By Brenton Garen, Beverly Hills Courier

Nestled up in the Santa Monica Mountains is Malibu Family Wines – a winery which had its vineyard planted in 1997 producing its first vintage in 2000.

The Semler family - Ronnie and Lisa along with their nine children - have lived on the 1000 acre “Saddlerock Ranch” for more than 27 years.

Western Regional Sales Manager Kevin Bening said the primary crop of producing vines was about 65 acres but expansion plans will eventually increase the crop size to 100 acres.

“It really is an interesting place to grow grapes,” Bening said.

“In such a small area you have so many temperature zones that I haven’t experienced anywhere else in Southern California.”

There are eight varietals planted, which include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Malbec, Grenache, Mouvedre and Viognier.

With the arrival of Summer, the public tasting room is open seven days a week.

In addition, there is live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9pm and a movie night under the stars each Thursday starting at dusk.

Malibu Family Wines is located at 31740 Mulholland Highway.

For more information, go to http://malibufamilywines.com.