The Historic California Mansion That Was Transformed Into A Whimsical Wine And Beer Garden

The Golden State has us California dreamin' of a food and wine getaway. If you're looking to sample some of Cali's homegrown wines, you might be interested in visiting Malibu Wines and Beer Garden, which is situated in the former stables of a SoCal mansion that Hollywood actor Francis Lederer called home in the 1930s. This Mission-style property received historical designation in 1978, and, today, it's not just a peek into a building with glamorous stories embedded in its four walls. It also houses a wine-tasting establishment owned by the Semler family of Saddlerock Ranch, a renowned local winery.

Malibu Wines is more than just a destination to sip vino; it's a full-fledged event space dedicated to great drinks and equally great entertainment. At night, its trees glisten with draped string lights. Special events dot the calendar, from flower-arranging workshops to paint 'n sip evenings to barre workout sessions on the lawn. Visitors can bring their own noshes or, on weekends, order pizza from a local food truck (which means you can pair pizza with wine like a pro). Whether you love a bottle of spendy California Pinot Noir or a glass of refreshing rosé, Malibu Wines is serving New World wines that are sure to entice your palate.

To visit the tasting room at Malibu Wines is to be blown away by the extraordinary beauty of your surroundings. Ivy covers the brick walls, beer kegs are the bases for tables, and gracious stone archways will transport you into a time long gone by. Yelp reviews of Malibu Wines mention the passion that the staff have for explaining the vineyard-to-table process that the wines undergo and the enchanting atmosphere of the property, especially at nighttime. "Definitely a fun place to meet with friends, be outside, and enjoy some wine," one review notes. "The venue itself is very cute and feels like a little oasis in the Valley. It's a great place for large groups/celebrations, or an intimate get together at one of their smaller high top tables."

Indoors, you really see that Malibu Wines was a former home for horses, as the individual stalls are now transformed into cozy, intimate seating. Beyond the structure, however, the garden really spreads out, with shady trees, wide umbrellas, and picnic tables surrounding a central fountain. Wines are available in individual glasses or as curated flights to really give you a sense of what Saddlerock Ranch has to offer. Lest you tire of the fruit of the vine, know that the venue is also well-known for its rotating selection of craft beers. It maintains 15 varieties on tap at any given time, all locally sourced, with tasting notes available for every brew.