Cielo Farms - Malibu, California

Susan Pack

My husband and I were able to book a an early evening reservation, which was not the most straight forward process. Phone calls are frequently diverted to voice mail; instead of a return call, a text is sent which can be delayed in response to specific questions.

In any event, my husband and I enjoyed the views that span miles in various directions surrounding Malibu. However, the cost for this experience seemed excessively high. A “day pass” is required even though a definitive time needs to be booked which is checked upon entering the parking lot. The best tables for viewing the scenery are on a first come basis. The flights are pricey especially considering the quality of the wine. The charcuterie board was served on a cardboard tray - while it apparently came with a net to place over it (I’d only seen this after later viewing another couple using it) - but we had to move inside to eat it standing up as the onslaught of bees was not only unbearable but potentially unsafe. I understand bees are an endangered species but combined with the expense, it wasn’t quite worth the cost.

Krystal

Came to Cielo farms with a party of 4. We got the wine bar day pass and had a fabulous time. The views are so lovely and the staff were great. We got there around 1p and the place was quickly filling up, so come early to grab a good seat. The seating is first come, first serve. Don’t forget to dress up because you’ll definitely want to take photos. Enjoy!

Steve Barstow

Not a 1 star because of the nice view. Unfortunately the prices are outrageous. $30 minimum per glass of wine. Very limited food offering. $29 for a cold margarita pizza. Guard at the entrance said valet parking was complementary but apparently the valet is separate from the parking charge. Parking is $19 for self parking and the bartender said he would remove the parking fee but when I checked my receipt, he only removed $9 of the $19. This was our first and last time at this place. Bye bye!

Ruth Vincent

Very beautiful place for a bridal lunch, brunch or gathering. The views are very nice great for pictures. The staff is very welcoming and attentive.
The wine wasn’t to die for … I don’t like dry wines.
However, over all a 5/5 ?

Tomasz Banasik

Wonderful winery!
Not only a beautiful view, but also very friendly stuff. I tried a flight of local wines (rose, white and two reds) and it was definitely a good choice. I strongly recommend coming here. It's worth traveling an extra hour. Entrance fee is 35$

Taylar Willard

Let me start by saying the unprofessionalism of this establishment is appalling.

While the views are magical and the ambiance is nice, we will never be back.

Pros: the view, the ambiance, and the wine is okay, not awful, but not the best in terms of tastings, but that’s personal preference so take it with a grain of salt. My husband liked the pizza and the charcuterie boards seemed to be a hit with other customers.

My issues:

You CANNOT get someone on the phone when you call the number on Google. They don’t answer and you’ll get a text from Rob from a different phone number than the business number (very confusing and also seems like a scam with how they text) who is apparently their COO of the company, which is terrifying for the longevity of the business. And I know this review will do nothing after the conversation I had with him considering this is a family business. I’ll come back to this.

Now, you book a $35 reservation to receive a ticket in, but seating is first come first serve, or so they say. The staff hovers around and as soon as a table by the front leaves they bus it, sounds great, right? No. I walked up to the empty table to be turned away by staff only to find out you have to pay staff additional for them to get you a table at the front. So, it’s first come first serve if you want to give out extra money like you’re trying to reserve a pool chair at a resort. VERY scammy feeling. I’m all for the hustle, but you can’t monopolize something. Really gross.

Next, you can only open a tab it can’t be pay as you go. I didn’t realize as my husband was the one checking us in. And while there are signs to remind you to close your tab we ended up forgetting (this is 100% on us)

That leads to the next day when we realize. Granted, it’s Labor Day, but the tasting room is open. I call the number to explain the situation, no answer again, but I’m texted by Rob. I tell him the situation and how we have a card we need to pick up. He tells me the time they open. We drive an hour to pick up the card and are told at the tasting room the card isn’t there and is at the corporate office, to drive over there and we have to get with Rob.

I try to call the number on Google again and text Rob the situation asking how the card was moved on a holiday when we left at closing time last night. He offered no explanation other than they’re closed I can get it tomorrow. I explain we aren’t from California and need it today and get a “not possible sorry”.

There’s zero phone conversation, this is all over text which I’ve attached.

I then ask if they can mail the card in which he responds calling me “bro”

I fully understand us leaving the card is on us, but I have NEVER had texting conversations with a manager of a business let alone a COO nor have I been called out of my name. I’m not even upset we can’t get our card today, understanding it is a holiday, but Rob not letting us know that when we told him we needed to pick up a card, letting us waste two hours of driving, calling me bro, and refusing to answer the business phone is appalling to the point of comical, but apparently it’s not a complete surprise when you have a son taking over what his parents worked so hard to create that he’s now just being handed.

I want to encourage anyone to get in the views while you can because I fear with this leadership, this business may be run into the ground.

Kendra B

A lovely vineyard in the mountains of Malibu. Ws tried a bottle of Wild Berries (red wine) and 3 pizzas, which were good.

Things to know:
1. You must order/pick-up from the barn (both food & wine). There isn't a convenient way to order from your seat.
2. Wine flights available (red/white from Cielo collection only). You cannot build a flight.
3. There is no indoor restroom, only a porta-potty trailer
4. There is valet parking
5. Charcuterie board is a bit small & comes from Erewhon
6. Seating is 1st come 1st served, with a reservation
7. Small bites & wood fired pizza available

Cam El

Amazing location for sunset. Very nice spot for a date or special occasion.
The prices are crazy. The wine I picked was $31 a glass. 3 glasses including parking and tip were $200.
We loved the views though so it was worth it for us.