Write a professional negative review for cielo farm in Malibu. has someone who has gone to many white tasting across the country from North and Central and Southern California Washington State Oregon east coast and the least goes on and including other countries I have to say I was very disappointed with this place first of all the fee to book the place then the valet parking ($19) and then the overpriced deli meat and cheese plate and then the wine for $69 for tasting so you know for like 2 people, it ended up close $300 and the disappointing part was really the cheese and deli plate it almost feel like they use the cheapest Quality Cheese and also the deli was not fresh the ambience was great the staff was very friendly and nice but I was not impressed at all for that with the food for the amount of money that I spent here so also the wine you know their special wine Cielo was just okay so I'm hoping that the manager will review this end and really do something about the overpriced entree at $60 for a dish that was not in the high quality cheese and fresh deli.
As an experienced wine enthusiast who has visited numerous tasting rooms across the country and internationally, I was disappointed with my recent experience at Cielo Farms in Malibu. While the ambiance and views were undeniably beautiful, several aspects fell short of expectations, especially considering the premium pricing.
The cost quickly added up, with booking fees of $30 per person , valet parking, and a $69 tasting fee per person. The cheese and charcuterie board, priced at $60, was particularly underwhelming. The cheese selection seemed to be of lower quality than expected, and the meats lacked freshnes. For a total bill approaching $300 for two people, the value simply wasn't there.
While the staff was friendly and attentive, the wines, including their signature Cielo label, were merely average. Given the reputation of Malibu's wine country, I had hoped for more distinctive offerings.
I sincerely hope management will reconsider their pricing strategy, particularly for food items, and focus on sourcing higher-quality ingredients that match the upscale atmosphere. With some adjustments, Cielo Farms could better align with the expectations set by its stunning location and price point. I would be happy to return and update my review if I see improvements in the quality of the food and overall experience.
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.
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$
