While Malibu is primarily known for its sunshine and sandy beaches, it’s also home to some remarkable wineries and vineyards. Whether you’re planning a day-out or week-long break for delicious wine tasting, here are the best wineries in Malibu you need to check out.
What Wine Is Malibu Known For?
Malibu officially gained its AVA title in 2014, making it one of the newer AVAs in the United States. However, the region has a long history of viticulture, alongside a huge number of spectacular wineries and vineyards to offer wine enthusiasts.
Among the most popular red wines in Malibu are Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The most common white wines you’ll come across in Malibu are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Viognier.
The first vineyard planted in Malibu Coast was in the early 1800s by Jose Bartolome Tapia, a Spanish General, in a location that is now called Serra Retreat. There are currently over 50 vineyards situated along the Malibu Coast, so the region has come on leaps and bounds over the last 200 years.
Malibu has a coastal Mediterranean climate, with cold, wet winters and hot, dry summers. These conditions benefit the growth of grapes, alongside the AVA’s volcano soils.
The majority of the soils in Malibu Coast consist of slate, sandstone, and shale, with those found in the hillsides being thin and stony, relatively unfertile but with good drainage. The dry, thin soils heat up rapidly during daylight hours, which offers warmth in the cold evenings, helping protect grapevines from mildew and mold.
In addition, the water-deficient soils stunt leafy canopy growth, enabling sunlight to reach through and help ripen the grapes and prevent excess moisture building up.
Things to Do In Malibu
There is no shortage of things to do and see in Malibu, making it the perfect vacation spot for a relaxing day or week away from home. The county is most known for its sandy beaches, including the Malibu Lagoon State Beach, Point Dume State Beach, and El Matador State Beach, the latter of which is filled with striking rock formations.
But if you don’t fancy lounging on the beach, there are plenty of breathtaking hiking trails to go on like the Malibu Creek State Park and Solstice Canyon. There are also various wine hikes for those looking to discover world-class wineries while exploring scenic landscapes at Saddlerock Ranch.
Be sure to check out Escondido Falls too, one of largest waterfalls in Southern California. Grab a bite to eat at one of Malibu’s many stellar restaurants to reward yourself, like the Malibu Country Mart, which is brimming with top-notch eateries.
Related Read: 6 Best Wineries Of Central Coast California
The 4 Best Wineries in Malibu
Cielo Farms: Breathtaking Scenery
- Address: 31424 Mulholland Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
- Website: https://woodstockmalibu.com/
- Contact Number: (+1) 424-234-7242
Not only is Cielo Farms an outstanding event venue, it’s also a remarkable winery and vineyard. The gorgeous forestry landscape provides a stunning backdrop for private events and wine tasting, ensuring you have a magical and memorable experience.
The lush grounds span over 30 acres, with sweeping views of olive trees and the Malibu Hills. You can enjoy a variety of wines in the winery’s Tuscan-inspired tasting room, including Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier varietals.
Cielo Farms is one of the most renowned wedding venues in the United States. Their estate and grounds serve as a dreamy backdrop for special occasions, adding a touch of rustic magic. They can accommodate up to 200 guests and offer comprehensive event assistance, from lighting to menu design.
Alongside the delightful tasting barn, there is an expansive outdoor lawn where you can sit back and relax, complete with an ocean breeze and breathtaking views. Cielo Farms is a must-visit for those seeking a peaceful, high-end retreat.
Editor’s Note: If you’re looking for the taste of luxury, the Cielo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a standout. It is often celebrated for its deep spice and balanced, complex finish.
Strange Family Vineyards – Malibu Tasting Room: Charming Outdoor Patio
- Address: 3939 Cross Creek Rd B100, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
- Website: https://www.strangefamilyvineyards.com/
- Contact Number: (+1) 213-716-0795
While Strange Family Vineyards grows their grapes in the Santa Rita Hills, their marvelous urban tasting room is located in the heart of Malibu’s “Funk Zone” at the Malibu Lumber Yard. The interior is modern and sophisticated, providing a perfect refuge for wine lovers.
To the exterior is a charming and spacious patio where you can sit and soak up the sea air. The winery is open daily and is known for its focus on sustainable farming and high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Live music takes place at the tasting room frequently, and the atmosphere is consistently upscale yet friendly. It’s a great spot to visit after a day of shopping in the Cross Creek area.
Editor’s Note: If you’re in the mood for something sparkling, try their Sparkling Pinot Noir. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and perfect for a coastal afternoon.
NABU Wines: The Hub of Malibu Coast AVA
- Address: 23305 Agoura Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91362, United States
- Website: https://nabuwines.com/
- Contact Number: (+1) 805-778-1100
NABU Wines is a “must-visit” for anyone serious about exploring the Malibu Coast AVA. Located just a short, scenic drive over the hills from the coast, this winery is specifically dedicated to highlighting grapes grown within the Malibu Coast region.
The tasting room has a cool, industrial-chic vibe and often hosts live classic rock music and local events. Because they source from various private vineyards along the Malibu coastline, NABU offers a broader perspective on the region’s terroir than almost any other single estate.
You can enjoy flights that include robust Syrahs and elegant Chardonnays while chatting with the knowledgeable staff about the unique volcanic soils that define Malibu wine. It is a lively, community-focused spot that serves as the unofficial center of the local wine scene.
Editor’s Note: Look for their “Malibu Coast” labeled bottles to get a true sense of the local microclimate and mineral-rich soil.
Summer Somewhere Wines: Remarkable Red and Rose Wines
- Address: 3822 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
- Website: https://www.summersomewherewines.com/
- Contact Number: (+1) 424-235-2668
Summer Somewhere Wines is a family-run winery located within the Malibu Village shopping center. They specialize in red and rosé wines that evoke the feeling of an endless California summer, sourcing high-quality fruit to create clean, approachable varietals.
Their stylish tasting room is designed with a coastal, airy aesthetic that makes it a very “Instagrammable” spot for a flight. Despite being a boutique operation, their wines are highly regarded for their balance and flavor.
It’s an excellent place to unwind with friends over a bottle of Grenache or their signature Rosé after exploring the nearby beaches.
Editor’s Note: Their Rosé is consistently a fan favorite—crisp, dry, and packed with strawberry and citrus notes that pair perfectly with the Malibu sun.
Final Thoughts
Malibu is a delightful vacation spot if you fancy a relaxing retreat in the sun, with the bonus of having some top-notch wineries to fit in a wine tasting session or two. While iconic spots like Rosenthal have moved on, new hubs like NABU and local favorites like Cielo Farms continue to showcase the incredible potential of the Malibu Coast AVA. Be sure to stop by one of these unique locations on your next Pacific Coast travels.