There are so many reasons to love Malibu — especially when it once again becomes a gathering place for culinary talent, celebrated wines, live entertainment and philanthropy with Malibu Food & Wine.
The culinary extravaganza fest returned to the picturesque Saddlerock Ranch for its second annual celebration.
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Marcel Vigneron and entrepreneur Lauren Rae Levy, the event brought together acclaimed chefs, winemakers, entertainers, hospitality leaders, brands and yes — lots and lots of guests — for a weekend designed around exceptional food and wine. And giving back was woven into every experience.
Vigneron, whose culinary career spans restaurants, television and culinary innovation, brought his signature approach to the weekend’s programming, while Levy, philanthropist and founder of LRL Group, spearheaded partnerships and community engagement.
(Photo credit: Craig “CraSH” Hattori )
The weekend was part family-friendly country cookout escape and part culinary playground. Guests wandered between sprawling food and wine experiences, moving from oysters and lamb dumplings to barbecue, truffle-topped bites, artisan gelato, pastrami’d brisket, tiramisu, and more, with wines and chilled cocktails in hand.
There was plenty to explore between bites, as well. The Snyder Diamond Showcase offered a glimpse at sleek kitchen innovations, while the Just Ice Tea Lounge paired chef-driven snacks with refreshing pours. Soho House brought its signature Picante de la Casa, Capri Gelato & Coffee provided a sweet afternoon stop that guests couldn’t get enough of to cool down in the Malibu sun. At the Gaia Herbs experience, botanical mocktails offered a spirited alternative. Stellar Mini Pretzel Braids and Lolleez handed out some little giveaways as guests wandered around.
Sunday was a day for the kids and families, with live music by Lizzy Passion & The Cowboy Assassins, as well as Will Worden, on the Aviator Nation Dreamland stage. FlutterBy showcased a sweet butterfly pavilion that the little ones had fun with, between donkey rides, cornhole and a kids’ coloring station, bringing an added dose of country fun. Saturday’s soundtrack was thanks to DJ EQUAL and LEMMO.
There were many notable pours across the event, including from Smith Story Wine Cellars, Fat Dragon, Dutcher Crossing Winery, Malibu Wines, Malibu Wine Company, Big Salt, Lyons Vineyard Estate, TOR Napa Valley, AXR Napa Valley, Summer Somewhere Wines and Williams Selyem, along with the Carneros Wine Alliance.
(Photo credit: Stephanie Kingery)
The guest list gave out some Hollywood flair with Charlize Theron, Olivia Wilde, Adam Richman, Hunter Biden and Melissa Cohen Biden, Victoria Justice, Ahmet Zappa, Shana Muldoon Zappa, and more were spotted throughout the weekend.
Culinary lineup included Brian Malarkey, Carlos Anthony, Mei Lin, Lee Anne Wong, Jeff De Leon, Elizabeth Falkner, Matt Pittman, Rhoda Magbitang, Jack Hotchkin, Varsity Bakers, Jennifer Lowry, Nikki Martin, Spike Mendelsohn, Viet Pham, Vinnie Cimino, Stephanie Izard, Tobias Dorzon, Chris Oh, Brian Redzikowski, Oren Zroya, Karlo Evaristo, and more.
Malibu Food & Wine continued its support of C-CAP, which provides culinary education, scholarships, job training and career opportunities to underserved students.
