A little sip of heaven

Every once in a while, you're lucky enough to discover a new place, a place that is so unique or so special, that it feels like it belongs in a movie. I discovered such a place yesterday, when my husband and I played hooky and ventured down to Malibu for the day. What we found was the neatest little spot, Malibu Wines.

This little winery - green, lush, and calming - felt like an oasis in the middle of a desert. The lush and green picnic area is filled with quaint tables, a few brightly colored old trucks, an old wagon turned wine barrel fountain, and tire swings for the kids. You can sit in an Adirondack rocking chair under the shade of a tree, or sit at a stone-topped table under the shade of an umbrella, or climb a short hill to sit in the sun with a view of the valley. The bar where you can taste and purchase your wines is tucked to the side, under a grove of trees. They offer bottles and tasting flights of both red and white wines, and friendly, chill service to go along with them.

We tasted a few of their reds and decided on a bottle of the 2006 Saddlerock Cabernet to go with our picnic lunch of fresh bread, sliced tomatoes, Edam cheese, and fresh melon. Dark and smooth, the wine felt decadent, adding to the sense that we were truly on vacation. This is a great spot for a little getaway or a even a daytrip with the kids. If you take the 101 to Kanan Road, its only an hour from Ventura.