Surrounded by the enormous Topatopa Mountains and a few miles' worth of orange groves, the small Southern California town of Ojai is known for three things: meditation retreats, artisans and agriculture. To see how these three worlds mingle, stop by the downtown farmers' market any Sunday (rain or shine) between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The Ojai Certified Farmers' Market features stunning produce, locally made olive oils, vibrant cut flowers and orchid plants, hand-woven baskets, organic soaps and skincare. Local musicians come out to play, friends reconnect, and occasionally, a rousing game of hacky sack breaks out on the nearby lawn. At this community meeting place, you'll see theater folk telling stories with a flourish, spiritual ascetics shopping for organic produce and farmers educating kids about where their food comes from and how it's grown.

And speaking of food: Didn't grow up in the Midwest (or miss it terribly)? This is your chance to try some cheese curds from California. Want to sample some of the best baked goods in town? Stop by early at Knead's table to pick up a ribbon-wrapped package of cheddar-jalapeño scones or hearty chocolate-chip cookies. Here you can find organic eggs and free-range meats, fresh tamales, gluten-free breads and much more.

Before you leave, be sure to treat yourself to some citrus fruits, the staples that made this area so popular in the first place. You'll rarely find a sweeter orange than at the Ojai Farmer's Market.

Ojai Certified Farmers' Market, every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
300 East Matilija Street, just behind the Arcade on Main Street in downtown Ojai, California

While champagne is nice for celebrations, in my mind nothing says love like a good red wine -- especially a good pinot noir. For Valentine's Day this year, Jeff and I will be enjoying the 2008 Oppenlander Vineyard Pinot Noir from my friend Toby Hill's Phillips Hill Winery, which makes limited edition pinot noirs from the Anderson Valley and Comptche up in Mendocino. Artwork on the label for the 2008 Oppenlander (pictured right) is also Toby's. For those looking for an excuse to make the trek to Mendocino, this summer Phillips Hill will be holding a farm-to-table winemakers dinner, held in a field atop Mendocino Ridge overlooking the Anderson Valley. All the food will be sourced from local farms and ranches and prepared by a guest celebrity chef to match the wines. Phillips Hill limited edition wine club members will be the first ones notified of the final details for the dinner. For more information, call 707-877-1151 or visit PhillipsHillEstates.com.

To continue our red wine theme, Palo Robles Wine Country will hold its 2011 Los Angeles Grand Tasting on March 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at The Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles. The event, which will benefit the Southern California Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, will feature more than 28 wineries and gourmet appetizers by RoomForty and is part of a larger Grand Tasting Tour featuring winemaker dinners throughout Los Angeles February 26-March 5. For more information, visit pasowine.com.

And with that, I bid you a very Happy Valentine's Day!