On location: Ventura County

Nov./Dec. 2013 California Bountiful magazine

What makes it distinctive? Find out!

In many ways, Ventura County is the quintessential Southern California region: It offers unbeatable weather year-round; panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean stretch for miles and miles; it's halfway between two famed cities, Malibu and Santa Barbara; and the land is bursting with wineries and rich agriculture that supply many of the local restaurants.

	Scott Deardorff, Oxnard When Scott Deardorff graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 1985, he started helping out on the family farm. Now he and cousin Tom Deardorff Jr. have taken over the reins of Deardorff Farms. They are fourth-generation farmers who grow nearly 1,400 acres of celery, tomatoes, mixed lettuce, cabbage, kale, chard, collards, parsley and cilantro. www.deardorfffamilyfarms.com
	Tierra Sur at Herzog Wine Cellars, Oxnard Guests are treated to fresh, seasonal pickings from local farmers at this celebrated restaurant inside the largest winery in Oxnard, where guests walk by the tasting room to reach the dining area. Serving New American cuisine, Tierra Sur boasts the highest Zagat ratings within a 40-mile radius. www.tierrasuratherzog.com
	Agriculture Museum, Santa Paula Visitors can trace the fascinating history of farming and ranching in Ventura County, starting with the missions. The museum showcases a variety of exhibits that tell the story of the people, crops and technologies of this agriculturally rich region, including the 50 model tractors now on display from the W.C. Milligan Collection. www.venturamuseum.org/visit-agriculture-museum
	Ventura Winter Wine Walk and Holiday Street Fair, Ventura On Dec. 7, holiday revelers can stroll through downtown Ventura, tasting glasses in hand, to sample wines from local vintners. The celebration also features live entertainment, holiday lighting, great food, a bounty of arts and crafts, and even some light artificial snowfall to welcome the season in style. www.venturawinterwinewalk.com
	Ojai Olive Oil Co., Ojai Come for the free tours on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday to see how olives are picked and processed into flavorful oil in a state-of-the-art olive mill imported from Tuscany. Customers can also visit the tasting room to sample olive oils infused with flavors such as rosemary, basil, garlic and mandarin. www.ojaioliveoil.com