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 only gained its AVA title in 2013, so it’s one of the newest AVAs in the United States. However, the state 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.
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
Rosenthal Wine Bar and Patio: Brilliant Beach Views
- Address: 18741 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
- Website: https://rosenthalestatewines.com/
- Contact Number: (+1) 310-456-1392
Rosenthal Wine Bar and Patio is the perfect place to visit if you want to experience jaw-dropping views and high-quality wines in one package. Their stunning tasting room and patio is situated just across from a beach, so you enjoy the sea air and ocean views as you sip on delicious wines.
If you need a great venue for a private event such as a birthday party or corporate dinner, the winery’s tasting room is the ideal spot. It can accommodate up to 300 people, so it’s plenty big enough for large and small gatherings.
The winery’s private vineyard is located in Malibu’s Newton Canyon and spans across 250 acres. Its rich soil and climate provides the ideal growing conditions for their grapes, which you can certainly see and taste in their spectacular wines.
You can purchase wine by the glass or bottle at the tasting room, alongside cheese, crackers, and some other tasty snacks. On weekends, food trucks stop by, serving an assortment of scrumptious dishes.
There is also live music, so you can unwind on the beach with excellent wine, food, and listen to various talented local bands and musicians.
Editor’s Note: Not sure which wine to taste first at this winery? Try the 2016 Rosenthal Oaked Chardonnay. It’s divine!
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 over 20 wines in the winery’s Tuscan-inspired tasting room, including Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Malbec varietals, and Petite Sirah.
Cielo Farms is one of the most renowned and famous wedding venues in the United States, and it’s not hard to see why. Their enchanting estate and enchanting grounds serve as a dreamy backdrop for your special occasion, adding a touch of spark and magic.
They can accommodate up to 200 guests and organize as little or as much of your event as you want. So, if you need someone to help you arrange valet rentals, plan menu design, set up lighting, etc, Cielo Farms will be more than happy to assist you.
Alongside a delightful tasting room, there is an expansive outdoor lawn you can sit back and relax in, complete with an ocean breeze and breathtaking views. Cielo Farms is perhaps the most beautiful winery in Malibu, so it’s a must-visit if you fancy a peaceful retreat to de-stress.
Editor’s Note: If you’re looking for the taste of luxury, the 2014 Cielo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon won’t disappoint. It’s packed with cherry, spice, and sage flavors, and has a balanced but 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 Santa Rita Hills, their marvelous tasting room is located in Malibu. The interior is modern and sophisticated, so you can fully relax with a glass or bottle of wine.
To the exterior is a charming and spacious patio where you can sit and soak up the sea air and marvel at the gorgeous scenery. The winery is open daily, with a Happy Hour every Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm!
Live music takes place at the tasting room every Sunday, showcasing an array of local bands and musicians. Other events like charity nights and a dog-friendly Yappy Hour occur frequently too.
Editor’s Note: If you’re in the mood for a tangy and refreshing wine, the 2018 Rose of Pinot is a great option. It has aromas of peaches and strawberries, with a strong acidity and tang,
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 who specializes in red and rose wines like Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Syrah. Their stylish tasting room is located in Malibu and boasts a casual and friendly atmosphere.
Despite being a small business, the flavor of their wines is anything but. Summer Somewhere Wines produce some of the most delicious red and rose wines you’ll find in Malibu, so their tasting room is well worth a visit during your trip.
Editor’s Note: The 2020 Rose Mangum is certainly one to try at this winery. It has flavors of watermelon, mango, apricot, honeydew, with a touch of jasmine. Even during the cooler months, this wine will have you thinking of summer!
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. The wineries above are some of the best in Malibu, so be sure to stop by one of them on your travels.