Our Wines

Grapes and Wines From the Malibu Coast

The Malibu Coast in Southern California is a large AVA, or American viticultural area. It covers the area northwest of Los Angeles, including the Santa Monica mountains. With a climate similar to that of the Mediterranean ecosystem, the Malibu Coast AVA encompasses just under 45,000 acres of privately owned vineyards.

Although it is one of the newer AVAs in the United States, having become an official AVA in July 2014, the Malibu Coast area is already renowned for its viticulture. Some of the most talked-about grape varieties from this area are Cabernet, Chardonnay and Sauvignon.

How Does the Malibu Coast AVA Soil and Climate Contribute to the Winemaking Process?

Thanks to the rain shadow effect and the volcanic and mineral composition of the soil, the Malibu Coast AVA has the perfect conditions for grapes to grow. This AVA is home to several microclimates. The microclimates allow for both warm climate and cool climate wines.

Wine connoisseurs, enthusiasts, and those who just enjoy the beverage know the value of wine from the Malibu coast. You’ll find wines from the Santa Monica Mountains and other locations in southern California are unique. But before you visit this area, it’s vital to understand what makes these wines stand out and why someone would opt for them over other available options.

What Makes California Wine Different?

If you’re taking a wine tour, the views of Santa Monica and Malibu Wine Country are breathtaking. The wine is also exquisite due to the climate, elevation, topography, and sustainability of the area.

Climate

From April to October, the weather in California is warm, sunny, and dry, which is the ideal Mediterranean-type climate tha’s known for producing delicious, satisfying grapes for wine. Used to make a variety of wines, such as zinfandel, chardonnay, and pinot noir, grapes can be grown successfully across the state of California thanks to the relatively stress-free environmental conditions.

Elevation

California is known for its varying elevations of sun-drenched soils, which benefit growers and winemakers. Because of these elevations, the grapes are less at risk of damage from heavy rain, frost, or wind. The elevations also allow for an abundance of grapes to be grown in the area for high-quality wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Topography

The Pacific Ocean and several mountain ranges throughout Napa, Sonoma, Santa Barbara, and the surrounding region influence the temperatures. For instance, the natural cooling process of the fog and wind helps the grapes retain acidity, allowing them to remain fresh.

Sustainability

California farmers focus on biodiversity and soil health. Rather than chemicals, you’ll often find farmers utilizing sheep and other grazing animals to control weeds. At AJA, we hand remove the weeds and never add chemicals to our soil.

Why Drink Wine From the Malibu Coast?

Wine from the Malibu Coast is extremely approachable, even at the first sip. There is always something for someone.  Whether you only drink white wine, or prefer something delightfully bold and beautiful, we have it here! We can help you find your new favorite wine, too. You can read our general wine guide here, or our seasonal wine guide here. California wine varies from wine in other countries, and it’s worth a try, especially if you’ve never tried southern California wines in the past. If you’re in the area, please stop by for a wine tasting. Otherwise, we ship to numerous states across the U.S. and invite you to become a member of the AJA Wine Club so you can try a variety of our wines at your convenience. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with the latest news and updates on our wine offerings.