Malibu Family Winery

We met some dear friends here for a wonderful Saturday evening outing. Why go to Napa for wine-tasting, when you can enjoy a lovely glass of Chardonnay, Rose, Melot or Cabernet Sauvignon in Malibu.

The winery encourages the public to bring a picnic dinner, drop a blanket and listen to live music during the summer. Admission is purchasing a bottle of their "California in a glass" wine.

Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Saddlerock Ranch is home to Malibu Family Wines with 60,000 vines on 65 acres.

Sept. 13th they will have their 9th Harvest & Crush event from 12:30 to 3:30. Drink wine, taste dishes from local restaurants, and bid on auction items.

MALIBU WINES 31800 Mullholland Highway, CALIFORNIA 90265 http://www.malibuwine.com/

Fun Event in Catalina Island

On September 26, 2009, from 2 pm to 5 pm, the Pavilion Lodge courtyard will be transformed into a celebration of wine, food and live music by guitarist James Moody. Up to 80 notable wineries will offer tastings from some of their finest bottles. There will be a silent auction.

Tickets are $65 per person until August 1, 2009. Afterwards, they are $75 and include a commemorative wine glass for tastings, food, and entertainment. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Catalina Island Chamber Visitor Bureau (310) 510-1520. Or go online at http://www.catalinachamber.com/ and click on Upcoming Events.

The Chamber office on the Green Pleasure Pier is selling tickets too.This special event is sponsored by Catalina Island Women's Forum. The money raised at this event will be dedicated to providing charitable services to women and children on Catalina Island. They provide mentoring and scholarships for junior and senior high school girls, Women's wellness and domestic violence programs.

It's Fun and Free in San Fransicso

Musee Mecanique

Nearby at Pier 45, at the foot of Taylor Street, is a favorite spot for families. Inside is a collection of over 300 mechanically operated musical machines, antique slot, arcade machines, orchestrations and animations. It’s the largest private collection of items.

“Laffing Sal” greets visitors with her boisterous and jolly laugh. This collection used to be housed in the lower level of the Cliff House until 2002. Today, it’s located in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s free to enter, but bring some quarters for your kids to watch “Susie the Can-Can Dancer” or arm wrestle a mechanical man. It’s a trip down memory lane that everyone will enjoy.

The funky side of San Francisco

Haight Ashbury is worth a visit while in San Francisco. It's a bargain shoppers paradise. In the store Ambiance, I found a dress originally priced at $125, marked down to $20. They have Buffalo Exchange (teenage girls love this place), Aardvarks, and other really cool apparel stores. For lunch there are various cafes and restaurants.

Don't be surprised if you see a couple walking two dogs and a baby pig on a leash (75 cents to take a photo). It's funky and fun.

The Wild side of San Francisco

Every visit to San Francisco involves a stroll to Peir 39 to see the California Sea Lions lazing around on the docks.

They invaded this area in 1990 shortly after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Each winter the population can grow up to 900 sea lions, most of them males.

Laguna Beach is worth a visit

Just returned from Laguna Beach. The town is filled with 100 art galleries and studios. Over 20 secluded coves are open to the public to swim, explore tide pools, scuba dive and snorkel. We dined at The Cliff restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean. When the sunset sizzled into the water and the air became chilly, waiters brought around warm and cozy blankets to keep us warm. The salmon with a balsamic reduction and strawberries was delicious.