The MALIBU WINE TRAIL

It has been said that Malibu is an up and coming wine region and having sampled a few wines from the area that are quite good we decided to investigate ourselves!  Stumbling upon Malibu Grapes, a company that arranges private wine tours, was the perfect opportunity.  Malibu Grapes has vans that comfortable seat 6-8 people and are no ordinary vans-- these were the most pimped out vans we've ever seen-- with leather seats, raised ceilings, and televisions.  Arrange your pick up spot and off you go!

Our first stop was a scenic lookout from one of the highest points on the Pepperdine campus that overlooks all of Malibu and is a new architectural garden dedicated to a Pepperdine alum who lost his life while attempting to overthrow the hijackers of United flight 93 on 9/11.  It is a stunning memorial.

As the fog burned off, we descended the hill to our first tasting room.  The Rosenthal tasting room is right on the PCH, adjacent to Beaurivage restaurant and has outdoor seating and a cute, small tasting room.  We loved the Chardonnay and the Meritage most.  After Rosenthal we had a somewhat windy drive up through the canyons of Malibu (take an anti-nausea if you get car sick), past Malibu Lake (who knew?!) to the adorable Cornell tasting room which looks like it was plucked from the Rockies.

A peacock greets you as you enter the dark and cozy tasting room with banquet like long tables, beamed ceilings and photographs by local artists illuminated on the walls.  We enjoyed several local wines including the Sanity chardonnay and a Syrah from Malibu Vineyards.

Our next stop was Sip, the tasting room for Cielo Farms.  We sat outside below a hillside of vines, around a fire pit.  Owner, Richard Hirsh himself was there to pour his wines and tell us a bit about them.  One of our favorites, although pricey, is the Purple Haze.

By now, we were all a little tipsy and it was time for lunch thankfully.  Our lunch spot was the M Cafe at Calamigos Ranch where we feasted on meatball subs, french fries and veggie burgers.  Each dish is paired with a local wine (more wine!!) which you can take from the restaurant/bar area and wander around the gorgeous property while you imbibe.

All in all it was a fantastic day!  Thanks to Ken at Malibu Grapes who navigated the day for us.  Can't wait to do it again!!