Tours

just a few minutes away from Los Angeles to experience one of the best kept secrets in Southern California...the unique back country wine culture of the Santa Monica Mountains.

The spectacular landscape of rural Malibu is a treasure which few visitors ever get to see and many residents have never fully explored. Our local guide will show you the real Malibu mountains, a world away from crowds & tourist attractions... high up winding coastal byways and backroads. These hidden hills & valleys are full of natural beauty, rich California history and are the home of one of the finest up coming wine regions in the world.

There are more than 50 independent vineyards in the Santa Monica mountains, and if you take a leisurely cruise, you may not see a one! Most are secreted away in remote canyons, foggy in the mornings, sunny in the afternoons and nearly invisible to the casual traveler. Some are ½ acre back yards, and some are 1,000 acre estates, but all of the growers are uniquely individual and passionate about their wines. Some of these local wineries are producing nationally acclaimed boutique wines in limited quantities, available only here in Malibu.

Take a drive with us through these rugged canyons to view vineyards perched on steep hillsides. Enjoy a walk through one of the many previously unvisited private vineyards, hosted by the winemaker or grower...sample the vintages of Rosenthal, Semler, Cielo and many more at the local tasting rooms & enjoy a gourmet lunch at a beautiful mountain retreat.

After lunch, we’ll visit 3 unique local tasting rooms to sample some of Malibu's finest wines, paired with snacks & sweets.

If you’re feeling more energetic, we can add a Ventura County stop, visiting the Camarillo Crush where most of the local wines and many Northern California wines are produced, and Cantara Cellars, one of the very few local family winemaking operations. Spend some time learning how it’s done & taste the winemakers own stock.

The personalities and the energy here are reminiscent of the first days of Napa...individualists who love their craft and their land. Meeting and talking with them is a fleeting opportunity This area is in a delicate balance between old & new. And this may be the last chance to see it before it changes forever.

Wed-Sun

Day Trips 11 AM to 5 PM includes a scenic historic tour of the mountains & Malibou Lake, with plenty of photo opportunities, lunch at either a beautiful picnic spot in the mountains or a fine local restaurant, tastings at 3 wineries with snacks and home made desserts. All of our tours are custom for your party. $199 per person - parties of 10+ $169 per person including door to door transportation within 10 miles.

Vineyard Tours (by reservation for 20+ ) 11 AM to 5 PM include all of the above plus a winemakers/growers tasting & vineyard tour at one of our premier private vineyards. Subject to availability and parties of 20 or more

Winemaker Tours in Ventura County Mon - Sun By appointment. Visit Camarillo Crush and Cantara Cellars, where you can talk with the winemakers, barrel taste and see how it's done.

Evening Tours (seasonal) It's another world at night! Start at 3 P.M. for tastings at our local tasting rooms, then choose from a picnic dinner at Malibu Family Wines with live music on Friday or Saturday, dinner at M Cafe, the most romantic dining spot in the mountains, dinner at the Old Place, a historical local hangout with fabulous food & impromptu entertainment or..... dine at the Saddlepeak Lodge, a premier destination in the hidden canyons of Malibu, the Sage Room, a tiny spot that's the best REAL Italian in the neighborhood, or Malibu Cafe.

Custom Tours Tell us what you like! We will customize your tour to include your favorite activities...in settings most folks never get to see. Hike the back trails & most romantic and historical spots in our mountains, like Charmlee Park or the old Reagan ranch. Have a private dinner at a local home, bike the local mountain trails (byobike)

Weekdays (by reservation) Enjoy a private tour of Malibu Family Wines' Saddlerock Ranch, a spectacular 1000 acre property in the heart of Malibu Wine Country.. Buffalo, Zebras, Camels and cave paintings by the indigenous Chumash Indians. Tour includes an Estate flight tasting, reserved table at Malibu Family Wines' tasting room and a catered gourmet picnic lunch. Parties of 12 or more, 3-4 week advance.

NEW! 7 days a week (by reservation) Tour and taste at the magnificent Rosenthal Estate, its own 850 acre AVA high in the coastal mountains. Parties or 20 or more, 3-4 week advance.

Historical Tours Experience the real history of "El Malibu" as it was named until 1900. A Spanish land grant dating from the 1700's, the Malibu Topanga Sequit comprised 300,000 acres between Topanga Canyon and the Ventura County Line. Visit Serra Retreat, The Adamson House, historic Cornell, the MASH site, Gillette Ranch and more...in addition to enjoying the local wines.