MALIBU FOOD & WINE OPENS WITH AN EXCLUSIVE EVENING HOSTED BY CHARLIZE THERON BENEFITING THE CHARLIZE THERON AFRICA OUTREACH PROJECT (CTAOP)

Malibu Food & Wine opened its weekend at the breathtaking Saddlerock Ranch with an extraordinary evening hosted by Academy Award winner Charlize Theron in support of the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), bringing together acclaimed chefs, exceptional wines and meaningful philanthropy for an unforgettable night in Malibu.

Following a successful inaugural year, founders Chef Marcel Vigneron and Lauren Rae Levy brought Malibu Food & Wine back for its second annual celebration, building on their shared vision of uniting exceptional food, thoughtful partnerships and philanthropy. The husband-and-wife team has created an experience rooted in culinary excellence and community, with Vigneron bringing his acclaimed culinary background and Levy, an entrepreneur, philanthropist and founder of LRL Group, leading strategic partnerships and community engagement.

Set against the rolling hills and vineyards of Malibu, Friday night’s intimate opening celebration brought that vision to life. The night welcomed more than 150 guests for a one-of-a-kind evening benefiting CTAOP, the organization she founded in 2007 to advance the health, safety and opportunities of young people throughout Southern Africa.

The evening featured an all-star culinary lineup of Andrew Zimmern, Bryan Voltaggio, Michael Voltaggio and Marcel Vigneron, alongside featured vintner Baron Ziegler, founder of Marine Layer Wines. Guests arrived for an elegant cocktail reception featuring tray-passed bites, wine, cocktails and interactive culinary experiences. Snyder Diamond presented a live culinary demonstration with Chef Marcel Vigneron, showcasing the latest Bosch technologies, while Aura California highlighted its collection of premium knives and Tumbler demonstrated its user-friendly knife sharpener. The demo also featured Levy and Vigneron cookware brand, Orgreenic.

Throughout the evening guests enjoyed  Sandy Brew, founded by Malibu local Kelly Furano, serving its plant-based beer, bringing another distinctly Malibu touch to the evening. Bruce’s Beans, alongside Nice Coffee Roasters kept the energy flowing with nitro cold brew, espresso and iced lattes. 

The reception unfolded to live music from the Minta Spencer Collective, with sound presented by Aviator Nation Dreamland, creating the perfect soundtrack as guests took in the spectacular Saddlerock Ranch setting.

Following cocktails, guests gathered for an intimate five-course, farm-to-table dinner, with each course thoughtfully paired with selections from Marine Layer Wines.

Zimmern, the Voltaggio brothers and Vigneron created a seasonal tasting menu showcasing premium ingredients and products from Sea Stephanie Fish, Campo Grande, Schaller & Weber, the American Lamb Board and Seatopia, complemented by an abundance of produce sourced from local California farms.

Throughout dinner, the chefs and winemakers shared the inspiration behind each dish and pairing, transforming the meal into an immersive celebration of craftsmanship, creativity and the connection between food, wine and community.

Notable guests included Rhoda Magbitang (winner of Bravo’s Top Chef Season 23), Adam Richman (host of Man v. Food),  filmmaker Rupert Sanders, Melissa Cohen Biden, former NFL star Kyle Rudolph, Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel and Normal Seeff, among others. Throughout the evening, African attendees would stop to greet Theron, often sparking warm, animated conversations in her native Afrikaans.

The setting was equally considered, with a beautifully curated tablescape by Designtonik, inspired by Malibu’s natural beauty and thoughtfully designed to complement the spirit of the evening. 

Guests departed with curated gift bags, but the evening’s impact extended far beyond the table. The opening night of Malibu Food & Wine brought together world-class chefs, winemakers, partners and guests around a shared purpose, setting the tone for a weekend celebrating extraordinary food, hospitality and philanthropy in the heart of Malibu.

The celebration continues Saturday with Italian Night, hosted by Adam Richman, before Malibu Food & Wine closes out the weekend on Sunday with a lively Country Cookout, bringing three days of food, wine and community at Saddlerock Ranch to a memorable close.