A scenic, uncrowded wine escape from Malibu's mountains to the Ojai Valley, on L.A.'s doorstep. Updated for 2026.
The coast and mountains west of Los Angeles hide a surprising and scenic wine country, stretching from the vineyards of the Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu north through Ventura County to the charming Ojai Valley. It is a region of contrasts: pioneering mountain estates growing Bordeaux varieties within sight of the Pacific, a lively ranch destination popular with Angelenos, urban and small-town tasting rooms in Ventura and Ojai, and one genuinely cult producer in The Ojai Vineyard. With warm days, ocean and mountain air, and a laid-back Southern California feel, Malibu and Ventura County offer an easy, uncrowded wine escape right on L.A.'s doorstep.
Below are the Malibu and Ventura wineries we recommend most, a well-rounded mix spanning a cult Central Coast name, Malibu's pioneering mountain estates, and relaxed Ojai Valley stops. These are a mix of walk-in and by-appointment tastings; reserve ahead where you can. Current as of October 2026.
A cult Central Coast name
Founded in 1983 by Adam Tolmach (a co-founder of Au Bon Climat) and his wife Helen, The Ojai Vineyard is the area's most acclaimed producer, famed for elegant, cool-climate Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay from top Santa Barbara County sites, poured at a tasting room in Ojai.
Good to know: Tastings; tasting room. Ojai / Oak View.
Our tip: A must for serious wine lovers; the cool-climate Syrahs are the signature.
Malibu's pioneering estate
The first vineyard in Malibu and the estate behind the Malibu-Newton Canyon appellation, Rosenthal grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and more at 1,400 feet just a few miles from the ocean, a pioneering coastal-mountain estate with a relaxed Malibu tasting experience.
Good to know: Tastings; estate and tasting room. Malibu.
Our tip: Taste the estate Bordeaux varieties; Malibu's original and defining vineyard.
A Santa Monica Mountains destination
Set on the sprawling Saddlerock Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Wines & Saddlerock is the area's best-known wine destination, pairing estate and regional wines with a lively, scenic outdoor setting, a popular, social spot for a Malibu wine day.
Good to know: Tastings and events; ranch. Malibu.
Our tip: Come for the lively, scenic ranch setting; a social, crowd-pleasing stop.
A Tuscan-style mountain estate
High in the Santa Monica Mountains at about 2,000 feet, the Tuscan-styled Cielo Farms makes estate Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Viognier, and Petite Sirah amid olive trees and sweeping views, a beautiful, by-appointment Malibu estate and event setting.
Good to know: Tastings by appointment; estate. Malibu.
Our tip: Book ahead for the mountaintop views and estate reds; scenic and serene.
Organic Rhone-style Ojai wines
A certified organic Ojai producer, Casa Barranca makes Rhone-style and other wines with an eco-minded approach, poured in a downtown Ojai tasting room, a relaxed, sustainability-driven stop in the charming Ojai Valley.
Good to know: Tastings; tasting room. Ojai.
Our tip: Try the organic Rhone-style wines in downtown Ojai; eco-minded and relaxed.
A historic ranch setting
On a historic ranch near Oak View (between Ventura and Ojai), with the ruins of a 19th-century winery on the property, Old Creek Ranch pairs a scenic, rustic setting with estate and regional wines, a laid-back, picnic-friendly country stop.
Good to know: Tastings; ranch. Oak View / Ventura.
Our tip: Picnic at the scenic historic ranch; rustic, laid-back, and country.
A family Ojai Valley stop
A longtime family name in the Ojai Valley (also known locally for its restaurant), Boccali makes approachable estate-style wines in a relaxed, rural setting, an easygoing, welcoming stop for a casual Ojai tasting.
Good to know: Tastings; family winery. Ojai.
Our tip: An easygoing, family-run Ojai Valley stop; relaxed and welcoming.
This region spreads along the coast and hills west of Los Angeles, so it helps to pick an area. In the Santa Monica Mountains around Malibu, pioneering estates like Rosenthal and the mountaintop Cielo Farms grow Bordeaux varieties with ocean views, and Malibu Wines & Saddlerock offers a lively ranch setting, all a scenic drive up from the coast (book the by-appointment estates ahead). Further north in the Ojai Valley and around Ventura, you will find the cult Ojai Vineyard, organic Casa Barranca, the historic Old Creek Ranch, and family Boccali, a charming, laid-back cluster. Base yourself in Malibu, Ventura, or Ojai, pick an area per day, and plan for warm, sunny Southern California days that cool near the coast, so bring a light layer.
Do not expect a compact, single tasting town; this region is spread from Malibu's mountains to the Ojai Valley, so plan a route and pick an area per day. Do not skip reservations for the by-appointment mountain estates like Cielo Farms and some Malibu wineries. And do not overlook the Ojai Valley, its cult wines and charming small-town tasting rooms are a highlight well worth the drive north.
Which are the best wineries near Malibu and Ventura?
A well-rounded list includes the cult Ojai Vineyard, Malibu's pioneering Rosenthal estate, the lively Malibu Wines & Saddlerock ranch, the mountaintop Cielo Farms, the organic Casa Barranca in Ojai, the historic Old Creek Ranch, and the family-run Boccali, a mix spanning Malibu's mountains, Ventura County, and the Ojai Valley.
Is there really wine country near Malibu?
Yes. The Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu are home to several vineyards and estates, including Rosenthal (the first vineyard in Malibu and the estate behind the Malibu-Newton Canyon appellation) and the mountaintop Cielo Farms, plus the popular Malibu Wines & Saddlerock destination. They grow mostly Bordeaux varieties in a scenic coastal-mountain setting just up from the Pacific.
What is The Ojai Vineyard known for?
It is the area's cult producer. Founded in 1983 by Adam Tolmach, a co-founder of Au Bon Climat, The Ojai Vineyard is renowned for elegant, cool-climate Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay made largely from top Santa Barbara County vineyards. Its wines have a serious following, and its Ojai-area tasting room is a highlight for any committed wine lover visiting the region.
Where should I go wine tasting near Los Angeles?
For an easy escape, head to the Malibu area or the Ojai Valley. Malibu's Santa Monica Mountains have pioneering estates (Rosenthal, Cielo Farms) and the lively Malibu Wines & Saddlerock, while the Ojai Valley and Ventura offer the cult Ojai Vineyard, organic Casa Barranca, and relaxed country stops. Both are within an easy drive of L.A. and far less crowded than famous Northern California regions.
Do these wineries require reservations?
Some do. Several Malibu mountain estates, including the by-appointment Cielo Farms, require booking, while others and the Ojai and Ventura tasting rooms are more walk-in friendly. Because the region is spread out from Malibu to Ojai, it is worth planning your route and reserving the appointment-only estates ahead, especially on weekends.
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