flavors you will recognize to help describe the unique notes present in each type of honey, and how to best utilize each type of honey in your everyday culinary life.
Join Us for a Taste of Honey
If you’re looking for honey tasting near me, our Ojai Honey Tasting Room is the perfect place to visit. Located in the heart of downtown Ojai, our tasting room provides an opportunity for locals and tourists alike to explore the rich variety of flavors that Heavenly Honey Company of Ojai has to offer. Each tasting is guided by either Barbara (me) or Jeff (my husband – poor guy married into this!!). We are always eager to share our insights into the world of honey bee raw honey, the importance of pollinators, and the stories behind our delicious varieties.
Our tastings are available daily, and there’s no need for an appointment—just come by and say hello! We’re located in the Ojai Arcade, the historic spot right in the heart of downtown, making it easy to stop by while exploring other local attractions. The “Arcade” is the arched walkway that runs from one end of our historic downtown, starting at the intersection of Signal Street and Ojai Avenue where our historic post office and bell tower can be found (look for us across from the bell tower!), down to the east where the arches end. Don’t worry if you’re new to the world of honey bee honey flowers; we love helping people learn and appreciate the magic inside each jar.
Discover the Heavenly Honey Difference
The Heavenly Honey Company of Ojai isn’t just about producing high-quality honey; it’s about sharing our passion for bees and the natural world. We want everyone who walks through our doors to leave not only with a jar of the sweetest honey but also with a newfound appreciation for the bees and beekeepers that made it possible. Our goal is for every visitor to leave happier, more informed, and hopefully with a little bit of California gold to enjoy at home.
Come experience the taste of honey for yourself, whether you’re curious about the differences between dark honey and light honey, or simply want to learn more about the types of flowers our bees love to visit. There’s a seat at our tasting bar just for you, and we can’t wait to share a little piece of our world with you.
In addition to our tasting room, we also have a bee gift shop where you can find all sorts of bee and honey related items, including our famous California honeys. Whether you’re looking for the health benefits of honey near me, wish to grab some pollen made locally, or simply want to try our heavenly honey, we have something for everyone. Our honey place is all about bringing people together over the shared love of bees and honey.
We are proud to bring you the highest quality honey one can find short of making it yourself! Our commitment to quality is reflected in every jar we produce. Come visit us and experience the magic of Heavenly Honey Company—your one-stop destination for honey tasting, education, and community.
