You’ve probably seen the photos. A tall, goofy giraffe poking its head into a custom-built safari truck while a group of people in linen shirts toast with glasses of Rosé. For years, the Malibu California wine safari was the undisputed king of Instagrammable Southern California experiences. It was the kind of thing people booked months in advance just to say they fed Stanley the Giraffe.
But if you try to book a ticket today, you’re going to hit a wall. Honestly, there is a lot of confusion about what actually happened to the Saddlerock Ranch tours.
The reality is a bit messy. Between devastating wildfires, licensing battles, and a massive shift in how the property operates, the "wine safari" as you remember it basically doesn’t exist anymore. However, the 1,000-acre ranch is still there. The grapes are still growing. The zebras are still roaming the hills. If you’re looking for that specific blend of viticulture and exotic animals, you have to know exactly how the landscape has changed.
The Rise and Fall of the Original Malibu California Wine Safari
The concept was simple but brilliant. Saddlerock Ranch, owned by the Semler family, is a stunning piece of land tucked into the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s got these incredible rock formations and sprawling vineyards that produce Semler and Saddlerock labels. Somewhere along the line, they realized that adding a private zoo to a winery was a goldmine.
It wasn't just a tasting room. It was an expedition.
You’d hop into a 4x4 vehicle and wind through the canyon trails. You’d see water buffalo, camels, llamas, and the star of the show: Stanley. Stanley is a retired film actor. Seriously. He was in Hangover Part III. People didn't just come for the Cabernet; they came for the celebrity giraffe.
But then came the Woolsey Fire in 2018.
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It was a nightmare. The fire ripped through Malibu, and while most of the animals were saved, the infrastructure took a massive hit. Public outcry regarding animal safety during the evacuation also put the owners under a microscope. PETA got involved. Local zoning boards started looking closer at permits. It became a whole thing. Eventually, the "safari" branding was phased out, and the operation had to pivot away from the high-volume, animal-centric tours that dominated the mid-2010s.
What it’s like visiting Saddlerock Ranch today
Don’t think the party is over. It’s just... different.
Nowadays, the experience is branded more as "Malibu Wine Hikes" or "Malibu Lights." It's less about being a passenger and more about being a participant. You can still see the animals, but the "safari truck" vibe has been replaced by more curated, foot-based or specialized vehicle tours.
The Hiking Component
If you’re physically up for it, the hike is actually better for seeing the ranch. You get to walk past the ancient Chumash cave paintings—real historical sites that most people skipped over when they were buzzed on Sauvignon Blanc in the old days. It’s about a two-mile loop. It’s not grueling, but Malibu is hot. Wear sunscreen. Seriously.
The Animals
Yes, Stanley is still there. So are the zebras. But the interaction is more controlled now. You aren't just swarming them with carrot sticks while juggling a wine glass. The ranch has had to tighten up its operations to comply with local regulations and animal welfare standards. It feels a bit more like a private estate tour and less like a theme park.
The Wine: What are you actually drinking?
Let’s be real for a second. Most people didn't go to the Malibu California wine safari because they were Master Sommeliers. They went for the vibe.
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That said, the terroir in the Malibu Coast AVA (American Viticultural Area) is fascinating. You’ve got high elevation—sometimes 2,000 feet—and that "marine layer" fog that rolls in from the Pacific. This creates a massive temperature swing between day and night.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: This is the heavy hitter here. The volcanic soil gives it a dusty, mineral quality that you don't always get in Napa.
- Merlot: Often overlooked, but the Saddlerock Merlot is surprisingly lush.
- The Whites: Usually sourced from slightly cooler pockets of the ranch or nearby vineyards. They’re crisp, meant to be drunk cold on a 90-degree day.
If you’re a serious wine nerd, you might find the wines a bit straightforward. They’re designed to be approachable. They’re "patio wines." But drinking them while looking at a zebra? That adds at least five points to any tasting note.
Navigating the Logistics: It’s not just "Show Up and Sip"
One of the biggest mistakes people make is driving up the PCH and thinking they can just pull into the ranch. You can't. The neighborhood is full of high-profile residents who value their privacy, and the entry gates are strictly monitored.
Everything is reservation-only.
Also, the "Malibu Wines" tasting room that used to be right on Mulholland Highway? That moved. You now have to head over to Malibu Wines & Beer Garden in West Hills if you want the stationary tasting experience, or book the specific ranch tours to get onto the actual Saddlerock property.
It's a bit of a drive. If you're staying in Santa Monica, give yourself an hour. The canyons are windy, and if you get stuck behind a slow-moving delivery truck, your 2:00 PM tour time will come and go while you're staring at a bumper.
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The "Stanley the Giraffe" Controversy
We have to talk about it because it’s the first thing people Google.
During the fires, photos of Stanley standing in a scorched enclosure went viral. It sparked a massive debate about whether exotic animals should be kept in fire-prone canyons. The owners maintained that they had a plan and that the animals were safe, but the PR damage was done.
This is largely why the "safari" name was dropped. The Semlers have spent a lot of money and time since then upgrading the facilities and working with veterinarians to ensure the animals are living their best lives. When you visit now, the tone is much more focused on conservation and the history of the ranch rather than "look at the funny animal."
Practical Tips for the Modern Malibu Wine Experience
If you’re planning a trip to see the remnants of the Malibu California wine safari in 2026, keep these things in mind:
- Book the 4x4 Tour: If you hate hiking, this is your only way to see the back property. It’s more expensive, but it’s the closest thing to the old safari vibe.
- Check the Weather: Malibu canyons can be 15 degrees hotter than the beach. If it’s 75 in Malibu, it’s 90 at the ranch.
- The "Malibu Lights" Event: During certain times of the year, they do these night-time light installations. It’s incredibly cool and way better for photos than the midday sun which washes everything out.
- Transport: Do not drive yourself if you plan on doing the full tasting. Uber and Lyft will drop you off, but getting one to come pick you up in the middle of a canyon is a nightmare. Pre-book a car service or have a designated driver who actually sticks to the plan.
The Future of Wine Tourism in Malibu
The era of the "wild west" Malibu safari is over. It’s been replaced by a more mature, regulated, and frankly, more expensive version of itself. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The ranch is quieter now. It feels more like an escape and less like a chaotic party.
You still get the mountains. You still get the Pacific breeze. You still get to see a giraffe in the middle of California.
It’s a weird, beautiful anomaly. Despite the fires, the lawsuits, and the rebranding, people still flock here because there is simply nowhere else on earth where you can sip a local Syrah while a zebra watches you from a distance. Just make sure you're booking the right experience so you don't end up staring at a closed gate on Mulholland.
Actionable Next Steps
- Verify the Location: Double-check your booking confirmation. Ensure you are going to Saddlerock Ranch for a tour and not the West Hills Tasting Room if you want to see the animals.
- Footwear Matters: If you book the Wine Hike, leave the heels at home. The terrain is uneven, dusty, and full of literal horse manure.
- Hydrate: Buy a large water bottle before you enter the canyon. Prices inside the ranch are exactly what you’d expect for Malibu.
- Check Availability: Weekend slots for the 4x4 tours often fill up 4–6 weeks in advance. If you're planning a birthday or bachelorette party, the "last minute" approach will fail you here.