Saddlerock Ranch

The owners of Saddlerock Ranch, the Semler family, have been growing wine grapes since 2000, but the ranch has so much more to offer than a vineyard. With thousands of acres of land, you can imagine they have just about everything you could want or need. The ranch is perfect for a rustic wedding with four different locations to choose from. And if you're looking for a luxurious getaway or honeymoon, there are also a few Airbnbs on or near the property. (See some links below!) If you're a history buff, this may excite you... the ranch has caves on the property with pictographs from the Chumash Indians dating back to 1769. Now a local university owns the caves researching and preserving them. Continue reading to find out more hidden treasures I found during our hike through Saddlerock Ranch. Did I mention the hike was only $35?

The Hike

Nick and I did a 2-mile wine hike through Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, which by far was our favorite experience while in California. It was the most scenic place I have ever been to, and I am still amazed by the endless view of hills and vineyards.

Throughout our hike, we plucked fruit off of some trees while climbing others. I had my first plumcot on Saddlerock Ranch! (It's an apricot and plum hybrid, yummmm.) We also climbed this tree that survived a fire many years ago and now grows a little funny. :) It's short and stocky, but that makes it even better for climbing! Mother nature knew what she was doing here.

Another great part of our hike was feeding and petting all of the exotic animals on the property that the Semler family rescued. Nick and I saw donkeys, llamas, yaks, water buffalo, zebras, camels, a giraffe, llamas, alpacas, and yaks. We even got to meet and feed most of them. This wine hike could have doubled as a petting zoo hike. Fun fact: Their giraffe starred in the Hangover III and can stand in weddings. They also board a horse that starred in Lord of the Rings.

The View

Or the climb, if you're Miley Cyrus...I mean we are in Malibu!

Now this is a view I could live with forever. This view is exactly how Saddlerock Ranch changed my perspective on life. Coming from Louisiana's sinking and flooded lands, seeing this for the first time is life changing and breathtaking. It was actually the most beautiful place I've been and extremely inspiring. The lands remind you that there is always something bigger than you, which is very humbling. Every time I lack motivation, I will think back to Saddlerock Ranch and do what I can to ensure I find my way back there.

The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow

After such a long, treacherous hike up and down hills....just kidding. :) After a breezy tour of the beautiful grounds, we were rewarded with a wine flight. Yes, the wine flight is included in the $35 tour fee! Our wine flight included a Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rosè, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Our entire flight was amazing, and we were in good company with two other couples and a cheese tray. It was all laughs and a good time from then on! Now, I loved red wine before this tasting, but I fell in love with their Sauvignon Blanc. So much that Nick and I bought a whole bottle for ourselves and enjoyed the sunshine and scenery even after the other hikers left! The atmosphere is one of a kind at Malibu Wines and would be hard to replicate without the lush greenery and cool weather of California.

...so did I make you thirsty?

Malibu Family Wines has a wine club! I repeat, a wine club!! You can have their wines shipped to you monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly. Here's what they're offering in August 2017:

• 2016 Saddlerock Riesling - Retail $30/Club $24
• 2014 Saddlerock Sangiovese - Retail $33/Club $26
• 2014 Semler Merlot - Retail $40/Club $32
• 2016 Semler Sauvignon Blanc - Retail $38/Club $30
• 2015 Semler Rosè - Retail $38/Club $30
• 2014 Semler Malbec - Retail $47/Club $38
• 2014 Semler Cabernet Sauvignon - Retail $48/Club $38
• 2014 Semler Syrah - Retail $36/Club $29
• 2014 Semler Mourvedre - Retail $36/Club $29
• 2014 Semler Grenache - Retail $36/Club $29
• 2012 Semler Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - Retail $75/Club $60
• 2016 Saddlerock Muscat - Retail $30/Club $24
• 2016 Saddlerock Rosè Of Sangiovese - Retail $29/Club $23
• 2015 Saddlerock Chardonnay - Retail $29/Club $23
• Saddlerock Sparkling Brut - Retail $37/Club $30

Luxurious Airbnbs

Here's a swanky list of Airbnbs if you are feeling luxurious. Use this link for $40 off your first trip with AirBnb: http://www.airbnb.com/c/marissaw726

Malibu Hilltop Estate

Malibu Manor Close to Wine Tasting and Beaches

Oasis in the Malibu Wine Trail

Which Airbnb is more your style? I love the first one's design, but I think I'd be in a dream if I found myself in any of them!