Saddlerock Soirée: Inside the First-Ever Malibu Food & Wine Festival

Imagine golden hour covering over a thousand acres of rolling vineyards, the scent of savory aromas dancing through the late summer air, and the gentle clink of wine glasses set against the backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains. Now add in celebrity chefs, sustainable cocktails, curated lounges, and a soundtrack that had people dancing under the stars. That was the inaugural Malibu Food & Wine Festival. And it was magic.

Held September 5–7, this first-of-its-kind culinary celebration brought together the crème de la crème of the food and wine world for a three-day immersive experience. It was a call for foodies, philanthropists, families, and celebrities to toast to resilience, recovery, and community. With breathtaking views, culinary masterpieces, and coastal charm, the festival didn’t just arrive—it announced itself as Malibu’s newest crown jewel.

The festival was created by husband-and-wife duo Chef Marcel Vigneron and entrepreneur Lauren Rae Levy, who conceived the idea in 2020. After fires ravaged the Pacific Palisades and road closures left Malibu struggling in January, the couple decided it was time to give back and give Malibu something to smile about.

The idea wasn’t just about highlighting haute cuisine. Their mission was to heal through hospitality. They wanted to spotlight California’s bounty and give back. Proceeds benefited the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, which has been a lifeline for families affected by wildfires, offering everything from mental health services to financial aid and necessities through their “Third Space” initiative.

 

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“Being part of the Malibu Food & Wine for the very first time was such a blessing. What we experienced in three beautiful days came from months of dedication, vision, and hard work by the incredible curators, producers, lighting crews, rental teams, and every single person behind the scenes,” said Diane Mina, of Diane’s Bloody Mary, and wife to Chef Michael Mina.

Diane Mina’s Bloody Mary trailer was a favorite among the guests. The queen of garden-to-glass has been working on perfecting this drink for 25 years. It was the best Bloody Mary I’ve ever had—herbal, fresh, spicy, layered with love, and basically its own charcuterie board on top. She also offered non-alcoholic options, so even if you don’t want the alcohol, you can still have the experience.

Along with Diane and the 35-foot Dave’s Hot Chicken food truck, the scene was a star-studded culinary playground. From Michelin stars to Food Network legends, the chef lineup read like a James Beard Awards afterparty. Festival host Adam Richman (of Man v. Food fame) kept the vibes playful and the energy high, as guests noshed their way through creations by culinary powerhouses like Jet Tila, Roy Yamaguchi, Duff Goldman, Sherry Yard, Jay Kumar, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, Bruce Kalman, Celestino Drago, and many more.

Friday’s six-course VIP dinner was something out of a fairytale, with Vigneron and Yamaguchi curating dishes paired with Presqu’ile Winery selections. Saturday’s follow-up saw the Voltaggio brothers joining Vigneron for another six-course tasting paired with magnums from Chappellet Winery. It was a pairing as bold as the chefs themselves.

Sunday opened the gates to all ages, transforming the grounds into a family-friendly celebration, with dishes from Helene Henderson (Malibu Farm), Ben Ford, and other beloved California chefs.

Standouts included:

• Channel Islands White Seabass “Leche de Tigre” by Coast Range’s Chef Steven Fretz—a tropical explosion of coconut, mandarins, avocado serrano emulsion, and cilantro.

• The Ultimate Meatball by Chef Eddie Brik of WeVINO, drenched in a sauce that made you believe in culinary soulmates.

• Michelin-starred Dosa dish by Chef Jay Kumar of LORE—widely regarded as the vegetarian showstopper of the weekend.

• Pork belly perfection by Chef Arnie Marcella of Cobi’s, created to convert even the pickiest eaters.

• Gluten-free pastries from Sherry Yard’s Bakery by the Yard, proving that indulgence doesn’t need gluten to wow.

The lounges were a display of decadence done right. Each lounge brought its own vibe. Wally’s Lounge delivered champagne waterfalls, mounds of caviar, and enough truffles to make even the most jaded foodie giddy. President Michael Davis said, “To be an integral part of the vibrant community and Malibu Food & Wine for the inaugural event was an extraordinary experience. We eagerly anticipate the opening of Wally’s in Malibu and bringing our amazing culture, fine wines, and gourmet goods to life.”

Aspen Vodka’s“ Martinis & Fries” bar featured Vigneron’s famous fries served bento-style—crispy, golden, and paired with playful, sustainable vodka cocktails. Flecha Azul cooled things down with frozen palomas and margaritas topped with dehydrated fruit, a hit with tequila lovers. House of Suntory added a Japanese flair, serving sustainable Roku Gin and premium Japanese whisky tastings. Peroni brought the crisp, European refreshment to balance out the bold dishes. And Saratoga® Spring Water kept everyone hydrated in style with their signature cobalt blue glass bottles.

From the very first bite to the final toast, music gave the event its festival-like energy. Dan the Automator and Adam Richman hyped the crowd with nostalgic favorites like The Humpty Dance and The Choice Is Yours, while Jakob Nowell of Sublime brought the house down with a 90-minute sunset performance on Sunday.

If Malibu had a heartbeat, Saddlerock Ranch might be it. The open-air space became an atmosphere where rustic elegance met bespoke pleasure. It was enchanting. As the sun dipped behind the trees and the moon lit up the sky, guests wandered through curated vendor pop-ups, checking out handmade goods, indulging in gourmet finds, and discovering exclusive merch, all under twinkling bistro lights.

Beyond the flavors and photo ops, MFW’s true legacy lies in community and mentorship. A partnership with C-CAP (Culinary Careers Program) gave student chefs the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cook alongside the industry’s best.

Hollywood came out in full support. Notable guests included Victoria Justice, Kendra Wilkinson, Tia Carrere, Tara Strong, Jonah Platt, and Hunter and Tara Fieri, fresh off their wedding. Hunter was there pouring his family’s wine, Hunt & Ryde, adding an extra splash of celebration.

Tesla also partnered with the fest to provide transportation for out-of-town chefs, who were also gifted Freshy sneakers and custom Malibu Food & Wine chef coats and aprons by ChefWorks. Talk about style and substance.

Festival founders Lauren and Marcel were overwhelmed by joy, gratitude, and the sheer power of what they created, visibly moved by seeing the community come together and the smiling faces of the chefs.

Kasey Earnest, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, called the festival “an absolute joy” and praised the way it showcased the community’s creativity and spirit. “Malibu has been through so much this year,” she said, referencing fires, mudslides, and loss. The weekend was a reminder of what community can build together.

If this first year was any indication, Malibu Food & Wine Festival is destined for legacy status. It is the ultimate annual pilgrimage for food lovers, wine connoisseurs, and anyone seeking magic in Malibu. It’s a celebration of flavors, craftsmanship, and the soul of a coastal town determined to rise.

As Adam Richman said, the festival provided a unique opportunity to “have a whole community that doesn’t always get showcased get their flowers,” highlighting local talents and vendors. Ultimately, it was about “giving back to the community that’s hosting.”