Sip Happens at These Top Malibu Wineries

Malibu wine tasting rooms are some of Southern California's best-kept secrets — tucked into the Santa Monica Mountains and along the Pacific Coast Highway, with ocean views to match the wine.

Here are the top spots to know before you go:

Most tasting rooms are open Wednesday through Sunday, with extended weekend hours. Walk-ins are usually fine on weekdays, but weekends fill up fast.

Malibu doesn't look like Napa. There are no grand château gates or sprawling valley floors. The vineyards here are steep, windswept, and tucked above the Pacific — which is exactly what makes them special.

The Malibu Coast AVA stretches 46 miles long and 8 miles wide, with just 198 acres of vineyards farmed by 52 vignerons. It earned official AVA status in 2014, but wine grapes have actually been growing here since 1824. Before Prohibition, Los Angeles County was California's largest wine producer. That history is largely forgotten — but a new generation of winemakers is bringing it back, one coastal Syrah at a time.

This guide covers the best tasting rooms, what to expect at each one, practical tips for your visit, and the unique experiences that make a Malibu wine day unlike anywhere else in California.

Simple guide to malibu wine tasting rooms terms:

To understand why malibu wine tasting rooms offer such distinct flavors, we have to look at the dirt and the drama of the landscape. The Malibu Coast AVA is a rugged strip of the Santa Monica Mountains, defined by dramatic elevation shifts. Vineyards here climb from sea level up to 3,000 feet, where the grapes bake in the California sun all day before being tucked in by the cooling Pacific marine layer at night.

This region is famous for its volcanic soil—specifically red lava soil similar to what you might find on the Sonoma Coast. This mineral-rich earth gives Malibu wines a "sense of place" that is hard to replicate. While the AVA status was officially granted in 2014, the contemporary wine movement in Malibu really took root in 1985 when restaurateur Michael McCarty planted the first modern vineyard.

Since then, the area has grown into a boutique powerhouse. Because of strict zoning in the mountains, you won't find many massive production facilities on the ridges. Instead, many growers partner with local hubs to share their bounty. A great example of this history in action is the Rosenthal Estate, which has spent decades proving that the steep slopes of Newton Canyon are world-class for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Whether you want to feel the sand between your toes or the mountain air in your lungs, there is a tasting room for you. Malibu’s wine scene is less about stuffy white tablecloths and more about "savoring your Malibu moment," as the locals say.

One of the most iconic names in the area is Saddlerock Ranch. Home to the Semler family, who have been stewards of the land since 1978, this ranch is the source of many of the grapes you’ll sip throughout the region. While the ranch itself is a private wonderland of vines and exotic animals, their wines are widely available at local tasting rooms.

If you’re looking for a chic, curated experience, head to the Summer Somewhere Wines Instagram to see their beautiful setup inside Fred Segal Malibu. It’s the perfect spot to grab a glass of Rosé after a morning of shopping. For those who want a deep dive into the entire region, Cornell Winery & Tasting Room acts as a central library for almost every label produced in the Santa Monica Mountains.

If you want the quintessential Malibu experience—wine, waves, and a salty breeze—this is it. Located right on the Pacific Coast Highway, the Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio is the only tasting room with a direct view of the ocean. It’s no surprise it is frequently cited as one of the premier daytime destinations in the country.

The vibe here is casual yet elevated. You can sip on their estate-grown Rosenthal wines or their Surfrider label, which supports ocean preservation. On weekends, the garden patio comes alive with live music and food trucks. Check out the Rosenthal Wine Bar Instagram to see their upcoming schedule of DJ nights, comedy shows, and even "Paint & Sip" events.

For a slightly more "indie" feel, head to Westlake Village to visit NABU Wines. This spot has earned its reputation as a local favorite for its quality and atmosphere, and for good reason. They bridge the gap between the Malibu Coast and Napa Valley, sourcing grapes from both regions to create powerful Syrahs and silky Merlots.

The tasting room has a cool, relaxed atmosphere with vinyl records spinning and a dog-friendly policy. It’s a great place to hide away from the coastal crowds and enjoy some "local nectar." Because they often host live music (everything from 80s hits to classic rock), we highly recommend securing NABU Wine Tasting Reservations in advance, especially for Saturday nights.

Visiting malibu wine tasting rooms requires a little more planning than a standard bar crawl. Here is the "Edible L.A. Insider Guide" to making the most of your trip:

What sets Malibu apart from other California wine regions is the sheer variety of ways you can experience the vines. It’s not just about sitting at a bar; it’s about getting into the landscape.

For weekends, the answer is almost always yes. Most venues use Tock or similar platforms for bookings. While some spots like Cornell Winery or Rosenthal (on weekdays) allow walk-ins, having a reservation ensures you won't be turned away during peak hours. Group sizes are often limited to 6 or 10 people unless you book a private event.

It varies wildly!

The Malibu Coast AVA is incredibly versatile.

At Edible L.A., we believe that the best way to understand a city is through its flavors. The malibu wine tasting rooms hidden throughout our local mountains and coastline are a testament to the resilience and creativity of Los Angeles agriculture. From the historic 1930s buildings in the valley to the sun-drenched patios on the PCH, these spots offer a seasonal sip of the Santa Monica Mountains that you won't find anywhere else.

Next time you're looking for a weekend escape, skip the long drive to the Central Coast and look closer to home. There’s a world-class glass of wine waiting for you right here in Malibu. Explore more with Edible L.A. to find your next favorite local bite or sip.