Malibu Wine Tasting - Day Trip

Who says you have to travel to Napa, or even Santa Ynez, for a day of quality wine tasting? Malibu is SoCal's best kept viticultural secret.  Home to over 50 wineries, 4 tasting rooms and a few more wine bars, these hidden gems should be favored by both surf and sand loving wine-o's. With fresh ocean air, luscious skies, impeccable grapes, and classic soil -- I have nothing but love for this inner city escape... I even took it upon myself to map out your day trip (here).

1. Rosenthal: While the winery is located 1400 feet above the coastal fog, the Rosenthal tasting room is located right on the ocean's edge at 26023 Pacific Coast Highway.  Open Wednesday through Sunday, they offer a regular tasting flight of 4 wines for $12 and a Premium wine flight of 6 wines for $15. Sadly, the beautiful Rosenthal winery estate, located in a scenic valley four miles inland, is closed to the public - but luckily it can be rented for private events, and would make fore an exceptional Malibu wedding venue! 

2. Malibu Wines: Tasting room is open 7 days a week from 11am-6pm with extended summer hours. No reservations are necessary for wine tasting if you have a group of less than 15 guests, just stop by any time before their last call at 5.30pm. There is plenty of outdoor seating, lots of live music and even a weekly movie night! The only catch is that you must be 21 or older to enjoy!

3. SIP: The tasting room to Cielo Farms, this unpretentious and totally divine wine bar has outdoor seating, a Sunday brunch, live music and free valet on weekends. Servers are laid back, and the hours are seasonal - so please call ahead - 818.865.0446. Oh and one last thing - if you go, ask for Alison, she's a server, a friend and totaly wonderful. 

...and please drive safely.

Salude!