California Wines, Romantic getaway, wine tasting

Malibu Wine Tasting Weekend: The Ultimate Couples Escape Guide in

Posted by Jason on

(2025) By Jason | SoCal Wine Lover 🍷 Wineries • 🌊 Ocean Views • 🥾 Hikes• 🌅 Sunsets

When most people think of Malibu, they picture Baywatch, celebrity sightings, and crashing waves. But tucked away in the Santa Monica Mountains — where the Pacific meets the peaks — there’s a secret that serious wine lovers have been quietly keeping to themselves: Malibu has some of the most extraordinary wine tasting in all of Southern California.

And it was made for couples who love spontaneity.

This isn’t Temecula with its sprawling wine trails and party buses. Malibu wine country feels like a discovery — steep canyon roads, hilltop vineyards with ocean views that stretch forever, and a laid-back vibe that makes every glass taste a little better. It’s the kind of place where you pull over because the scenery is too good to drive past, where you end up staying two hours longer than planned because the conversation and the Syrah are just too good.

Ready to plan your escape? Here’s everything you need to know for the perfect Malibu wine weekend for two.

🍷  Quick Facts: Malibu Wine Country

Region: Malibu Coast AVA, Santa Monica Mountains  |  Best time to visit: Spring & Fall  |  Distance from LA: ~1 hour  |  Distance from San Diego: ~2 hours  |  Vibe: Adventurous, romantic, and completely unlike anywhere else in SoCal

The Wineries: Where to Sip in Malibu

Here’s the thing about Malibu wine country — it surprises you. The vineyards aren’t on the beach. They’re hidden up in the Santa Monica Mountains, some perched as high as 2,000–3,000 feet, with views that make you forget you’re in LA County. The Malibu Coast AVA was officially designated in 2014, but wine grapes have been grown here since 1824, making it one of California’s oldest wine regions.

Here are the must-visit spots for couples:

🏆 Cielo Farms — The Most Romantic Winery in Malibu

Why you’ll love it: If you could design the perfect romantic winery, it would look a lot like Cielo Farms. Perched in the Santa Monica Mountains with sweeping vineyard views and a warm Tuscan-inspired atmosphere, this boutique winery feels like a private escape. The sunsets here are genuinely unmatched.

• Try their Zinfandel and estate Bordeaux varieties
• Book The Terrace experience — bring your own picnic and a blanket
• The Barn wine bar offers wood-fired pizza on weekends — perfect date night fuel
• Reservations required — book well in advance for weekend visits

Pro tip: Book a sunset slot on The Terrace. Bring cheese, charcuterie, and let the mountains do the rest.

🌿 Rosenthal — The Malibu Estate (The Original)

Why you’ll love it: Rosenthal holds the distinction of being the first vineyard planted in Malibu back in 1987, and it even has its own designated sub-AVA: the Malibu Newton Canyon A.V.A. — the only wines in the world grown in that specific microclimate. For wine nerds, that’s a pretty big deal.

• Includes a guided tasting flight of 5 wines with stunning mountain views
• Live and curated music makes the atmosphere extra special
• The 2.5-hour experience is perfect for a leisurely afternoon
• Great for couples who want depth and story behind their wine

Pro tip: This one books up fast on weekends. Midweek visits are more intimate and relaxed.

🍕 Malibu Wines & Beer Garden — The Fun One

Why you’ll love it: Set in a charming historic 1930s building, Malibu Wines has a more casual, lively energy — perfect if you want great wine without the formality. Think wood-fired pizza, local craft beer, and a crowd that ranges from seasoned wine lovers to first-timers who just drove up PCH on a whim.

• Great intro to Malibu wine for couples newer to wine tasting
• More relaxed vibe — no stuffy wine-speak required
• Ask about their Saddlerock Estate wines for something special
• The outdoor setting is perfect for an easy, breezy afternoon

🦁 Malibu Wine Hikes — For the Adventurous Couple

 

Why you’ll love it: This one is unlike any wine experience in Southern California. You hike 2.5 miles through Saddlerock Ranch — a 1,000-acre estate in the Santa Monica Mountains — while sipping wine and spotting exotic animals including zebras, giraffes, and longhorn cattle. Yes, really.

• Combines wine, hiking, and wildlife into one unforgettable experience
• You take home a complimentary bottle of wine
• Perfect for active couples who want something genuinely different
• Book in advance — this one fills up fast and for good reason

Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen. This is a real hike, not just a stroll.

🪵 Cornell Winery — The Hidden Gem

Why you’ll love it: Nestled next to The Old Place (a legendary local steakhouse), Cornell Winery has a quirky, woodsy, old-West energy that’s completely unique. You’ll taste wines from boutique producers throughout the Santa Monica Mountains — many of which you simply can’t find anywhere else.

• Off the beaten path — feels like a genuine discovery
• Old-school character and charm that bigger wineries can’t replicate
• Pair your tasting with dinner at The Old Place next door
• Fair warning: you’ll probably stay longer than you planned

📅  Planning Tip: Best Time to Visit Malibu Wineries

Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) are the sweet spots. You get warm California weather, fewer crowds than summer, and golden light that makes every photo look effortless. Summer weekends can get busy and the PCH can turn into a parking lot. Weekday visits are always more intimate.

Beyond the Wine: What Else to Do in Malibu

The magic of a Malibu wine weekend is that the wineries are just the beginning. This stretch of coastline and mountains packs in more romance per square mile than almost anywhere in California. Here’s how to fill the rest of your time:

🌅 El Matador State Beach — Most Dramatic Beach in SoCal

Sunset on the beach at point dume

If you visit only one beach this trip, make it El Matador. Hidden beneath dramatic bluffs, this stunning stretch of coast is studded with massive sea stacks, sea caves, and rock formations that feel almost otherworldly. It’s been used for fashion shoots, elopements, and countless “how did you find this place?” Instagram moments.

• Time your visit for low tide — you can explore the caves and walk out to the rocks
• Sunrise here is spectacular and completely crowd-free
• Sunset is equally stunning — bring a bottle of that Malibu wine
• Note: The stairs down are steep and there are no restrooms — plan accordingly

🥾 Hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains

Malibu’s wine country sits inside one of the most beautiful hiking areas in all of Southern California. These trails deliver dramatic canyon views, ocean panoramas, and the kind of fresh air that pairs beautifully with a day of wine tasting.

• Solstice Canyon — the best overall hike. An easy loop with wildflowers, a stone cottage ruin, a small waterfall, and views to the ocean. Absolutely gorgeous.
• Escondido Falls — a 4-mile round trip to a stunning 150-foot waterfall hidden in Escondido Canyon. Lush, shaded, and completely unexpected in Malibu.
• Sandstone Peak — for the ambitious couple. The highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains with 360-degree views. Worth every step.

Pro tip: Visit Solstice Canyon in spring for wildflowers, and Sandstone Peak midweek for easy parking and trail solitude.

🌊 Point Dume — Malibu’s Most Iconic Viewpoint

Looking down at the beach from point dume

A majestic headland jutting out over the Pacific, Point Dume offers some of the most sweeping coastal views in all of Southern California. It’s been featured in Iron Man, Planet of the Apes, and more engagement shoots than we can count — for obvious reasons.

• Short hike from the parking lot to the overlook
• Arrive 45 minutes before sunset and bring champagne
• In winter, this is a prime whale watching spot
• Parking fills fast — arrive early or take a rideshare

🚗 Drive the Pacific Coast Highway

Sometimes the most romantic thing you can do in Malibu is just drive. The stretch of PCH between Malibu and Point Mugu is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the entire country — ocean on your left, mountains on your right, and the feeling that you could just keep going forever. No GPS needed. No destination required. Just drive.

🎭 Outdoor Experiences Worth Adding

• Malibu Pier — stroll the pier, watch the surfers, and take in the views of the Santa Monica Mountains from the water
• Horseback riding in the Santa Monica Mountains — several outfitters offer private trail rides with incredible mountain and canyon views
• Calamigos Ranch movie nights — outdoor cinema under the stars with blankets and snacks
• Stand-up paddleboarding at Surfrider Beach — perfect for a playful morning before wine tasting in the afternoon

🍽️  Where to Eat in Malibu

Geoffrey’s Malibu: Sweeping Pacific views, California cuisine, deeply romantic — perfect for a special dinner. Book in advance. Nobu Malibu: High-end sushi right on the beach. Celebrity sightings included. Come for brunch to avoid the dinner wait. Malibu Farm at the Pier: Farm-fresh dishes at the end of the pier with surfer views. Great for a casual sunset dinner. The Old Place (Cornell): A legendary rustic steakhouse deep in the canyon, right next to Cornell Winery. Old-school character and great food. Neptune’s Net: A classic fish shack on PCH since 1956. Fresh seafood, casual vibes, and an authentically SoCal experience.

Your Perfect Malibu Wine Weekend Itinerary

Here’s how we’d put it all together for a weekend that balances adventure, romance, and exceptional wine:

Saturday: Wine, Views & Sunset

1. Morning (10am): Drive up to Cornell Winery for an unhurried start. Taste the small-batch Santa Monica Mountain wines and soak up the woodsy charm. Have an early lunch at The Old Place next door.
2. Early Afternoon (1pm): Head to Malibu Wine Hikes at Saddlerock Ranch for your wildlife + wine hiking adventure. Book in advance. Sturdy shoes required.
3. Late Afternoon (4pm): Make your way to Cielo Farms for a sunset tasting on The Terrace. Bring a picnic spread — cheese, charcuterie, olives — and stay for the golden hour views. This is the moment of the weekend.
4. Evening (7:30pm): Dinner at Geoffrey’s Malibu for sweeping ocean views and California cuisine. Reserve well in advance for a window table.

Sunday: Coast, Canyon & One More Glass

5. Morning (8am): Wake up early and head to El Matador State Beach at low tide. Explore the sea caves, watch the waves, and breathe in that salt air. This is Malibu at its most raw and beautiful.
6. Mid-Morning (10:30am): Drive to Escondido Falls for a beautiful 4-mile hike through the canyon to a 150-foot waterfall. Bring water and snacks.
7. Afternoon (1:30pm): Stop at Malibu Farm on the Pier for a late lunch with ocean views and fresh California fare.
8. Late Afternoon (3pm): Wind down with a tasting at Rosenthal — The Malibu Estate. The guided 5-wine flight with live music is the perfect way to end a Malibu wine weekend on a high note.
9. Evening: Take the long way home on PCH with the windows down. Stop wherever looks beautiful. That’s the Malibu way.

Practical Tips for Your Malibu Wine Trip

Getting There & Getting Around

• From Los Angeles: About 1 hour depending on traffic. Avoid Friday afternoon and Saturday morning on PCH.
• From San Diego: Approximately 2 hours via I-5 North to PCH.
• Designate a driver or use a rideshare app — the canyon roads are winding and after a day of wine tasting, safety first always.
• The N9 (Kanan Dume Road) is your main artery into wine country from the 101 — take it slowly and enjoy the views.

What to Know Before You Go

• Reservations are required at most Malibu wineries, especially on weekends — book at least a week in advance
• Many tasting rooms are 21+ on weekends — plan accordingly
• Cell service can be spotty in the canyons — download offline maps
• Parking fees apply at some locations — Cielo Farms charges $20 on weekends (waived for wine club members)
• Dress in layers — Malibu mornings can be cool even in summer, especially at elevation

💡  Insider Tip: Join a Wine Club

If you visit Cielo Farms or Rosenthal and fall in love with their wines (you will), ask about their wine clubs. Members typically get free or discounted tastings on future visits, priority reservations, and regular wine shipments to your door. It’s a great way to extend your Malibu wine weekend all year long.

The Bottom Line

A Malibu wine weekend isn’t just a trip — it’s a reminder that Southern California has layers most people never discover. While the crowds flock to the beach, you’ll be up in the mountains with a glass of estate Syrah, watching the sun melt into the Pacific, wondering why you didn’t do this sooner.

It’s spontaneous, it’s beautiful, and it’s completely, wonderfully SoCal.

Have you been wine tasting in Malibu? Drop your favorite spot in the comments — I’d love to hear where you went and what you poured. And if this is your first time exploring Malibu wine country, tag me on Instagram so I can share your adventure. Cheers! 🍷

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