November 2, 2024 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Raising the Vines at Cielo

William, Richard and Diana enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Malibu, California is a burgeoning appellation for producing wine. Emerging from the Saddlerock Malibu AVA, Cielo Farms is making a splash along the coast.

Nestled on a hill with a 360-degree view, Cielo Farms is surrounded by vines that curl about the hills and blanket the sun-drenched slopes of the canyons.

Cielo was established in 2002. Here, the grapes are treated to long days of hot sun. At night, the mountains breathe as the vines prepare for the next day’s heat. Sweetened by the sun, these vines produce robust, flavorful grapes. Created with attention to every detail, the wines they produce are simply fantastic.

The Hirsh Malibu Estate Cielo Wineyard Syrah 2006 won the Double Gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. They also received two bronze medals for the 2006 Malibu Rouge a “September Cellar Selection†by renowned wine expert, Joel Fisher (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc) and the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 3 Reserve. That is impressive for a vineyard only established in 2002.

 Brothers William and Richard Hirsh survey the vines

Cielo founders Diana and Richard Hirsh, and his brother William, Director of Cielo Malibu Estate Wineyards, grew up with brother Jon in the shadow of the Santa Monica Mountains. They are close, though Jon is not in the business. All three share a lifelong love for wine.

Richard Hirsh’s career as a vintner followed his success in the garment industry with JohnPaulRichard, a trendy clothing company he started after leaving his sophomore year of college.

Richard and Diana live atop the vineyards in a warm, friendly estate. Their gracious home, reminiscent of an old hunting lodge, is cradled in the mountain terrain. Inside, the glass doors open to an infinity pool and that priceless landscape. Yes, this is Malibu and it is perfect for growing wine.

Saddlerock-Malibu is a very exclusive terroir. Cielo neighbors Ron and Lisa Semler, owners of Malibu Wines, sought the designation. “They were nice enough to include us in their appellation,†said Richard. Cielo wines are available at the Malibu Wines tasting room located on Mulholland Highway, run by the Semlers and Glen Gerson of neighboring Calamigos Ranch. Cielo hopes to have a tasting room in the future.

Cielo is expanding their “Woodstock Collection†and their Syrah and Syrah blends, which are well suited in the region. But, said Richard, “we aren’t interested in competing with lower or mid-tier wineries. Small production,†he said, “but big, rich wines!†In 2009 they will introduce a line of cold-pressed olive oil and oil blends made from over 1000 Greek, California and Tuscan olive trees on the ranch.

Wine-lovers can find Cielo wines in a “Who’s-Who†of LA restaurants, including Saddlepeak Lodge, Il Cielo, the Drago restaurants (Enotica Drago, Drago, Drago Centro, opening downtown in November, and Celestino in Pasadena), Crustacean, Tuscany, Riviera, Akbar and Valentino. Pierro Salveggio at Valentino was a huge endorsement for Cielo. “When he embraced our family and our wines, we were honored,†said William. “He really gave us the confidence to go into the next zone. And for our wines to be accepted into the Drago family of restaurants is an honor and a privilege for us. It reinforces our resolve to produce incredible wines!â€

“It’s a huge accomplishment,†said William.

For more information, or to join the wine club, visit www.cielofarms.com

in Dining, News
Related Posts

Le Petit Pali Brentwood to Open Soon, Bringing a Retro Twist to LA’s Westside Hospitality

November 1, 2024

November 1, 2024

Avi Brosh’s Palisociety to Launch Its Third Boutique Hotel in Historic Brentwood Location Le Petit Pali, the latest addition to...

All You Need to Know to Attend the Dodgers Victory Parade Tomorrow in DTLA

November 1, 2024

November 1, 2024

World Champions and LA’s Team to Greet Angelenos After Win of NY Yankees The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that their...

Beverly Hills City Government Agrees to a Stipulated Judgment After Blocking Abortion Clinic Opening

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

City to Implement Training, Oversight on Reproductive Rights Following Legal Settlement  California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a legal agreement...

Dia De Los Muertos 2024: Here’s Where To Celebrate The Holiday Tradition This Weekend

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Los Angeles Has a Variety of Ways to Explore Latino Culture and Honor Ancestors Starting just after Halloween, Dia de...

(Video) Downtown L.A. Reacts to World Series Victory

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

The Dodgers Are World Series Champs For The Eighth Time https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFtyDDKn/

Halloween Pre-Game Party Brings Chills and Spooky Thrills to The Rose Venice

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Enjoy Halloween With Festive Cocktails, Appetizers, and a Costume Contest The Rose Venice in Venice is set to host a...

(Video) Something About Her’s First Tea Time Was a Big Hit

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

The Next Date is November Third. Beautiful vibes, deciduous food and drink. Don’t miss it. @Something About Her @centurycitywestwoodnews Something...

Something About Her Sandwich Shop Hosts Second Exclusive Tea Time on November 3

October 30, 2024

October 30, 2024

By Dolores Quintana West Hollywood’s Delightful Sandwich Spot by Vanderpump Rules Stars Has Tea Service Something About Her, the adorable...

Helms Bakery Reopens in Culver City After 55 Years, Welcoming Fans Old and New

October 30, 2024

October 30, 2024

Iconic West LA Bakery Returns With Pastries, Sandwiches, and Nostalgia After teasing Westside residents since January 2023 on Instagram, Helms...

Los Angeles Dodgers Win 2024 World Series in Thrilling Comeback Against Yankees

October 30, 2024

October 30, 2024

Dodgers Claims the Championship Title With a Stunning Victory The Los Angeles Dodgers are World Series Champions as of 8:56...

Judge Grants UCLA Temporary Return to Jackie Robinson Stadium After UCLA Promises to Pay More Rent

October 30, 2024

October 30, 2024

UCLA Regains Stadium Access Through 2025 Season, but Veterans’ Advocates Criticize Agreement Judge David O. Carter has reversed his previous...

(Video) Home Front Build Maintains Original Architectural Vision For Modern Homes

October 29, 2024

October 29, 2024

For More Information, Go to homefrontbuild.com @centurycitywestwoodnews Home Front Build Adapts Original Vision of Architect Into Modern Structures #home #construction...

Kanye West Buys $35 Million Beverly Park Mansion in Exclusive Beverly Hills Neighborhood

October 29, 2024

October 29, 2024

The 20,000-Square-Foot Estate Comes Just After West Sold His Gutted Malibu Home According to property records, rapper Kanye West, now...

Governor Gavin Newsom Allocates $827 Million to Combat Homelessness Statewide

October 29, 2024

October 29, 2024

New Funding Aims To Create Housing, Expand Shelters, Enhance Support Services Governor Gavin Newsom announced $827 million in new state...

At Vistamar School – Discover the way high school should be

October 29, 2024

October 29, 2024

Students achieve remarkable outcomes with our strong academics, small classes, and personalized approach. Our graduates don’t just attend college—they excel....