Saddlerock Wine & Beer Co., located on Samuels Avenue in downtown Fort Worth, opened to rave reviews about a year and a half ago. Now the wine-making Semler family is ready to welcome you on a new adventure. Their family ranch in Brock, Texas, is home to many species of large African animals. They have a new safari experience to showcase those majestic herds, along with a nice glass of wine. Let’s take a trip to Saddlerock Vineyards & Safari.
Saddlerock was introduced to Fort Worth when its lavish Saddlerock Wine & Beer Co. opened on the grounds of the restored David Chapman Bennett House ― a Victorian estate overlooking the Trinity River bluff. It opened in May of 2024, serving as a tasting room and event venue ― showcasing the Semler family’s full range of Saddlerock wines. But, there was always more planned.
Saddlerock Winery was founded in Malibu, California. The Saddlerock Ranch is nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains above Zuma Beach. That’s where the Semler family also had a collection of African wildlife, including their giraffes. Then, following the devastating Woolsey Fire that swept through Malibu in 2018, the Semlers made a move back to their roots in Texas.
The Semler family bought a pastoral 120-acre ranch in Brock, just beyond Weatherford. Visitors to Saddlerock Safari are now invited to enjoy 65 acres of it. The open pasture proved to be an ideal spot to relocate their beloved African animals, says Francesca Lawrence, Saddlerock’s general Manager. The property was purchased with the idea of creating a safari and wine tasting experience ― so others could learn about and enjoy them.
Saddlerock Vineyards & Safari opens for scheduled tours today, November 21. It’s located adjacent to Canyon West Golf Club off I-20.
Some of the animals stand out from the rest. Like the friendly giraffes who are quite literally head and shoulders above the rest. Stanley, Abigail, and baby Sophie are now happily situated in a lovely new barn with large paddocks to roam and greet their visitors up close. But, Saddlerock Ranch & Safari has herds of other large African species, including zebra, kangaroos, and steenbok antelope. Some of the species are known for their horns, like the gemsbok antelope, Arabian oryx, and the native Longhorn cattle.
Conservation will be a top priority, they say. Saddlerock is looking to partner with other organizations in the coming years to ensure the successful breeding of their endangered species.
The safari welcomes visitors to hop aboard a custom, open-air safari bus with stadium seating for unobstructed viewing. It blends nature, animals, and great wine into one unforgettable tour.
There are two tour options, plus the option to book private tours. Each tour is a 90-minute adventure through stunning landscapes, newly planted vineyards, and promising up-close wildlife encounters. Tours are $55 per person.
One experience is designed especially for families, where adults can enjoy Saddlerock wine tastings and vineyard stories, while kids (over two) can sip lemonade and meet incredible animals. There are yard games for the kids as well.
Or the Saddlerock Experience, which is designed for ages 21 and over. It takes you on the same 90-minute tour to view the animals in the wild and tour the vineyard. It also includes time on the tasting patio, exploring, and sipping Saddlerock wines.
While Saddlerock Winery’s primary vineyards remain in Malibu, California, guests will see their newly planted Texas vineyards. These are considered “test vines” at present and are not producing grapes for the winery. The Texas vineyard is planted with two varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
When you arrive, you’ll enter the Safari Lodge for check-in. Here you’ll find a collection of branded merchandise and bottles of Saddlerock wine for purchase, says Lawrence. Plans are to add more seating and make it a tasting room by spring.
A quick trip to Brock will take animal lovers and wine lovers a world away.
