By: ERIN MICHELLE NEWBERG
With Malibu Food & Wine, entrepreneur Lauren Rae Levy built a purpose-driven platform to celebrate local culinary talent, boost community businesses, and support philanthropy.
Lauren Rae Levy has a remarkable knack for creating successful ventures. This past fall, she and her husband, chef Marcel Vigneron, outdid themselves with the launch of Malibu Food & Wine, a three-day festival that celebrated great food, amazing music, and community spirit, all while supporting a good cause.
A New York native now rooted in Malibu, Levy has spent 25 years forging luxury partnerships and cultural moments. She didn’t just bring a festival to town; she created a unique gathering at Saddle Rock Ranch that unified the community around an unparalleled culinary experience.
Co-founded with her husband, the festival showcased a handpicked lineup of culinary icons like Jet Tila, Du‰ Goldman, Roy Yamaguchi, and Michael Voltaggio. More than just a culinary event, it provided a vital platform for local vendors who had seen their businesses drop drastically after recent fires. This was a deeply personal project, created by Malibu residents to support local businesses and highlight the flavors that tell the story of the coast.
Levy’s motivation was rooted in a desire to honor her community. “I saw local hospitality workers not just as businesses to support, but as neighbors to honor,” she shared. The festival became a stage to highlight California’s culinary excellence.
As the event’s Brand Partnerships Director, Lauren was the key architect, strategically aligning sponsors, coordinating with chefs, and shaping the media narrative. These skills were honed through her agency, LRL Group, her role in OrGreenic Cookware, and the couple’s pop-up series, Chef & The Mrs. A former celebrity stylist and fashion writer, she brought more than just event planning to the festival—she brought a passion for giving back.
A proud Board Member of the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, she ensured philanthropy was a core tenet of the program. For Lauren, this wasn’t just an event; it was a powerful reminder that exceptional cuisine and live music can nourish a city’s spirit as much as its appetite.