Tour Guides, Wine Tasting, Zebras –Oh My
Ever wondered how it would be to go wine tasting and feed wild animals such as llamas, alpacas and Zebras? Yeah I never gave it much thought either. But here we have a family-owned vineyard in California, Malibu Wine Safari tasting experience that actually allows such a thing!
Malibu Wine Safari tasting experience is a tour that takes you around their beautiful vineyard while making pit stops in different locations to take in the amazing views, feed the zebras, alpacas, llamas and even their one and only giraffe all while sipping on locally crafted wine. Sounds like such a wonderful experience right? This locations is also frequented by the Kardashian/Jenner clan as seen in their KUWTK show and Kylie Jenner’s Snapchat. Well beforeit was made mainstream, this place was on my must-go-to list and I finally was able to early this summer.
Now let’s get some important information rolling here
Malibu Wine Safari tasting experience has 6 different tours and packages to choose from. Disclaimer. It is best to buy and book from their online website. You can learn more about the different wine tasting tours here and you may book your appointment here.
MUST READ. My mishap with ticket purchasing
I actually made the mistake of purchasing my Malibu Wine Safari tasting experience ticket through a Groupon “deal” my friend saw online. The issue with this “deal” is that we paid $99 dollars for the so-called package and we were under the assumption that we would be getting the works or as they call it the Giraffe tour. Well needless to say, we did not. We actually bought the basic Explorer Tour package. The problem with this was the discrepancy in pricing. Our Groupon ticket cost $99 for the basic Explorer Tour where on Malibu Wine Safari website, the same exact tour was listed as $65 dollars Okay… I see you boo. The difference between both packages is the length of the tour (90 min vs. 105 mins) and getting to meet infamous Stanley the Giraffe. Not to mention, the Giraffe Tour is only listed as $95 dollars on their website!
Now that we are educated on pricing and packages, let’s move on to the tour!
When we arrived to the located, we quickly checked in and received a wrist band that coordinated with our tour time slot. We took advantage of the short wait time and took a few pictures around their cute decor before jumping into their GMC tour vehicle. Off we went into the wild! One of the great things about Malibu Wine Safari tasting experience is how informative they are during the ride. We learned a lot about the origin of Saddlerock Ranch and how Malibu Wine Safari came to be. Spoiler. It was the children’s idea.
We got to meet Llama del Rey and Kendrick Llamar. Well sort of
Our very first stop was to visit the llamas and feed them carrots. Our tour guide provided everyone with a few full size carrots to hand feed the llamas. They were so nice and docile even while trying to take the carrots from our hands they even introduced us to Llama del Rey and Kendrick Llamar. All the animals in the ranch have such creative and funny names such as a pair of Yaks named Yakkity Yak and Don’t Talk Back. Genuis! We then walked towards the zebras which were a few yards away. Once again vegetables were provided to us in the form of carrots and lettuce. In this location, we had our first 3 sets of wines: 2 whites and a blush/rose. Out of the 3 provided, my favorite was the sauvignon blanc even though I typically lean towards red.
I actually was trying to shake off some dirt from inside my sandal lol.
Next pit stop, a lovely 360 view
After we all had tasted the wines, wandered around and took individual and group pictures, we hopped back into the tour vehicle and continued. We headed towards the top of the mountain were the son’s owner and Wine Safari creator has a 360 view of the vineyard and a lovely office. Here is where we had our final batch of wines, all red wines and complementary crackers and dip. We all sat around drinking our wine and enjoyed the lovely views from Saddlerock Ranch.
Aside from the small mishaps, I would definitely visit again
Malibu Wine Safari was such a lovely experience. Everything from the personnel, animals, tour conditions and especially the wine was simply amazing. I recommend anyone from the SoCal area to visit this winery at least once!
Malibu Wine Safari tasting experience tips & recommendations
Since this tour experience is sooo Instagram worthy, you definitely want to wear something cute but comfortable. If you’re visiting in the summer, please note that Malibu can get really hot during June-August. I actually visited the ranch late July and the sun was overwhelming at times. I was lucky enough to be running late that day (per usual I suppose) and did not style my hair so I threw on a hat and braided my hair. My initial dress was also not happening! so I opted for a maxi and a kimono which I am so happy I had on because it helped avoid my shoulders from getting a nasty tan!
Recommendations:
- Comfortable and/or lose fitting clothes. You will need to climb onto the GMC tour vehicle a few times so please dress accordingly
- Sunglasses are a must!
- Hats are optional but bring bobby pins if you plan to keep it on during the tour ride
- Flat or chunky heel shoes only. Avoid anything white/tan or suede that will be hard to clean/remove dirt. You will walk a few yards so think comfortable
- Sunscreen! Stay healthy and apply sunscreen before the tour
- Cross-body or backpack purse recommended. Avoid taking large purses as you will need to leave behind in the vehicle or carry with you
Do you have any recommendations on specific SoCal wineries? Leave your suggestions below!
