6 Best Malibu Wineries & Tasting Rooms in California
If you’re a wine lover living or vacationing in Los Angeles, a visit to Malibu wineries is the perfect day trip.
This Southern California wine region is just a quick drive north of the city. And you’ll be transported to a world of beachside tasting rooms, boutique wineries, and breathtaking vineyard views.
Now, despite Malibu’s 50+ vineyards, the spots where you can actually taste the wine are a select few. But I’ve got the inside scoop on where to go.
As a certified wine expert and wine blogger, I recently spent several days tasting my way through the region. And I put together the only list you’ll need of Malibu’s must-visit wineries and tasting rooms.
Just follow this guide to make your wine-tasting adventure easy and unforgettable!
The 6 Best Malibu Wineries and Tasting Rooms
1. Malibu Wines
For fun vibes paired with estate-grown Malibu wines, make your way to the West Hills. Malibu Wines’ tasting space is in a historic 1930s building. The large outdoor seating space and cozy indoor nooks are perfect for large groups and couples alike.
Located in the Saddle-Rock Malibu AVA, the Semler family has owned the estate land as far back as the ‘70s. But it wasn’t until 1992 that they switched from avocados to grape growing after a crop-killing freeze.
The steep and rocky slopes are much better suited to the vineyard’s Bordeaux and Rhône varieties that make their Saddlerock Estate wines. Plus, they source grapes from other top regions in California like Santa Maria Valley and Mendocino.
Malibu Wines, 23130 Sherman Way, West Hills, CA
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2. Rosenthal Wines
This beachside tasting room is the perfect place to sip on wines made from some of the oldest vines in Malibu.
Rosenthal’s Malibu estate holds claim to one of the first modern-era vineyards, planted in 1987. Sitting in an elevated microclimate, they even have their own AVA: Malibu-Newton Canyon.
Wines from the Rosenthal label are all grown on the estate, hand-harvested, and aged in French oak barrels. These mainly include Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. And you’ll also find some Viognier and Chardonnay.
Plus, they give back by donating a portion of proceeds from their Surfrider wines. This goes toward preserving our precious oceans and waterways.
Rosenthal Wines, 18741 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
3. Summer Somewhere Wines
If you’re stopping by Malibu Village, don’t miss Summer Somewhere Wines.
This boutique winery is located in the Fred Segal shopping boutique. But a sip of their wine will transport you to the sun-drenched vineyards of Santa Barbara wine country.
After tying the knot, Stacy encouraged Billy to use his 15-year wine industry knowledge to create wines that capture the magic of summer.
They source fruit from organic, biodynamic, and sustainably farmed vineyards in California’s Central Coast. And focus on minimal intervention production of their stellar Burgundian and Rhône varietal wines.
Summer Somewhere Wines, 3822 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu, CA
4. NABU Wines
This music-themed gem is a great stop if you’re heading up to tasting rooms in downtown Santa Barbara. Here, you can sample wines from Malibu and Napa Valley while rocking out to live performances from local bands.
The story of NABU starts with Greg and Janet Barnett, two ’80s music industry veterans who got bitten by the wine bug. And in 2012, the pair teamed up with Jeff Bailey to create NABU Wines. The tasting room brings together their love for music and winemaking.
Plus, Greg’s involvement doesn’t stop at wine production. He’s also president of the Malibu Coast Vintners and Grape Growers Alliance.
NABU sources sustainably grown grapes from Napa and various sites within the Malibu Coast AVA. And they’ve brought on dedicated winemakers to bring out the best from each region’s grapes. Plus, the wines are vegan-friendly!
NABU Wines, 2649 Townsgate Rd STE 200, Westlake Village, CA
5. Cornell Winery
This historic spot is a great place to sample some of the best local wines from Malibu and Santa Barbara County.
Tim “Behr” Skogstrom opened the Malibu tasting room in 2006, calling it Cornell Winery. It sits next door to the legendary Old Place Restaurant, the town’s former country store where movie stars and locals now mingle over meals.
The current owner, Matt, grew up working at the restaurant and Cornell tasting room. He and his wife recently purchased the place and reopened it as Cornell Wine Co.
Swing by for a selection of local wines by the glass or flight. Looking for a little extra entertainment? They’ve got that too with live tunes, open mic nights, and even comedy acts.
Cornell Wine Co., 29975 Mulholland Hwy, Old Agoura, CA
6. Cielo Farms
To enjoy breathtaking views of Malibu vineyards while sipping on local wines, head to Cielo Farms. This Tuscan-inspired estate was founded in 1999 by the Hirsch Family.
Richard and Diane planted the first vineyard in 2001. And it’s since grown to 35 acres of Rhône varieties, including Viognier and Syrah. Plus, Bordeaux grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
These make up their estate whites, reds, rosés, and even sparkling wines. And they bring in grapes from Santa Barbara and other California regions for the Woodstock Collection.
The venue doubles as a stunning backdrop for saying “I do.” But you can snag a day pass on non-event days to savor a flight or glass at the wine barn. Or book a guided vineyard-side tasting that’s as informative as it is relaxed. And don’t forget to pack a winery picnic!
Cielo Farms, 31424 Mulholland Hwy, Malibu, CA
The Best Malibu Wine Tour
The wineries and tasting rooms in Malibu are spread out. And navigating the steep, winding roads off the Pacific Coast Highway is not a good idea after a few glasses.
This is a great private tour option that will transport you by luxury vehicle to 3 Malibu wineries. And it includes a tour guide, hotel pick-up, beverages, and snacks.
If you want to visit an actual vineyard, check out Malibu Wine Hikes. It’s a 2.5-mile loop with beautiful views. Plus, wine to take with you when you reach the finish line.
🚌 Book the Malibu Wine Tour or the Malibu Wine Hike
Where to Stay for Malibu Wine Tasting
If you want to stay close to the water, I recommend the Surfrider Hotel right across from Surfrider Beach. It even has its own restaurant and rooftop bar.
Or for a budget option in the Malibu area, check out The Anza Hotel Calabasas. You’ll be close to many of the wineries. And it’s still just a quick drive to the beach.
🏨 Book the Surfrider Hotel or The Anza Hotel Calabasas
FAQs About Visiting Wineries in Malibu
WHAT WINE IS MALIBU KNOWN FOR?
Malibu wine country is made up of many microclimates, thanks to the Santa Monica Mountains and the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Areas near the coast are cooler, with fog and cold breezes blowing in from the water. Inland, the air is dryer and the sun heats up. This means the region can host a wide variety of grapes.
For red wines, the most widely planted are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Merlot. White wines include Chardonnay, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALIBU WINERIES?
Fall and spring are some of the best times to visit wineries in Malibu. You can still enjoy beach weather as late as October. And spring is perfect if you’re also looking to hit the hills for some hiking.
Since Malibu is a beach destination, you may want to avoid the summer months. Crowds swell with people looking to escape the city heat. And hotel prices follow suit.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO WINERIES IN MALIBU?
Los Angeles is the closest airport. From there, it takes about an hour to reach Malibu by car depending on traffic. Take the Pacific Coast Highway for the most scenic drive. Some of the tasting rooms are north of the Santa Monica Mountains and may take a tad longer to get to.
DO YOU NEED RESERVATIONS FOR MALIBU WINERIES?
Some Malibu wineries require reservations, especially on weekends. I recommend booking ahead if you have the option. Check out more etiquette tips for wine tasting.
HOW MUCH DOES MALIBU WINE TASTING COST?
Wine tasting prices in Malibu range from $25 to $50+ depending on the place and type of tasting. Also, be aware that some spots charge for parking.
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