Explore Malibu’s top wineries and experience the region’s vibrant wine industry. Highlights include Malibu Wines with its scenic vineyards, Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio’s oceanfront tastings, and Cielo Farms’ rustic charm. Saddlerock Ranch offers unique experiences, Cornell Winery & Tasting Room blends history with fine wines, and Malibu Family Wines provides a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. These wineries showcase Malibu’s unique viticulture and contribute significantly to the local wine industry.
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Top Malibu Wine Tasting Experiences
Rosenthal Wine Bar and Patio
This popular Malibu winery is most widely renowned for its romantic view of the beach. The tasting room is situated by the shore so you can enjoy the sensation of a cool ocean breeze and the sounds of waves gently breaking on the sand as you sample their selection of excellent wines. You could even rent out this beautiful venue if you are hosting an event with 300 people or less.
What’s more, Rosenthal Wine Bar and Patio often hosts live music events so we would highly recommend visiting on one of these evenings for an unforgettable evening of fine wine, lively tunes, and a salty sea breeze. They are open from 12:00 to 19:00 on weekdays, 11:00 to 20:00 on a Saturday, and 11:00 to 19:00 on a Sunday.
Strange Family Vineyards
Despite what the name might suggest, this modern Malibu wine tasting establishment is incredibly warm and welcoming. Their 2019 Rose of Pinot wine is highly recommended and this can be enjoyed either inside the sophisticated and spacious tasting room or outside on the patio which welcomes the pleasant sensations of the ocean air.
A unique and charming feature of Strange Family Vineyards – considered to be one of the best Malibu wineries – is their love of dogs. In fact, they love dogs so much that they host daily ‘yappy hours’ for wine lovers to sip and enjoy with their furry friends by their sides. As the internet does not specify their opening times, we would recommend visiting the Strange Family Vineyards website for more information.
Cielo Wineries
This Malibu winery marries all the charm and elegance of a Tuscan estate with the laid-back atmosphere of the Malibu region. It has earned its name as one of the best Malibu wineries partly for its superior quality of wine and partly for its superior view. This estate is situated atop a hill that looks over a rolling sea of pristinely-kept vineyards.
It is important to note that Cielo Wineries do tastings and tours by appointment only so please be sure to call ahead of time to book an overwhelmingly lovely experience.
Malibu Family Wines
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This Malibu winery is situated on the expansive 1000-acre Saddlerock Ranch – a mere stone’s throw away from the Cielo Wineries one road up. They produce two labels – Saddlerock Wine and Semler Wine – both of which are acclaimed regionally as well as internationally. Their Malibu-based tasting room was tragically destroyed in the Woolsey fire but they offer tours of the grounds and tastings take place at the neighbouring Malibu Wines & Beer Garden.
Cornell Winery & Tasting Room
As one of the greatest Malibu wine tasting venues, the Cornell Winery & Tasting Room is truly a tribute to the splendour of the region’s mountains and their offering of a diverse range of grape varieties. Surprisingly, Cornell itself is not actually a winery but it functions as a platform for showcasing the best local wines from other Malibu wineries. They are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 to 19:00, Thursdays from 14:00 to 19:00 and Fridays from 12:00 to 19:00.
Summer Somewhere Wines
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This is one of the many Malibu wineries that truly embrace the laid-back lifestyle. This family-run establishment specialises in rose and red wines such as Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Grenache. The atmosphere is welcoming and very relaxed, making it the perfect stop after a long day of lounging on a nearby beach. This Malibu wine tasting venue is open from 12:00 to 18:00 from Wednesdays through to Sundays and they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Admirable Wines
The award-winning grapes grown on these gentle slopes of the Admirable Vineyards produce the most delicious fruit-forward wines. The high standard of their grapes can be attributed to the temperate climate and the consistent gentle sunlight that graces the vineyard slopes. The most popular of all the Admirable Wines is their 2014 Blanc de Blanc.
How Many Wineries Are in Malibu?
There are relatively few Malibu wineries. While there are only about 50 wineries in Malibu, we can certainly vouch for the general excellence of winemaking in the region.
What is the Largest Winery in Malibu?
Unfortunately, there is no general consensus on which of the wineries in Malibu is the largest. We do, however, have some facts on the largest winery in the state of California. The Wine Group, situated in Livermore, California, was founded in 1981 and is situated on a sprawling property of 5000 acres. In 2019 they produced an impressive 50 million cases and their major varietals included brands such as Benziger, 7 Deadly, Concannon, Franzia, Imagery, and Cupcake.
What is the Oldest Winery in Malibu?
The record states that the oldest vineyard in Malibu was planted at the turn of the century: 1800 to be exact. Today, the area is known as Serra Retreat and General Jose Bartolome Tapia, a Spaniard, spotted its potential many years before viticulture was popularised in the region. Inspired by the work of Tapia, a man called Matthew Keller decided to follow in his footsteps and he too planted a vineyard about 50 years later. Set in the lap of the Solstice Canon, he christened it with the name “Rising Sun Vineyard”.
What Wine is Malibu Known For?
Malibu wineries, while not extensive in numbers, are praised for the range of wines that they do produce. Their most popular reds include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah while their popular whites include Chardonnay, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Make Malibu a must-visit destination if you love the fruit of the vine. Malibu wine tasting expereinces are available in abundance, so don’t miss out!
Born amidst the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley, Chloe’s love for wine was instilled from a young age. This passion led her to the picturesque wine regions of France, where she immersed herself in the rich wine culture and traditions.
Chloe’s dedication to the craft culminated in her becoming a wine sommelier, a testament to her deep knowledge and appreciation for wines.