malibu family wines

We decided to take a ride along the beautiful PCH from the South Bay Beach communities like Redondo, Hermosa and Manhattan up to Malibu and thought it wouldn't be far off the highway to check out Malibu Wines. Having enjoyed Sonoma and Napa in Northern California and many of the wineries spread among the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, I wasn't sure what to expect. The drive, of course, is beautiful and once you head inland about 5 miles climbing the mountain, it's certainly a surprise to come upon a vineyard producing grapes! So different than more traditional vineyard settings.It's a great location and those who were not first-timers like us were smart to bring along their favorite appetizers or even small meal to enjoy on the scenic property. We were told they do have live music on the weekend and I believe them when they say people pack the place.The three of us all tried the same flight of wine, the Semler, produced with strictly their own grapes. Two other flights had a mixture of their grapes and other regionally produced grapes. Of the on-site grown grapes, the best wines we had and also purchased were their just released 2011 Cab and their very tasty, dessert-type of white wine--the Bisous. It's a very rustic, almost ranch like setting. The owner and his spread are right across the road and just before you arrive at the wine-tasting setting ahead on the left. Lovely setting, beautiful drive and you may find a wine or two that you enjoy. It's definitely more about the experience they offer with the ability to bring your own food and also the live music when it's available rather than a variety of outstanding wines. But, most people will find something they would like to drink and make for a nice half-day trip.

The drive up to this place is lovely with views of the coast most of the way up the mountain. Nearing the top, the vegetation gives way to mostly rock and sand and you can start to appreciate the 'desert' part of LA.I went here with some friends of mine and arrived just before 4pm. We packed our own dinner and ordered the holiday flight of wine. I'm not a wine person so I can't comment on the wine but the atmosphere of this place was like crashing someone's outdoor ranch-style wedding - in a great way. The band was playing hits from the 70s and 80s, lots of people were dancing, lots of little white lights which gave the place a nice glow for light and there was a really awesome happy vibe to everyone in the place but this might have also had to do with arriving within 2 hours of closing! We visited the place on a Sunday night. If I had to do it over again, I would still stay around 2hrs but plan to arrive an hour earlier so we could enjoy the place with the band playing in the background. A nod to the good service at the bar, they were casual or chatty depending on your own vibe and they kept track of your tasting so you could enjoy each glass at whatever pace suited you. It probably goes without saying that you can bring your own food but you can't bring any alcohol with you to this place. There is valet parking but you can keep the 14$ for drinking by driving 5 mins further down the road to their larger parking lot and using their free shuttle (looks like an old trolley car complete with wooden bench seating). There was no schedule to the shuttle but we only ended up waiting at the end of the night (about 5mins) for a pickup.

Really nice selection of bruts and champagne-style wines, especially sparkling chardonnay (blanc-de-blanc). I didn't get around to trying the others on this visit but I hope to next time I get down that way. Service was very friendly and server was knowledgeable.

We made the drive up the hills to Malibu Wines. What a great location and the views are endless. Tons of places to sit and enjoy. I can only imagine how busy they are on the weekend. We were there on a Wednesday and it was still fairly busy. The staff are polite and helpful. We enjoyed our chat with the guy pouring. We each did a flight. I did not really like the wine. I felt it was poor for CA wine - average anywhere else. Disappointing as I would go back for the view if the wine was any better! Would also be nice if they had food or snacks for sale (fruit, crackers, cheese, etc.)

I liked this place for the atmosphere: great spot for a picnic, live music and relaxing with friends. The wine tasting was okay: I thought the flights were a little boring and overpriced for the wine they serve. In other words, I didn't really care for the wine at this winery. It wasn't BAD, but I didn't want to have seconds or buy any of it. In general, we had a fun day (and it got PACKED as the day went on, so it seems to be popular spot). Not sure I'd be in a hurry to go again with so many fantastic places to check out in Cali. But was glad I went and enjoyed myself. Bottom line: the draw is not the wine, it's the experience and atmosphere of the place itself. In my opinion, of course.

I'm a longtime wine club member and cancelled my wine club membership for two reasons - 1) they no longer donate or discount wine for local non-profits and 2) the ridiculous parking fee that has to be paid to pick-up your wine. I'll stick with Opolo, Four Brix, and a host of other lovely wineries.

Had a very enjoyable stop here recently. They are pouring estate and other wines, mostly reds, but a couple great whites. Got a fab non-oaked Chardonnay. The grounds are lovely- but no one under 21. Leave the kids elsewhere is coming for a tasting or event.

Wonderful place. Clean picnic type grounds covered in AstroTurf, so you don't have to worry about staining your nice cloths if you sit on the ground. Reasonably prices for the wine tasting with an excellent selection. Great atmosphere.

Love this place! Great wine and Mimosa Tastings on Sundays! Nice outdoor seating area with live music. Bring a picnic and spend the day! Valet parking or Complimentary shuttle just up the road. Perfect spot to relax on the weekend in the beautiful Malibu Mountains!

My son is a member and we arrived around 3 p.m. Lot's of people enjoying the views, wine and music in a laid back, easy going style. Must do again when we visit.....

I enjoyed my first ever wine tasting at Malibu Wines last week! My husband and I were in Malibu for the day and found this place on Trip Advisor initially. It wasn't very crowded, since we were there on a Monday night and it has beautiful grounds for picture taking. The wine was delicious - my husband opted for a flight of red wines and I did a light flight of mostly white wines. Drew was the employee assisting us and he was very knowledgable about each of the wines. He described them as he poured them before we tasted them which helped us get an idea of what we'd be sampling. We'd definitely recommend Malibu Wines in the future for any future first time wine tasting visitors and also for anyone looking for a relaxing, mellow wine tasting place in Malibu. Some miscellaneous comments: very clean bathrooms, very clean grounds over all, and we got to take our wine glasses home as souvenirs!!

As an oenophile I was less than impressed with the wine and environment of Malibu Wines. If you are a lover of fine wine and enjoy Napa or Sonoma, this will seem like a frat party. WINESWine is only served by the bottle or in flights. In my opinion, the wine is not very good. I tried several and only liked the Chardonnay.FOODThey do NOT serve food or snacks so bring your own. Along with a blanket or chair to camp out on the grass with your bottles of wine.SERVICEThe servers really didn't know wine or how to pour it. For example, while enjoying a flight the server poured the second wine into the same wine glass. Never had that happen at a tasting before.RESTROOMSTwo standard restrooms and several outhouses.VALETQuick and courteous. I would recommend such since the venue is on a dirt road. Parking on your own would be tough.Overall, this is a fun day trip for friends. But do not expect an exemplary sensory experience. Go there to get drunk and share a few laughs while looking at the mountains.

My son and his girl friend took us to Malibu Wines and we had a great time. We brought food we had purchased earlier from the fabulous Calabasas Farmers Market and of course bought our wine there. The wine was excellent. We saw bridal showers, bachelor parties, themed groups, and groups into amazing cheese with their wine.We enjoyed live music and the people watching was fascinating. Even if there isn't a table available, bring a blanket and sit on the turf. (No ants) I would definitely go back.

A beautiful location for a picnic with friends. All they serve is wine and water, so bring your own snacks, soft drinks and picnic blanket. Web site says they don't take reservations, but when we arrived there were several tables with "reserved for" signs that stayed empty the whole time (about 3 hours). So apparently, they do take reservations. Even though they were extremely busy, we were able to squeeze in and do 2 tastings. For our second tasting, the bar tender, recommended that we sit down and just come up when ready for a refill. Overall a beautiful location, will definitely go back with friends, but earlier in the day so we can get a table.

This place was absolutely amazing. One of a kind area. Loved the vibes, location, and scenery. It was beautiful and the wines were great. Get the local wines. It was so serene and relaxing. I would definitely return.