Show 643, September 6, 2025: Moraga Vineyards, Bel Air, CA with Winemaker Paul Warson

Posted on September 7, 2025 by Adam Bell

“Moraga Vineyards is one of the most unique wine estates in California. Located at a 550-900 foot elevation in the Santa Monica Mountains in the Los Angeles community of Bel Air, the winery and vineyard is the source of remarkably refined wines that perfectly reflect a union of distinctive terroir and the gentle guidance of focused winemaking. The historic property is now owned by Rupert Murdoch.”

“In 1959, Tom and Ruth Jones purchased the property with a long and colorful history. After living on the estate for 20 years, Tom, the longtime CEO of Northrop Corporation, decided to plant grapevines. It was the steeply sloped hillsides and the gravelly and calcareous soils on the property that inspired them to plant vineyards as it reminded them of Bordeaux where they often travelled.”

“The 2005 vintage marked a significant milestone in Moraga’s history. A state-of-the art winery was completed on the property just in time for the 2005 harvest. This, coupled with the barrel-ageing cave completed in 2004, established Moraga as an Estate Wine and one of the first commercial wineries to be bonded in the city of Los Angeles since Prohibition ended in 1933.”

“Acclaimed winemaker Paul Warson (our guest) joined Moraga Vineyards in May of 2021. It is his ongoing intention to fulfill the Murdoch’s commitment to the estate and to continue to produce wine of the highest quality.”

“In 2013, at the age of 93 and with 24 vintages under his belt, Jones sold Moraga Bel Air to Rupert Murdoch. Mr. Murdoch is committed to carrying on the Jones’ legacy of producing top quality wine from one of California’s most unique estate wineries.”

Moraga Bel Air is the official wine of the upcoming L.A. Chef Conference on Monday, October 6^th at the Redbird and Vibiana Events Center in Downtown Los Angeles.

Winemaker Paul Warson is our guest uncorking all that is Moraga Bel Air.

Show 599, October 12, 2024: Moraga Bel Air with Winemaker Paul Warson – Harvest Boot Camp

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Adam Bell

Winemaker Paul Warson oversees the operations of Moraga Bel Air, a 16-acre estate vineyard and winery unusually located in the exclusive Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles.

On Saturday, October 26 local wine aficionados will have the very special opportunity to visit the estate from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a Harvest Boot Camp. It’s a “Crush Course” with Winemaker Paul Warson providing an up-close and in-depth look into what makes Moraga Wine so special. Guests will have the opportunity to see the vineyards and observe harvest and crush. Reservations are essential and the group size will be limited for the comfort of all guests.

“Moraga Vineyards is one of the most unique wine estates in California. Located at a 550-900 foot elevation in the Santa Monica Mountains in the Los Angeles residential community of Bel Air, the winery and vineyard is the source of remarkably refined wines that perfectly reflect a union of distinctive terroir and the gentle guidance of focused winemaking.” The property is now owned by media magnate Rupert Murdoch but the vineyard and winery was originally founded by the late Tom Jones, the long-time CEO of Northrup Corporation and a serious wine enthusiast.

“Because they found their non-commercial vintages so enjoyable, the Joneses decided to officially launch Moraga Bel Air as a commercial entity. The first vintage, 1989, was produced by Bruno D’Alfonso at Sanford Winery in Santa Barbara County. D’Alfonso also made the 1990 and 1991 vintages. For the next several years the grapes were sent up to Etude Winery in Napa to be made by Tony Soter. Mary Hall, viticulturalist for Etude, was brought on as Moraga Bel Air’s original viticultural consultant and continued with Moraga even after she left Etude and joined Harlan Estate.”

“The 2005 vintage marked a significant milestone in Moraga’s history. A state-of-the art winery was completed on the property just in time for the 2005 harvest. This, coupled with the barrel-aging cave completed in 2004, established Moraga as an Estate Wine and one of the first commercial wineries to be bonded in the city of Los Angeles since Prohibition ended in 1933.”

“In 2013, at the age of 93 and with 24 vintages under his belt, Jones sold Moraga Bel Air to Rupert Murdoch. Mr. Murdoch made the property his West Coast home and is committed to carrying on the Jones’ legacy of producing top quality wine from one of California’s most unique estate wineries.”

Winemaker Paul Warson joins us with all the quaffable details of the October 26 Harvest Boot Camp at Moraga Bel Air.

For reservations please RSVP with Philip or Text him @ 831.600.6263. Reservations are limited…

Show 113, March 7, 2015: Susan Disney Lord, Proprietress, Bel Air Bar + Grill

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Adam Bell

What motivates someone who has the good fortune of being financially independent to buy a distressed restaurant property (with clear potential) with the goal of (hopefully) turning the dry weed into a beautiful rose? It takes significant money, too, with an unpredictable outcome. By the way the new proprietress here had absolutely no previous restaurant experience.

We’ll meet the determined Susan Disney Lord who accomplished all of that and more with the thriving Bel Air Bar + Grill located just down the hill from the Getty Center in Brentwood.

The restaurant is located in a building built in 1947. Originally the Bel Air Farmhouse, it was also known as A Fine Affair for many years. In 1997 new owners renovated the building yet again and opened the Bel Air Bar & Grill. They smartly added the Express Coffee take-out in the back, and created a new, convenient neighborhood favorite.

By the time Susan Lord bought the existing restaurant in 2007 the building was in pretty bad shape. She ran the restaurant while she created the plans and obtained the needed permits to extensively remodel the building. The Bel Air Bar + Grill temporarily closed its doors in 2011 and reopened 18 months later in November 2012. Now there is a new, state-of-the-art kitchen, updated interior design, 35 new parking spaces, and the elegant and beautiful Sunset Room for private events.

The Express was rebranded as The Shack in the Back. It’s a convenient quick stop in the morning or afternoon for a cup of coffee, burritos with flair, salads and sandwiches. At night it’s the spot for a satisfying take-out dinner.

The design for the striking art glass entry was Susan’s concept, artfully executed by artist Amanda Weil. The images are photographs of bougainvillea blossoms picked just up nearby Bellagio Road.

Show 113, March 7, 2015: Susan Disney Lord, Proprietress, Bel Air Bar + Grill Continues…

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Adam Bell

Susan Lord, the proprietress of the Bel Air Bar + Grill since 2007 continues. Under her patient stewardship the restaurant was remodeled and reopened in November of 2012.

The popular Express Coffee location in the back of the property was enhanced and rebranded as The Shack in the Back.

Susan’s GM is restaurant veteran, Douglas Wickard, who is also a successful author. He was previously with the elegant Art Deco Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood.

One of the design highlights of the interior is the decorative use of high quality original art on the walls which is constantly changing. It’s a program Susan originated with California Institute of the Arts. It’s a great association. Susan’s family was responsible for founding this respected and admired institution.

“Susan’s goal is to continue to run the Bel Air Bar + Grill and The Shack in the Back as a gathering spot, beloved by locals, a friendly place to have a business lunch or social dinner, or grab as sandwich and coffee. Additionally she hopes to make the Sunset Room the go-to spot for high-end events in West Los Angeles.”