📍 Guest: Ronnie Semler – Founder, Malibu Wines & Beer Garden & Saddlerock Ranch 📍 Location: West Hills, CA

Watch Full episode HERE

Join Paul Ward On the Road with Ronnie Semler, the visionary behind Malibu Wines & Beer Garden and Saddlerock Ranch. In this inspiring interview, Ronnie shares how he transformed a fire-ravaged Malibu ranch into a thriving vineyard, animal sanctuary, and destination experience featuring estate-grown wines, exotic animals like zebras and giraffes,

and one-of-a-kind events. From surviving the Woolsey Fire to expanding into a Texas safari adventure, Ronnie’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and creating joy for visitors from around the world. 🍷🦒

⏱ Episode Timestamps

00:06 – Welcome & Introduction Paul welcomes Ronnie Semler, founder of Malibu Wines & Beer Garden, and introduces the historic West Hills location.

00:47 – The Historic Building Ronnie shares the colorful history of the Alamo-style structure, once home and stables to silent film star Francis Lederer.

02:06 – Acquiring the Property A chance hospital visit leads Ronnie to purchase the building and transform it into a thriving wine and beer garden.

03:21 – Estate-Grown Wines An overview of Semler’s estate wines grown at Saddlerock Ranch and the varieties they produce.

04:54 – The Birth of Saddlerock Ranch How a devastating 1978 Malibu fire led Ronnie to purchase and rebuild the ranch, eventually expanding to 1,000 acres.

07:07 – From Avocados to Grapes After losing crops to frost, Ronnie transitions from avocados to vineyards—discovering grapes use far less water.

08:25 – First Tasting Room The humble beginnings of Malibu Wines, starting with small sales that grew into massive weekend crowds.

09:42 – Exotic Animals & Unique Experiences Saddlerock Ranch becomes known for its zebras, bison, alpacas, llamas, and even a giraffe named Stanley.

10:45 – Surviving the Woolsey Fire Ronnie recounts evacuating over 150 animals and losing more than 100 structures, but saving every life.

11:54 – Rebuilding & Recent Challenges The difficulties of rebuilding post-fire and the added heartache of his son’s recent loss in the Palisades fire.

12:57 – Life After Malibu Expansion to Texas, moving exotic animals, and preparing to launch a safari business in Brock, TX.

14:22 – Growing Great Grapes Ronnie’s philosophy on vineyard care—from soil quality to irrigation—and the key to great wine.

15:31 – Current Vineyard Operations Replanting efforts in Malibu, now totaling around 50 acres and producing for tasting rooms in CA & TX.

16:07 – Family in the Wine Business Two of Ronnie’s daughters now play key roles in the Texas wine operation and club management.

17:16 – Beyond Wine Malibu Wines offers yoga, pizza, jewelry making, candle workshops, and more for visitors.

17:49 – Limited Public Access to the Ranch Some activities continue through wine hikes, movie shoots, and special approvals.

19:18 – Chumash Indian History The ranch holds a significant archaeological site with ancient cave paintings, shared with schools and visitors.

21:12 – Why Texas? Fewer regulations and a different way of life fuel Ronnie’s enthusiasm for his Texas ranch.

21:19 – How to Visit Malibu Wines is open 7 days a week in West Hills, CA. Info at malibuwines.com.

22:02 – Closing Paul thanks Ronnie for sharing his incredible journey from rebuilding after fires to creating unique wine and safari experiences.

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Strumming Through Life: The Sierra Drummond Story

📍Malibu Wines: info@malibuwines.com 23130 Sherman Way West Hills CA 91307 818-578-4146

📢 Thank You to Our Sponsor: Opus Escrow — making this episode possible.