High on a hillside, a modern Tuscan-style villa claims expansive views all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Following the steep drive up from Kanan Rd. you see some small vineyards on either side. You can also arrive at the villa by air as it has its own heliport.
What I saw of the inside of the villa was sparsely furnished, with spacious rooms. Most rooms were closed off due to the event underway when I was there. It was a gorgeous late winter day that felt like early summer, hot and clear. Party goers were outside, soaking up the sunshine around the infinity pool.
Welcome to the sometimes residence and event venue of Howard Leight, owner of Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate. Howard's vision when he decided to grow wine grapes in the Malibu Hills, was to create an exclusive estate to host one of a kind events and guests can enjoy the wine produced from the estate vineyards. There's just one catch, you must be a wine club member. Luxury and exclusivity are the name of the game here.
Malibu Rocky Oaks was founded in 2003. Currently ten, of thirty-seven acres are under vine. Top varietals in order of largest number planted are: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, chardonnay, and cabernet franc. There are several other varietals grown at Malibu Rocky Oaks but in significantly smaller plots; pinot noir for example, which claims only 500 vines. Both the Cabernet Sauvignon Collective and the Chardonnay Collective were medal winners in the San Francisco Chronicle 2015 competition.
For more information about the wines of Malibu Rocky Oaks or to become a wine club member visit www.maliburockyoaks.com
Malibu Rocky Oaks - (340 Kanan Rd.)