Explore the Charming Santa Monica Mountains Wine Tasting

The Santa Monica Mountains, situated in a Mediterranean ecosystem, are a rich tapestry of history and natural beauty just minutes from downtown Los Angeles. The region’s geology is complex and ever-changing, with active fault lines, fossils, remnants of volcanoes, and formations created underwater but now at the tops of ridgelines.

The Santa Monica Mountains were not always welcoming to people of color. One of the mountain peaks was called a racial slur as its name until 2010, when it was renamed Ballard Mountain to honor the first African-American man to settle in the hills above Malibu. This history, though painful, is an important part of the area’s story and should be acknowledged.

Santa Monica Wineries Vineyards

The vineyards in the Santa Monica Mountains produce wine using a custom winery. The crush winery, a key part of the winemaking process, handles processing, fermentation, aging, bottling, and labeling. This allows the local growers to focus on tending to their vineyards, ensuring the best quality grapes for the wine. Numerous vineyards are hidden in the canyons, most small, but a few are commercial enterprises. The best-known Santa Monica Mountain wineries include Malibu Family Wines and Rosenthal Malibu Estate.

Where to Taste Wine in The Santa Monica Mountains

Cornell Wine Company

Cornell Wine Company on Mulholland Highway is a wonderful place to taste wines from independent wineries in the Santa Monica Mountains. No reservation is required. Each tasting includes three wines from the tasting menu, carefully selected to showcase the variety and quality of the local wines. You can enjoy wine inside the rustic wine-tasting room or on the porch and watch the parade of exotic cars pass along Mulholland Highway. Wine tastings are on Saturday and Sunday between 12 pm and 5:30 pm—address 29975 Mulholland Hwy Agoura Hills, California. Cornell Wine Company Website.

Malibu Family Wines (Semler Malibu Estate)

Malibu Family Wines is a family-owned winery known for its picturesque vineyards and unique tasting experiences, such as wine safaris and hiking tours. The Semler family owns the winery and has a tradition of growing flavorful wines at their Saddlerock Ranch. This tradition has evolved into opening tasting rooms for everyone to enjoy. At the tasting rooms, visitors can savor various wines, each with its unique flavor profile, and learn about the winemaking process from the knowledgeable staff. The winery also offers guided tours of the vineyards, providing a deeper insight into the winemaking process. Malibu Family Wines Website.

Rosenthal, The Malibu Estate

The Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio offers a casual atmosphere with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, allowing visitors to experience the Rosenthal Estate firsthand. Guests can enjoy a flight of wines, a glass, or a bottle and even purchase a few to take home. The estate also hosts various year-round events, including music performances and food truck events, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a unique experience in Malibu, the Rosenthal Estate is a must-visit. Visit The Malibu Estate Website.

Cielo Estate (The SIP Wine Bar)

Cielo Estate, a Tuscan-inspired retreat nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, offers a serene escape from the bustling city life. If you’re interested in experiencing the beauty and tranquility of Cielo Estate, you can book reservations for tastings at The Barn, a delightful tasting room where you can sample the Woodstock and Estate wines. The stunning sunsets and the refreshing ocean air create a truly wonderful experience. For more information, please visit the Cielo Farms website at woodstockmalibu.com.

Santa Monica Mountains Vineyards Only

These wineries do not have tasting rooms. However, their wines are served at local restaurants and wine-tasting bars, allowing visitors to sample their unique flavors. Visit their respective websites for details.

• La Vina Gomez de Malibu
  www.malibuvinesandwines.com
• Moraga Vineyards
  www.moragavineyards.com
• The Malibu Vineyard
  www.themalibuvineyard.com
• Dolin Estate Vineyards
  www.dolinestate.com
• Malibu Rocky Oaks
  www.maliburockyoaks.com
• Montage Vineyards
  www.montagevineyards.com
• ColCanyon Estate Vineyards
  www.colcanyon-estate-wines.com
• Hoyt Family Wines
  www.hoytfamilyvineyards.

Santa Monica Mountains Points of Interest

The Old Place Restaurant

The Old Place is a distinctive restaurant next to the Cornell Winery in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains. Motorcycles and cars speed by on Mulholland Highway, unaware of the historic gem they are passing. The breakfast menu features Blue Corn Meal Flapjacks and cinnamon rolls. For dinner, options include oak-grilled black Angus sirloin, Wild Rosemary Pale Ale Chicken, “Old Place” Steamed Clams, and special seasonal dishes. Visit the Old Place website.

Malibou Lake Agoura Hills, California.

Malibu Lake, originally named Malibou Lake by residents, is a private lake surrounded by million-dollar estates. You can catch a glimpse of it by driving along Lake Vista Drive. In the 1920s, there were plans to make Malibou Lake the foremost social club in Southern California, but it has yet to reach that status. A clubhouse was constructed in 1924 but burned down twelve years later. The current clubhouse, which now hosts weddings and events, was built to replace it—the Lodge at Malibou Lake. The lake’s history and role in the area’s development make it a fascinating place to visit. https://www.maliboulakelodge.com/

Peter Strauss Ranch Santa Monica Mountains

The Peter Strauss Ranch, formerly owned by actor Peter Strauss, is steeped in history. Strauss resided there until 1983, when he sold the property to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. In the 1930s, before the existence of Disneyland, the site functioned as a resort known as Shomon. The resort featured the largest swimming pool west of the Rockies, a substantial dance floor, and various amusement park rides. Following the construction of a dam on Triunfo Creek, which led to the creation of Lake Enchanto, the resort was renamed Enchanto. Today, the ranch is a testament to the area’s rich history and a popular spot for outdoor activities. Visit the Park website for more information.

Gone but not forgotten, Troutdale

Gone but not forgotten, Troutdale Troutdale Trout Ponds, a family-friendly roadside attraction, has closed its doors for good. This unique spot was one of those places you drive by and wonder what it is. Troutdale was not designed for avid trout fishermen but for kids to learn about fishing or adults who want fresh trout for dinner. Its closure marks the end of an era, but its memory lives on in the hearts of those who visited.

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