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The Santa Monica Mountains offer some of California’s most breathtaking wine experiences, where ocean breezes meet mountain terrain to create truly unique growing conditions. I’ve spent countless weekends exploring the best wineries in Santa Monica Mountains, and what continues to amaze me is how this region produces world-class wines just minutes from Los Angeles beaches. The combination of dramatic elevation changes, Mediterranean climate, and passionate winemakers creates an unforgettable wine country experience.
From historic estates perched on clifftops to boutique operations nestled in mountain valleys, the best wineries in Santa Monica Mountains showcase the diversity that makes California wine so special. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, celebrating with friends, or simply wanting to discover exceptional wines without traveling far from the city, these twelve wineries represent the pinnacle of what this remarkable region has to offer.
Malibu Wines & Beer Garden: Safari Adventure Meets Wine
Address: 23130 Sherman Way, West Hills, CA 91307
Hours: Sun-Thu 12pm-7pm (Last pour 6:30pm), Fri-Sat 12pm-9pm (Last pour 8:30pm)
Malibu Wines & Beer Garden stands out among the best wineries in Santa Monica Mountains for its completely unique Wine Safari experience. This family-owned operation has been crafting wines since 1978 on their 1,100-acre Saddlerock Ranch, housed in a historic 1930s building within the Saddle-Rock Malibu AVA. What makes this place absolutely unforgettable is the chance to sip wine while encountering exotic animals including giraffes, water buffalo, and llamas roaming the property.
I’ve brought numerous friends here for the Wine Safari tours, and watching someone taste estate-grown wines while a giraffe peers over their shoulder never gets old. The large outdoor beer garden creates a relaxed festival atmosphere that’s perfect for groups, and the estate wines benefit from the steep, rocky slopes that create concentrated flavors. Weekend food trucks add to the party vibe, making this feel more like a wine festival than a traditional tasting room experience.
Why Malibu Wines & Beer Garden is unmissable: • Unique Wine Safari tours with exotic animals on 1,100 acres • Historic 1930s building in official Saddle-Rock Malibu AVA • Large outdoor beer garden perfect for groups and celebrations • Wine Hikes offering 2.5-mile guided vineyard tours • Silent disco Saturday evenings and weekend food trucks
Rosenthal Malibu Estate Vineyard: Ocean Views and Conservation
Rosenthal Malibu Estate Vineyard
Address: 18741 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Hours: Check website for current status due to fire damage
Rosenthal represents pioneering spirit among the best wineries in Santa Monica Mountains, being one of the first modern Malibu vineyards planted in 1987. Their Malibu-Newton Canyon AVA designation showcases wines from some of Malibu’s oldest vines, and their beachside location offers stunning Pacific Ocean views that make every tasting feel like a vacation. The Surfrider wine collection demonstrates their commitment to ocean conservation, donating proceeds to protect the coastline that influences their wines.
Unfortunately, the Wine Bar & Patio was destroyed in the January 2024 Palisades Fire, but I’m hopeful they’ll rebuild this special place. Before the fire, I loved bringing visitors here because the combination of ocean views and estate wines created an experience that perfectly captured Malibu’s essence. Their commitment to winery visit etiquette and environmental stewardship has always set them apart from other operations.
Why Rosenthal Malibu Estate Vineyard is unmissable: • One of Malibu’s first modern vineyards with own AVA designation • Beachside location with stunning Pacific Ocean views • Estate wines from some of Malibu’s oldest vines (planted 1987) • Surfrider wine collection supporting ocean conservation • Historic significance as Malibu wine country pioneer
Cielo Farms (The Barn): Tuscan Romance in Malibu Hills
Address: 31424 Mulholland Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Hours: Mon 3pm-8pm, Tue Closed, Wed-Thu 3pm-8pm, Fri-Sun varies (reservations required)
Cielo Farms brings Tuscan romance to the best wineries in Santa Monica Mountains with their stunning hilltop stone barn surrounded by 35 acres of vineyards. The 100-year-old Tuscan olive trees and panoramic vineyard views create an atmosphere that makes you forget you’re just minutes from Los Angeles. Their focus on Rhône and Bordeaux varieties grown on-site produces wines that reflect both the Mediterranean climate and unique mountain terroir.
What I absolutely love about Cielo Farms is how they’ve created multiple experiences beyond wine tasting – from wood-fired pizza weekends to yoga in the vineyard. The stone barn setting feels magical for special occasions, and I’ve attended several events here that felt like destination weddings in Tuscany. When exploring wineries in Lancaster and Palmdale, nothing quite compares to this Tuscan-inspired mountain retreat.
Why Cielo Farms is unmissable: • Tuscan-inspired estate with stunning hilltop stone barn • 35 acres of vineyards with panoramic mountain views • 100-year-old Tuscan olive trees creating authentic atmosphere • Rhône and Bordeaux varieties grown on mountain slopes • Wood-fired pizza weekends and yoga in vineyard events
Cornell Wine Co. Old West Charm Meets Mountain Wines
Address: 29975 Mulholland Hwy, Cornell, CA 91301
Phone: (818) 575-7010
Hours: Mon-Wed Closed, Thu 4pm-7pm, Fri 12pm-7pm, Sat-Sun 11am-7pm
Cornell Wine Co. captures the rustic spirit of the best wineries in Santa Monica Mountains with its Old West-themed wine bar nestled next to the legendary Old Place Restaurant. This unique operation showcases wines from multiple Santa Monica Mountains producers, making it a perfect introduction to the region’s diverse offerings. The general store atmosphere with local art and goods creates a community gathering place that feels authentically mountain rustic.
I’ve spent many Friday evenings here enjoying their French wine dinners with Chef Cedric Reiter, and the combination of exceptional food and mountain wines creates unforgettable experiences. The open mic nights and comedy shows add entertainment value that you won’t find at traditional wineries. Their guided weekend tastings featuring seven wines provide excellent education about regional terroir and winemaking styles.
Why Cornell Wine Co. is unmissable: • Historic Old West-themed location next to legendary restaurant • Showcases wines from multiple Santa Monica Mountains producers • General store atmosphere with local art and mountain goods • French wine dinners and live entertainment events • Community gathering place with authentic mountain character
Colcanyon Estate Wines: Sky-High Ocean Views
Address: 2375 Latigo Canyon Road, Malibu, CA 90265
Phone: (310) 589-4925
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun by appointment
Colcanyon Estate sits 2,000 feet above Malibu, offering uninterrupted Pacific Ocean views that make it one of the most spectacular locations among the best wineries in Santa Monica Mountains. Their boutique approach focuses on quality over quantity, producing 100% Malibu estate-grown wines that reflect the unique high-elevation terroir. The “Fine Wine For Wildlife” conservation program demonstrates their commitment to preserving the natural beauty that makes their location so special.
The elevation creates growing conditions unlike anywhere else in the region, and you can taste the difference in their concentrated, elegant wines. I’ve brought wine-loving friends here who thought they knew California wine, only to be amazed by how mountain elevation and ocean proximity create such distinctive flavors. When comparing to the best wineries to visit in Sonoma County, Colcanyon offers views and terroir that even Sonoma can’t match.
Why Colcanyon Estate Wines is unmissable: • Spectacular 2,000-foot elevation with uninterrupted ocean views • 100% Malibu estate-grown wines from unique mountain terroir • Boutique operation focused on quality over quantity • “Fine Wine For Wildlife” conservation program • Highest elevation winery experience in the region
AJA Vineyards: Award-Winning Mountain Excellence
Address: 1417 2nd St, Suite C, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Hours: Mon-Tue Closed, Wed-Thu 3pm-9pm, Fri 3pm-10pm, Sat 2pm-10pm, Sun 2pm-8pm
AJA Vineyards represents the commitment to excellence that defines the best wineries in Santa Monica Mountains, with their philosophy that every wine should be reserve quality. Nestled in the northern Santa Monica Mountains, they produce award-winning Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon using only the best fruit from their sustainably farmed vineyards. Their Santa Monica tasting room provides city accessibility while maintaining connection to their mountain estate.
What impresses me most about AJA is their dedication to using only premium fruit – if grapes don’t meet their reserve standards, they don’t make wine that year. I’ve attended their yoga and wine flight events, which perfectly capture the wellness-focused lifestyle that attracts people to both wine and the Santa Monica Mountains. Their virtual tastings with certified sommeliers have become my go-to recommendation for friends who want to learn proper tasting techniques.
Why AJA Vineyards is unmissable: • Award-winning Syrah and Cabernet from northern Santa Monica Mountains • Every wine is reserve quality – only best fruit used • Sustainable and organic farming practices • Santa Monica tasting room for city accessibility • Yoga and wine events combining wellness with wine education
Moraga Vineyards: Bel Air’s Hidden Wine Gem
Address: Bel Air (exact address provided upon booking)
Hours: By appointment only
Moraga Vineyards offers perhaps the most exclusive experience among the best wineries in Santa Monica Mountains, hidden in a Bel Air residential neighborhood at 550-900 foot elevation. Their 16 acres include 7.5 acres of steep, rocky vineyards producing ultra-premium Bordeaux varieties and Sauvignon Blanc in extremely limited quantities. The residential location creates an intimate, secret garden feeling that makes every visit feel like discovering a hidden treasure.
I’ve been fortunate to attend their exclusive estate tours, and the combination of residential location with serious winemaking creates an experience unlike any other. The steep, rocky vineyards produce concentrated fruit that results in wines competing with the finest Bordeaux-style blends from anywhere in California. When people ask about unique experiences similar to the best wineries to try in Los Angeles, Moraga represents the pinnacle of exclusive access.
Why Moraga Vineyards is unmissable: • Unique Bel Air residential location with steep, rocky vineyards • Ultra-premium, limited production Bordeaux varieties • Exclusive estate tours by appointment only • 550-900 foot elevation creating unique growing conditions • Secret garden atmosphere in luxury residential setting
Summer Somewhere Wines: Minimal Intervention Excellence
Address: 3822 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
Hours: Mon-Tue Closed, Wed-Thu 12pm-6pm, Fri 12pm-7pm, Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-7pm
Summer Somewhere Wines brings artisanal winemaking to the best wineries in Santa Monica Mountains from their boutique location in the former Fred Segal space. Their minimal intervention approach with Central Coast fruit focuses on Burgundian and Rhône varietals, creating wines that express pure terroir without heavy-handed winemaking. The relaxed atmosphere and exceptional hospitality make every visit feel like spending time with knowledgeable friends who happen to make incredible wine.
I appreciate how Summer Somewhere balances serious winemaking with approachable hospitality – their educational tastings with the winemaker have taught me more about minimal intervention techniques than any formal wine class. The single-vineyard tastings showcase how different sites express the same varietals, providing insight into terroir that enhances appreciation for wine complexity. Their personalized service creates the perfect environment for both novice and experienced wine lovers.
Why Summer Somewhere Wines is unmissable: • Minimal intervention winemaking showcasing pure terroir • Central Coast fruit from sustainable vineyards • Focus on Burgundian and Rhône varietals • Educational tastings with winemaker participation • Exceptional hospitality in relaxed, boutique setting
NABU Wines: Music Industry Meets Mountain Terroir
Address: 2649 Townsgate Road, Suite 200, Westlake Village, CA 91361
Phone: (805) 778-1100
Hours: Daily 12pm-7pm
NABU Wines brings music industry creativity to the best wineries in Santa Monica Mountains with their unique combination of Malibu Coast AVA and Napa Valley wines. Founded by music industry veterans, this modern operation creates a casual, entertainment-focused atmosphere where live music and wine appreciation blend seamlessly. Their vegan-friendly wines and pet-friendly environment reflect the inclusive, creative spirit that makes the Santa Monica Mountains wine scene so welcoming.
The Sunday Tunes events have become some of my favorite weekend activities, combining discovering new wines with live music in a relaxed setting. I love how NABU proves that serious winemaking doesn’t require stuffy atmosphere – their trivia nights and game events create community while showcasing excellent wines from both mountain and valley terroir. When friends ask about wineries near me with entertainment value, NABU always tops my recommendations.
Why NABU Wines is unmissable: • Music-themed winery by industry veterans • Wines from both Malibu Coast AVA and Napa Valley • Live music events and Sunday Tunes • Vegan-friendly wines and pet-friendly environment • Modern, casual atmosphere encouraging community
Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards: Mountaintop Luxury
Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards
Address: 340 Kanan Road, Malibu, CA 90265
Email: MalibuRockyOaks@gmail.com
Hours: By appointment only
Malibu Rocky Oaks represents the luxury pinnacle among the best wineries in Santa Monica Mountains, with their mountaintop location offering 360-degree views that take your breath away. The elevation creates unique growing conditions for their limited production, estate-grown wines, while the infinity pool and luxury setting make every visit feel like an exclusive retreat. This private estate experience caters to those seeking the ultimate in wine country luxury.
I’ve attended corporate retreats here that felt more like vacation getaways, with the combination of exceptional wines and stunning views creating unforgettable experiences. The appointment-only policy ensures intimate tastings without crowds, allowing for personal attention and education about how elevation affects wine character. When comparing to experiences at the 20 best wineries in Malibu, Rocky Oaks sets the standard for luxury and exclusivity.
Why Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards is unmissable: • Mountaintop location with 360-degree panoramic views • Elevation creates unique growing conditions for estate wines • Limited production ultra-premium wine experiences • Infinity pool and luxury setting for exclusive retreats • Private estate tours by appointment only
Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards: Chardonnay Specialists
Address: Malibu (specific address provided upon booking)
Hours: By appointment only
Dolin Malibu Estate focuses on perfecting Chardonnay among the best wineries in Santa Monica Mountains, with their 900-vine vineyard positioned above Pacific Coast Highway for maximum sun exposure. The south-facing orientation and new Malibu Coast AVA designation create ideal conditions for their estate fruit, resulting in Chardonnays that showcase the unique characteristics of mountain-meets-ocean terroir. Their boutique family operation demonstrates how specialization can create exceptional results.
What I find fascinating about Dolin is how their small scale allows for meticulous attention to every vine, creating Chardonnays with complexity that rivals much larger operations. Their participation in wine auctions and Malibu Wine Safari events provides opportunities to taste their limited production wines alongside other regional offerings. The antique car shows and special events add vintage charm that complements their artisanal approach to winemaking.
Why Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards is unmissable: • 900-vine vineyard specializing in estate Chardonnay • South-facing orientation above Pacific Coast Highway • New Malibu Coast AVA designation showcasing terroir • Boutique family operation with meticulous vine attention • Wine auctions and antique car shows adding vintage charm
Hoyt Family Vineyards: Two-Coast Wine Excellence
Address: 1322 Park Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (Main tasting room)
Phone: (805) 369-1092
Hours: Mon-Wed Closed, Thu-Sat 12pm-8pm, Sun 12pm-5pm
Hoyt Family Vineyards rounds out the best wineries in Santa Monica Mountains with their unique two-coast operation showcasing both Malibu and Paso Robles terroir. Their award-winning Chardonnay benefits from ocean influence in Malibu, while their Paso Robles location provides contrast and comparison for understanding how different regions express the same varietals. The family-owned operation maintains personal touch while offering wines at multiple tasting locations.
I appreciate how Hoyt demonstrates the diversity possible within California winemaking, with their multi-location tastings providing education about regional differences that enhance wine appreciation. Their 2-for-1 tastings during fair season make premium wines accessible, while their wine club featuring both regions provides ongoing exploration of terroir differences. When planning visits to the best wine bars in Los Angeles, Hoyt wines frequently appear on quality-focused wine lists.
Why Hoyt Family Vineyards is unmissable: • Two-coast operation comparing Malibu and Paso Robles terroir • Award-winning Chardonnay from ocean-influenced vineyards • Multi-location tastings providing regional education • Family-owned maintaining personal touch across locations • Wine club featuring both coastal and inland expressions
Discovering Wine Excellence in the Santa Monica Mountains
The best wineries in Santa Monica Mountains offer experiences that combine world-class winemaking with some of California’s most stunning natural beauty. From safari adventures at Malibu Wines to mountaintop luxury at Rocky Oaks, each winery showcases different aspects of what makes this region so special. The combination of elevation, ocean proximity, and passionate winemakers creates wines that express terroir found nowhere else in the world.
What continues to amaze me about these twelve wineries is how they’ve each found unique ways to express the Santa Monica Mountains character while maintaining distinct personalities. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly adventures, romantic getaways, or serious wine education, this region provides experiences that rival any wine destination globally. The proximity to Los Angeles makes it possible to enjoy world-class wine country without sacrificing convenience, proving that exceptional wine experiences exist right in our backyard.
