Malibu Wine Tasting Tours & Experiences

Discover the magic of Malibu's renowned wine country, where mountain vineyards meet Pacific Ocean views in one of California's most spectacular wine regions. The Malibu Coast AVA, established in 2014, spans 46 miles of coastline with 52 vignerons crafting exceptional wines from unique terroir that ranges from sea level to 3,000+ feet elevation. This extraordinary diversity creates distinct microclimates perfect for both cool-climate varietals near the ocean and robust mountain wines from higher elevations.

🍷 Featured Wine Experiences

Cornell Winery & Tasting Room

The Hub of Malibu Wine: This Old West-themed wine bar on Mulholland Highway serves as the perfect introduction to Malibu's wine scene, featuring wines from almost the entire local region. Originally planned as a winery, Cornell transformed into a tasting hub due to zoning regulations, now offering wine flights, by-the-glass selections, and retail bottles from across Malibu's wine country. Experience the full spectrum of local varietals in one atmospheric location that captures the spirit of Malibu's frontier wine culture.

Malibu Wines at Saddlerock Ranch

Wine Safaris & Exotic Adventures: Located at 31727 Mulholland Highway, this 1,000+ acre property combines premium wine tasting with unique safari experiences. Choose from Wine Safaris in open-top vehicles, wine hikes through the vineyards, or bike tours that wind through the estate. The ranch features exotic animals including giraffes, water buffalo, and llamas, creating an unforgettable backdrop for wine tasting. Call (818) 578-4140 to book your adventure combining Semler and Saddlerock wine labels with wildlife encounters.

Rosenthal Malibu Estate Vineyard

The Vineyard Experience (2025 Update): Following the loss of their main Pacific Coast Highway tasting room in the January 2025 Palisades Fire, Rosenthal has launched "The Vineyard Experience" at their private estate vineyard. This reservation-only experience operates Saturdays and Sundays, offering a 2.5-hour intimate wine tasting for $45 per person. The experience includes a 5-wine flight plus bonus pour, often accompanied by live music in a beautiful vineyard setting. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic to complement the wines and enhance the pastoral experience.

Cielo Farms (Woodstock Malibu)

Tuscan Elegance in the Santa Monica Mountains: Experience wine tasting in a stunning Tuscan-style stone barn perched on a hilltop at 31424 Mulholland Highway. This 30-acre estate offers breathtaking Santa Monica Mountain views while you sample their estate-grown varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Viognier, Petite Syrah, and Malbec. The venue also hosts yoga sessions among the vines and serves as a premier wedding destination. Appointments are required for tastings, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

🚶‍♀️ Wine Hiking Adventures

Malibu Wine Hikes

The Original Wine Hiking Experience: Located at 32111 Mulholland Highway (Phone: 818-578-4077), these guided adventures combine hiking with wine education in spectacular natural settings. Operating 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM PST (closed Tuesdays), they offer multiple experience levels:

Wine Hikes - $49 per person: 2-hour, 2.5-mile beginner loop through Saddlerock Ranch featuring Chumash cave paintings, vineyard education, and wine tastings with photo opportunities
4x4 Vineyard Tours - From $425 per vehicle (5 passengers): 2-hour exclusive access to 1,000+ acres including private car collection viewing, charcuterie boards, and "The Frame" photo spot
VW Bus Tours - From $99 per person: Vintage Volkswagen bus experience for up to 6 people with music, vineyard exploration, and wine tastings
Private Tours: Custom pricing for bachelorette parties, corporate events, and special celebrations with both hiking and 4x4 options

🍇 Malibu Wine Varietals by Microclimate

Cooler Ocean-Influenced Areas

Crisp, Mineral-Driven Whites: The coastal proximity creates perfect conditions for Chardonnay with bright acidity, Viognier with elegant floral notes, Sauvignon Blanc with crisp minerality, and the rare Gruner Veltliner – an Austrian grape with very limited California plantings that thrives in Malibu's unique coastal-mountain microclimate.

Mountain & Warmer Interior Areas

Bold, Concentrated Reds: Higher elevation vineyards produce full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, soft and approachable Merlot, spicy concentrated Syrah, Mediterranean-style Grenache, Italian Sangiovese, high-elevation specialty Petit Verdot, and Spanish/French origin Mourvèdre. The mountain fruit develops concentrated flavors due to the challenging growing conditions and dramatic temperature variations.

🎯 Professional Wine Tour Options

ExperienceFirst Private Tours

Luxury Vehicle Experiences: Professional culinary and wine guides provide expert commentary while traveling in luxury vehicles with hotel pickup available. Custom itineraries accommodate various group sizes and interests, from romantic couples tours to corporate entertainment experiences.

LifeRush Adventures E-Mountain Biking

Active Wine Exploration - From $169 per person: Electric pedal-assist mountain bikes provide an eco-friendly way to explore vineyards and mountains between tasting stops. High-quality equipment and protective gear are included, making this accessible to various fitness levels while adding an adventure element to wine tasting.

🍽️ Wine & Dining Pairings

Restaurants Featuring Malibu Wines

Geoffrey's Malibu (27400 E Pacific Coast Hwy, 310-457-1519): Californian and Mediterranean fusion cuisine on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean
V's Restaurant & Bar (22821 E Pacific Coast Hwy, 310-456-3828): Casual elegance with American and international flavors
Carbon Beach Club (22878 E Pacific Coast Hwy, 310-460-7509): Seasonal California cuisine with Mediterranean influences on "Billionaire's Beach"
Malibu Farm Pier Cafe (23000 E Pacific Coast Hwy Building C, 310-456-8850): Farm-to-table organic cuisine on the historic Malibu Pier

💰 2025 Pricing & Practical Information

Tasting Fees & Tours

Individual tastings: $17-$21 per glass, $45-$63 per bottle
Group wine hikes: $49-$149 per person
Private vineyard tours: $425+ per vehicle
Wine club memberships: 20-25% discount from retail prices
Special experiences (Valentine's couples hike): $149 for two people

Best Times to Visit

Year-Round Wine Tasting: Malibu's Mediterranean climate makes wine tasting enjoyable throughout the year. Harvest season (August-October) offers particularly interesting experiences with active winemaking. Weekend reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Transportation & Access

Getting There: Car rental is essential, with most wineries approximately 15 minutes from LAX via Highway 101 and Mulholland Highway. Limited public transportation serves the wine country area. Many tour operators offer pickup services or designated driver arrangements for responsible wine tasting.

🏨 Complete Wine Country Experience

Accommodation Recommendations

Luxury Option: Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club offers proximity to both mountain vineyards and beaches, providing the perfect base for exploring Malibu's wine country while enjoying ocean access.

Combination Activity Packages

Many operators create custom packages combining wine tasting with hiking trails, beach visits, Getty Villa museum tours (when reopened), and shopping at Malibu Country Mart. The unique terroir and stunning scenery make Malibu wine country an essential Southern California destination where exceptional wines meet breathtaking natural beauty.

🔗 Plan Your Wine Adventure

Ready to explore Zuma Beach after your wine tasting adventure? Check out our complete activities guide for surfing, hiking, and beachside fun. For dining recommendations before or after your wine tour, visit our comprehensive restaurant guide featuring oceanfront dining and local favorites. Planning to stay overnight? Our accommodation guide helps you find the perfect place to rest between wine country and beach adventures.