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Self-Guided Santa Monica Mountain & Malibu Limo Winery Tours

Top-Rated Wineries and Vineyards in Santa Monica (2023)

 Best Santa Monica & Malibu Wineries to Visit With Wine Testing Limousine

Malibu is located in the Santa Monica Mountains, which are part of the Coast Ranges. The Santa Monica Mountains receive more rainfall than the Central Valley, and the climate is cooler than the valley.

If you’re picturing vineyards and wineries along the beach, you’re in for a surprise. Tucked away in the Santa Monica Mountains between the Pacific Ocean and the Mulholland Highway lies the Malibu Coast AVA. This 46 miles long and eight miles wide terrain rises to above 3000 feet and is home to 198 acres of vineyards and 52 vignerons. While the Woolsey Fire burned many of Malibu’s vineyards, this is still a robust and beautiful wine touring area.

The Malibu Coast was granted AVA status in 2014, but wine grapes have grown in the area since 1824. Interestingly enough, before Prohibition, Los Angeles County was California’s largest wine producer. The first contemporary vineyard was planted in 1985 by restaurateur Michael McCarty, under one of California’s most respected wine professionals, Dick Graff of Monterey’s Chalone Vineyard.

There is no need to spend hours surfing the web to find the winery In Malibu or Santa Monica Mountain that is best for you. We have already done all of the work for you. So, sit back, relax, and let’s take a look at some of the best wineries in Malibu. 

This vibrant city is located in western Los Angeles County, California. Best known for its warm climate and its 21-mile (34 km) coastal strip, the fancy restaurants, glamorous beach houses, hotels, filming and other attractions have contributed to the growth of tourism in the area. People come from all over the world to enjoy the scenic coastline, and to dine and wine. Malibu has some of the best wineries and vineyards in the United States. Do not hustle to find them cause we have done just that for you! Read on to find out the top 10 wineries and vineyard sites in Malibu, California.

In fact, a Malibu winery is not necessarily the best place to sample Malibu wines. Instead of driving to visit the handful that does, head to Cornell Winery & Tasting Room, an Old West-themed wine bar on Mulholland Highway. Although initially planned as a winery, zoning laws couldn’t be changed, so it’s a retail and wine tasting hub featuring almost all wines in the Malibu wine scene. Here you can order Malibu wine tasting flights, wine by the glass, or purchase a bottle of wine to take away. You can also check in to the neighboring Old Place Restaurant next to Cornell, a legendary Malibu restaurant hangout.

The AVA title was only given to Malibu in 2013, making it one of the newest AVAs in the United States. However, California has a long history of viticulture and a large number of outstanding wineries and vineyards to offer wine enthusiasts.

The most common red wines in Malibu are Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. In Malibu, the most frequent white wines are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Viognier.

The first Malibu vineyard was established in the early 1800s by Jose Bartolome Tapia, a Spanish General, in the area now known as Serra Retreat. Over 50 wineries are presently located on the Malibu Coast, demonstrating how far the region has progressed over the last two centuries.

The climate of Malibu is Mediterranean, and the winters are cold and wet, while the summers are hot and dry. These circumstances aid in the development of grapes, as well as the AVA’s volcanic soils.

Malibu’s decadent wine culture is a little low-key, but no less delicious. In many cases, it is far more accessible than the rest of California wine country. And whether you want to keep it local or visit the best the coast has to offer, Malibu offers a diverse mix of wineries to suit every taste. After all, ‘wine’ not treat yourself!

There are over 50 indie vineyards located in Malibu, with many situated atop mountains – giving you the chance to experience uninterrupted views of the Californian mountain terrain and coastline in the distance. That being said, you may find yourself struggling to pick the perfect winery to visit. After all, each venue offers its own unique wine tasting experience, promising an affair like no other.

Thankfully, we’re here to help!  The best wineries in Malibu are closer than you might think. As a matter of fact, we have summarized the best wineries in Malibu into one convenient list.

1 Reyes Winery 

The winery is located in Northern Los Angeles County, California. It is in the small town of Agua Dulce in the Santa Clarita Valley, only 45 minutes North of Downtown Los Angeles. It is situated within the newly established Sierra Pelona Valley Appellation. Reyes Winery has already won over 350 medals and awards on its wines during the last eight years since the wines have been available commercially.

Because of a passion for wine and winemaking, Robert Reyes envisioned having a small vineyard to produce small amounts of ultra premium wines for family and friends. However, in 2002 when he purchased the beautiful piece of land where the vineyard is located today, the vision changed from a personal hobby to a winery. The 16-acre vineyard was personally planted by Robert Reyes and the Reyes family in April of 2004, and consists of five popular grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Muscat. The first crop was harvested in 2005, and produced a very small amount. While the winery went through the rigorous permit process in Los Angeles County, the vineyard matured, and the quality of the fruit progressively improved significantly with each subsequent vintage. This led to better, more robust and elegant wines.

The winery has produced some blends and created two award-winning dessert wines, a White Port (White Delight) a red Port (Agua Dulce Delight) as well as a great Rose. In 2011, we lost part of our crop to frost, so we decided to import some high quality grapes to try a new varietal, so we brought in Zinfandel from 40-year old vines. Quinn’s Zin was officially released in October 2013. At the same time, Reyes Winery released 12 new wines, which include 6 single varietals, 4 blends, and 2 desert wines. The winery is located in Northern Los Angeles County, California, in the small town of Agua Dulce, only 45 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles, and is situated within the newly established Sierra Pelona Valley Appellation. Reyes Winery has already won 37 medals on its wines during the last three years since the wines have been available commercially.

Reyes Winery emphasizes quality in every facet of production to ensure that once consumers taste its wines, they will recognize the quality and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle. Reyes Winery’s mission is to deliver the highest quality wine produced in Los Angeles County at a fair price. Reyes Winery believes the quality of its wines will ultimately speak for itself when compared with other Ultra-Premium wines on the market. Reyes wines are already available in fine restaurants as well as some higher quality retail outlets and supermarkets

Reyes Winery  located at 10262 Sierra Highway Santa Clarita, California 91390 (661) 268-1865    — info@reyeswinery.com

2 Strange Family Vineyards

Nestled in the Santa Rita Hills AVA, the bubble specialists at Strange Family Vineyards are equally dedicated to sustainable, organic production, too.

Strange Family Vineyards is a hidden gem in the wine world that honors the land and nurtures family bonds, all while producing some of the most notable and best-tasting Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines you’ll ever taste! Surrounded by a beautiful patio setting, vineyard views, and tours of on-site amenities, this venue is a must-visit

 

Tastings: $35/per person. You can also purchase glasses or bottles. Strange Family encourage making reservations in advance, particularly on weekends but winery can accommodate walk-ins as well. 

3 Camarillo Custom Crush Winery

Wine country is now a local. Winery is conveniently located at the tip of the Santa Monica Mountains. Great wines from local vineyards as well as favorites from Central Coast and Napa regions without having to travel long distances.

Camarillo Custom Crush Winery is a full service winery, member of Ventura County Winery Association and have been in operation since 1982. winery  most visitors  come from all over Southern California and include local vineyard owners, restaurants, private label wine makers, and wine enthusiasts

Camarillo Crush represents and produces over 40 local wines. Among the recent tastings are Stafford Wines, big reds (also known as Venturino) made by Norm Stafford, former head winemaker at the crush, Graystar (cuyama valley) and Concencio Cellars (by Shaun Frohn, assistant winemaker at the crush).

The tasting room is the front room of the warehouse which houses the crush, barreling & bottling facilities for most of the local wines. It is in an industrial park, off the beaten path.

The charm is in the fact that the folks who run this facility are winemakers, intimately familiar with all of the local wines (they make them) and offer different tastings weekly from their clients’ selections. Definitely worth stopping in.
If you’re in the neighborhood during crush season, lend a hand with production. It’s hard work!

Tasting Room open by appointment only.** Camarillo Custom Crush sits tucked away in Ventura County, but it is certainly not obscure. In passing, some might take it to be just another building in a business park; however, the sign gives away the large warehouse accompanied by a quaint tasting room. Home to over 40 different brands of wine, Camarillo Custom Crush is the birthplace of many varietals and many different labels.

300 S Lewis Rd, Camarillo, CA 93012 web www.camarillocustomcrush.com (805) 484-0597

 

 

4 Saddlerock Ranch and Vineyard

Ron Semler purchased the land that would become Saddlerock Ranch in 1978 after The Great Malibu Fire the same year. Starting at 220 acres, meant only to be used by one of his daughters for horseback riding, Ron quickly fell in love with the property and began to expand the ranch.

So, you have most probably tried out a normal wildlife safari and I bet that you had a great time. However, there is not any kind of safari that you can go on that will be a match for a thrilling, Malibu wine safari. Yes, you read that correctly.

You do not have to walk through a vineyard and go home like you would on a usual trip to a winery. Instead, you can go on a full Malibu wine safari to get the full package. But what is a wine safari? No, you will not be driving a bus through a vineyard. Instead, you will be sipping away at some wine while encountering a variety of wildlife. Saddlerock Ranch and Vineyard’s Malibu Wine Safari includes both wine-tasting and a full, wildlife safari.

 

That makes this one of the best wineries in Malibu for anyone who is looking for some extra excitement on their wine expedition. This is also one of our personal favorite wineries due to the fact that you are basically experiencing two exciting activities at once.

Naturally, the wines that you will taste are of the highest quality. If you are looking for the most exciting way to spend your day, We highly recommend trying out this Malibu Wine Safari. It will be an experience that you will be talking about for years to come.

5 Mizzel Estate Vineyard

Are you a tourist whose plan is to discover some of the best wineries in Malibu? If you are, you are in luck because you have just found everything that you need in one place. For starters, Mizzel Estate Vineyard is situated in the Hidden Valley. Stunning 40 acre vineyard and ranch in Hidden Valley, adjacent to Malibu. Event Venue & Filming. Winery is located in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains, and adjacent to Malibu Valley, sits the ethereal Mizel Estate.

 

This elite winery is the epitome of classic natural excellence, boasting an impressive 5-acre vineyard, and a stunning border of eucalyptus trees and magnificent California oak – encasing you in this little piece of paradise for as long as you need. But that’s not all. It is also a place of wonder.

Spanning 38 acres, this ranch is home to a premier 32 stall horse barn, along with exquisite rose and waterfall gardens, and a large gazebo. All of these factors make the Mizel Estate Vineyard a perfectly picturesque backdrop for all occasions. In this venue, you can have your wine and drink it, too!

 

The winery is surrounded by a majestic mountain range called the Santa Monica mountain which will make you feel like you have just walked into a fairytale. On top of having great views surrounding it, the winery itself is also a sight to behold. Mizzel Estate Vineyard has homey cottages, awe-striking, and colorful rose gardens, and a horse barn on the premises.

Simply walking into the winery feels like a holiday already with its jaw-dropping layout and surrounding scenery. You can sip away at Mizzel Estate Vineyard’s expertly crafted wines in a beautiful setting or you can go on a tour of the vineyard and winery to get the full scenic experience.

 

1050 W Potrero Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361 Phone: (805) 795-2506

The other element that makes this one of the best wineries in Malibu is its convenient location. If you are a holiday goer, you may be pleased to find out that Epona Estate Vineyard is within a short driving distance of some great resorts and hotels. This means that you can turn your wine expedition into an adventure before recharging in a luxurious hotel room for the next day’s wine missions. Live in luxury, drink in 

6 Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate

 

340 Kanan Road Malibu , CA 90265  877-676-7660 http://www.maliburockyoaks.com/

Founded in 2003, Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards consists of 10 planted acres on a 37-acre plot with even more vines being planted today. Hand picked and meticulously maintained by a team of professionals and guided by notable Malibu winegrower Tobias and Sons, the vineyard is evolving into one of the most awarded in the region.

This stunning family-owned estate has left its mark in the elite wine estate of Malibu. Situated on top of the Santa Monica Mountains at an elevation of over 2,000 feet, Malibu Rocky Oaks consists of 10 acres of vineyards that form an almost protective barrier around an elite Tuscan villa.

Not only does this grant you a picturesque 360-degree view of hillsides, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean, but its high altitude ensures an elite tasting bottle of wine every time. This experience is not open to the public but is the perfect location for elite optimized private events such as proposals, corporate retreats, and private dinners.

People might not become more desirable with age, but wine sure does! If you are a wine lover, do not forget to add Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate to your bucket list. The winery has wonderfully aged wines with a sophisticated taste that will leave you wanting more. It is owned by a small family who prides themselves in producing the highest quality of wine with the best taste that you can imagine.

In order to keep up to their own quality standards, the family has employed multiple specialists and professionals to ensure that the wine-making process is followed correctly.

With unique rolling hillsides allowing abundant sunshine to reach every strategically placed varietal on the estate and a combination of warm days, cool night breezes from the Pacific Ocean and Conejo volcanic regional soil, we take advantage of outstanding growing conditions. Generally we target the harvest at four tons per acre with most of the varietals and allow the Syrah block to produce closer to five tons per acre due to its rapid growth. Because of our location and new local government rules, Malibu Rocky Oaks vineyard, estate and style of wine can never be replicated.

You will not regret trying out some wine tasting at this winery. As a matter of fact, you might want to buy one bottle of each wine that you sampled..

 

These tours are a great way to see the quality of Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate’s wine-making process firsthand before you decide on buying your own bottle of wine.So, are you ready for wine and a great time at Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate? Let’s “Rocky” and Roll

7 Cielo Malibu Estate Vineyard

 

 31424 Mulholland Hwy Malibu, CA 90265 805-852-1804

 

Richard Hirsh and his wife Diana instantly fell in love with the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains in 1986 and officially broke ground on the property in 1998.  In partnership with his brother Bill, the Hirsh family would embark on a decades long journey to develop Cielo Farms. Their passion for entrepreneurship and steadfast dedication to the wine making process has culminated in both the Woodstock & Estate Wine Collections.

 

Having planted their first grapes in 2001, with a focus on Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon wines, their current assortment includes over a dozen different varieties, and can be found locally at the Four Seasons Westlake, Saddle Peak Lodge, Mastros Steakhouse, Soho House Malibu and Geoffrey’s Malibu to name a few.

 

 

Over the last seventeen years, Cielo Farms and the Woodstock Collection has grown to include a members-only Wine Club, and a sought after Special Events & Filming Space.  This Tuscan inspired estate currently spans over thirty acres, boasts expansive views of the Malibu Hills, and offers unmatched serenity and seclusion amongst the hundreds of olive trees.  Whether you’re looking join this exclusive “vineyard” experience, shop our collection, or inquire about a unique event space, the Hirsh family warmly invites you to Cielo Farms. Where the sky and our little slice of heaven on Earth awaits.

 

What two words that start with a “w” create a recipe for a great time? Wine and wildlife! This is exactly what you will find at Semler Malibu Estate Vineyards. Let’s start with the important part.

Yes, the wines that you will taste at this winery are full of flavor. There is a diverse range of flavors for you to choose from, each of which has its own, unique taste.

You can sign up for a wine-tasting experience to test the quality for yourself and make an informed decision on which wine to purchase. Now, let us get to the fun part.

Semler Malibu Estate Vineyards is one of the best wineries in Malibu for those who are looking for an experience within an experience. While you are sampling and savoring the different flavors of wine, you can also take snapshots of the wildlife.

Some of the animals that you will encounter include buffalo, zebras, and llamas. It will feel as if you are on the Malibu Wine Safari.

Do you like Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc? Or are you more of a Merlot and Cabernet Franc person?

Regardless of your preference, Semler Malibu Estate Vineyards has exactly what you need to satisfy your palate. Wine and wildlife? What a way to spend your weekend!

8 Rosenthal-Malibu Estate Wines

 

It’s owned by George Rosenthal, the entrepreneur who founded the real estate company Raleigh Enterprises and also owns the Sunset Marquis hotel in West Hollywood. He’s had the property for decades and first tried to sell it for $59.5 million in 2012, records show.

Sink into your chair and raise a glass as you sip your favorite bubbly and savor everything about this winery. Rosenthal Wine Bar and Patio is the perfect venue to visit if you want high-quality wines and jaw-dropping beach views wrapped up in one stunning package.

This natural wonderland spans over 250 acres and is Malibu’s first winery, known for its award-winning, spectacular-tasting signature estate wines. The winery’s private vineyard can be found in Malibu’s Newton Canyon, just a short drive from the Pacific Coast Highway. Feel free to purchase wine by the glass or the bottle! Diamond Shaped stemless Wine Glass, ideal for parties and gatherings.

The Malibu Estate Tasting Room is located Just across from the beach in Malibu, CA. A Tasting room with a view . The Rosenthal Tasting Room offers a casual atmosphere in which to discover and enjoy our full selection of Rosenthal and Surfrider wines.   Winery provide Food Trucks Saturdays and Sundays at Rosenthal with an ocean view from our exquisite garden patio. Also, feel free to bring your own food or picnic (no outside alcohol allowed.)

Please note that Saturdays and Sundays are strictly 21+ only — no infants or children, no animals allowed, except service animals. For parties of 2-30 on Saturday and Sunday reservations are recommended but no longer required. And they always allow walk-ins at a first come, first served basis

18741 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90265 310-456-1392

 

9 NABU Wines

 

 

If you are looking for one of the best wineries in Malibu that knows how to combine wine with a good time, I am pleased to inform you that you have just found one.

NABU wines may not be as thrilling as a Malibu Wine Safari, but the owners have their own way of entertaining guests. Before we get to that, let us take a deeper look at the wines the winery has to offer.

There is a diverse range of wine flavors for you to choose from. Each and every one of them is bound to tantalize your taste buds.

As a matter of fact, this is some of the finest wine that you will taste in Malibu. Naturally, you cannot drink wine while twiddling your thumbs and expect to call it an exciting day out.

 

 

Thankfully, NAbu has got you covered. You can tap your feet to the beat on Friday and Saturday nights when the winery has live music playing for your entertainment.

Did we mention that the wine is locally made in the Santa Monica mountains? It sure is! You will get a taste of what Malibu is all about once you have a few sips of this extraordinary wine. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy some music to go along with a glass of fruity goodness. Kickoff your celebration or corporate event kicking up dirt on a vineyard tour. There are numerous stops on this tour. Guests can expect to see gorgeous mountain views, enjoy five beverages and a charcuterie board for each vehicle rented, take advantage of numerous photo opportunities, view Chumash Native American cave paintings, and learn about the property.

Would you like to experience Self-Guided Santa Monica Limousine Winery Tours?

Let Us Help You Plan the Perfect Santa Monica & Malibu  Wine Tour. We offer Luxurious Private Wine Tours to Santa Barbara  from Los Angeles and surrounding cities. We have a great reputation with all the best local wineries, and we can assist you in planning your event. On the big day, the pressure will be off, and you can take it easy! Kickoff your celebration or corporate event kicking up dirt on a vineyard tour. There are numerous stops on this tour. Guests can expect to see gorgeous mountain views, enjoy five beverages and a charcuterie board for each vehicle rented, take advantage of numerous photo opportunities,  So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go get some wine and have a great time