Malibu is gearing up for a delicious treat next month! The Malibu Food & Wine Festival will kick off at Saddle Rock Ranch from September 5-7. This three-day event will showcase amazing food, wine, and a sense of community. Local chefs, celebrity appearances, and families will all come together for a unique tasting experience.
Guests can expect to meet top chefs like Adam Richman and Duff Goldman. These culinary stars will not only whip up their famous dishes but will also mingle with festival-goers. It’s a perfect chance to learn from some of the biggest names in food.
The festival will kick off with evening events on Friday and Saturday from 6-10 p.m., and offer a family-friendly day on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. This makes it easy for everyone to join in on the fun. “We want families to feel included,” said co-founder Lauren Rae Levy.
Levy and her husband, renowned chef Marcel Vigneron, started this festival as a way to support the community after recent challenges, including fires and a canceled annual fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club. Their goal is to bring people together through the joy of food. “Food speaks to everyone,” Levy noted. “We really need that connection right now.” A portion of the proceeds will go to help rebuild community ties.
This event will feature around eight wineries, a special champagne and caviar lounge, and various spirits. General admission tickets are around $300, which includes tastings, beverages, and even live DJ entertainment! For those looking for something special, there will be VIP dinner experiences with wine pairings hosted by celebrity chefs. Vigneron emphasizes that the festival highlights the flavors of California and aims to rejuvenate Malibu’s local spirit after the recent disruptions.
Supporting the local community is a priority for the festival. Levy explained, “Instead of having a separate area for local vendors, we integrated them with the star chefs. They really deserve that spotlight.” Several vendors affected by the fires will be showcasing their goods, ensuring everyone has a chance to come together and celebrate.
Experts in community building, like Kasey Earnest from the Boys & Girls Club, emphasized the importance of events like this for healing and recovery: “This festival is a beacon of hope and connection for Malibu.” Recent stats suggest that food festivals have surged in popularity, offering a fun way for communities to gather and recover from tough times.
So, mark your calendars! The Malibu Food & Wine Festival promises to be a memorable celebration of local flavors and culinary talent.
