Malibu Wines & Beer Garden is the latest concept from the family behind Saddlerock Ranch, longtime winemakers in the greater Malibu area. Their newest endeavor is in the old stables on the grounds of a 1930s-era estate whose occupant was silent film actor Francis Lederer and it has a lot to offer wine lovers.
The site is a Los Angeles heritage property and the Semlers worked with LA city councilman Mitch Englander to purchase it in 2007. This new venue has a few surprises up its sleeve: It features an indoor-outdoor bar, a surprisingly large lawn space and weekend live music.
There is also a Two Doughs food truck serving wood-fired pizza and charcuterie plates on weekends. They have a great selection of local and regional craft beers on tap as well.
A plethora of vintage tchotchkes are scattered throughout the opulently-designed, airy interior as well as on the expansive patio and in the glassed-in beer garden. One of the most notable pieces of decor is a pair of stainless steel WINE sculptures that mimic Robert Indiana’s famous LOVE statue.
Best of all, the wine is top-notch, including a couple of flights that boast the fanciest labels in the business (see below). They have their fingers in many pies: You’ll find not only the Saddlerock ranch wines but some of the best wines from other vintners in the region, like a Pinot Noir that has tart acidity, spice, and candied cherry to boot.
The wine is certainly a big hit, but the real draw here is the setting. The location is set against the backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains and is surrounded by lush greenery that makes it a perfect place to unwind.
Coolest of all, it’s also a very green way to spend the afternoon in the sun! The 4.5 star rating that Malibu Wines & Beer Garden gets on Google is a testament to the quality of their food, beverage, and service.
The best way to enjoy this unique experience is to bring your own picnic and drink in the sunshine. A well-designed, insulated, collapsible cooler that fits easily in your back seat or trunk is the ideal choice, and don’t forget a quality charcuterie board to complement your spread. You can get these for under $30 on Amazon, and they will be a sure hit with your guests!
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