WOW. What a perfect Saturday.
I was hosting my brother & sister-in-law who were in town from the midwest and I was searching for something to do that I knew they wouldn't be able to find anywhere else, something that screamed California. Malibu Wine Hikes couldn't have been a more fitting and insanely awesome experience, although you feel like you aren't in the US anymore.
Favorite parts:
+ Your guide is someone who grew up on the ranch, part of the Semler Family, so they are filled with stories about all the different things you encounter on the way. From crashing parties and living with 9 siblings, to swapping crops due to drought and dealing with mountain lions (don't worry they are nocturnal and you wont encounter them). We were lucky enough to have Maddison (7th child) and her Mom guide us on our hike. They were great!
+ The sculptures! I expected to see the vinyard and some animals but I didn't expect the art. I now know is that Mr. Semler is an artist and the pieces I encountered were interactive. So cool.
+ Our group. We joined in on a tour with strangers who all happened to be awesome people. By the time we got to the end and clanked a glass together, we were all swapping stories about either growing up in LA or our journey moving out here. We had the head comedy writer for Jimmy Kimmel on our hike which was pretty rad.
+ Obviously the wine. Doesn't a glass of wine always taste better when you work a little for it? The staff is very friendly, young and knowledgeable and took great care of us.
*These are only some of my favorite parts. Just don't want to give all the secrets away.
What to wear:
+ Sneakers with traction. Mild hills throughout of dirt.
+ hat/sunblock/shades - there are some shady spots but mostly in the sun.
+ You might want to try and look cute if you plan to stick around the tasting room afterward. I wore jean shorts, a long tshirt and switched my sneaks to boots.
What to bring:
+ water bottle
+ if you plan on sticking around the tasting room, bring snacks to eat that go well with wine, they also have a little store on site with a smaller selection of cheeses meats and crackers.
+ cash. It completely slipped my mind to bring cash along. There are multiple tipping opportunities: your hike guide, your shuttle driver and the staff who is pouring your wine.
This experience is epic. A must-do for anyone who visits/lives in southern california.
Thank you Semlers!!!