Malibu Winery

We had a nice Saturday afternoon at Malibu Family Winery, a local vineyard nestled in the picturesque mountains of west Malibu, celebrating our friends birthday. We were there in March, but the weather this time was sunnier and warmer. It was a beautiful day to lounge in the tranquil space of manicured lawns which are peppered with inviting Adirondack chairs, round stone-topped tables, and Italian olive trees. To the side of the grassy clearing sits a ranch-style stone structure which is the bar for wine tasting.



While sipping the delicious wines, on the hilltop grounds, we couldn't help but become fully immersed in the quietude of the Santa Monica Mountains. Lounging in the shade of trees, we listened to the bubbling of birdbaths and savored the peaceful silence, a refreshing break from the usual discordant sound of city traffic. We enjoyed gourmet sandwiches, artisan cheeses and berries along with our wine.




The wines we tried were 2002 Semler Syrah, 2005 Semler Merlot, 2001 Semler Malibu Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Viva Malibu!


“Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used.” (-William Shakespeare)

The vines

a Hummingbird was bathing in the sprinkler

drinking from the barrel

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Malibu & Gamble House

We took my dad down to Malibu for lunch at Neptune's Net. It was sunnier than it looks in this picture. Malibu is one of my favorite places. 21 miles of Pacific coastline PLUS lots of horses, an equestrian park, stables, and horse trails through the Santa Monica Mountains.

On the way home we checked out The Gamble House in Pasadena. It was designed in 1908 by architects Greene & Greene. It was commissioned by David and Mary Gamble, of the Procter and Gamble Company, as a retirement residence. I love this Arts & Crafts style masterpiece.

Front entry

Back patio

View from back yardWe also went by Frank Lloyd Wright's Millard House, also known as La Miniatura. It is a few doors down from a friend's house in Pasadena and it is also for sale....$7,733,000! Not my taste, but internationally recognized as one of the world’s most important works of architecture.

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Sunshiny Day

I had a great day with Chad, the dogs and my horse Mazzy. We found a beautiful meadow right above the beach in Malibu. Mountains on one side, ocean on the other....I could easily live in that exact location! The weather was perfect.

The dogs had fun exploring.



We then stopped at Neptune's Net for lunch.
Then went by to see my baby horse, Mazzy on the way back home
I stopped in the yearling pasture to visit with the babies and Buddy the donkey.

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Perfect Saturday

I woke up early to prepare Kylie for a hopefully productive lesson. Since it had rained this week she didn't get out much. She was perfect! It was great feeling to jump around a course on her and have her listening, staying straight, and nailing every distance.

After a great morning riding, Chad and I went wine tasting at Malibu Winery. We received special treatment because a friend of Chad's dates the owner's daughter and she called the tasting room to tell them we were coming. We did the Estate tasting of Semler Malibu Estate wines (the 100% Malibu Estate grown fruit) Our tasting included 2005 Semler Merlot , 2003 Semler Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002 Semler Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002 Semler Syrah. They were all really good!!! The hard part was figuring out which one we likes best.


The jaw-dropping rolling hills planted with Semler’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah are within a hidden setting between Agoura and Malibu, off of Kanan Road. Semler Malibu Estate wines in on the 1,000-acre Saddlerock Ranch property nestled into a coastal valley between Highway 101 and the Pacific Coast Highway. The estate features gently sloping hills, spectacular
views of the Santa Monica Mountains and 65 acres of vineyards. Horse facilities make up a large part of the estate’s grounds, which include boarding stables, trails and arenas. This place is amazing! We went to a "White Trash" party last fall in one part of the estate. See September 16th entry. We then drove a few miles down to the water in Malibu to catch the sunset. It was beautiful.

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Still enjoying my time off

I've been getting up early (the same time I would normally for work) in order not to get too out of sync from my work hours. I have been heading off to go ride at about 8:30 each morning. What a fantastic way to start each day! In addition to my own, I've been riding a few extra horses. Yesterday I rode six horses, and loved every minute of it! Today I started my day as I have been, went to the barn and rode. Kylie has been super, giving me something to look forward to everyday.

Today after riding, Chad, the dogs, and I took a drive down to Malibu for lunch at Neptune's Net (outdoor seafood dining with an ocean view). Afterwards, the dogs got to enjoy some fun on the beach.

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