Are you looking for a hidden gem activity when visiting Los Angeles? If you are, then Malibu Wine Hikes should be added to your list. You can find breathtaking scenery, delectable wine, and an unforgettable experience wrapped up in one memorable tour with Malibu Wine Hikes.
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Getting to Malibu Wine Hikes
Just a 30-40 minute drive from Los Angeles, Malibu Wine Hikes is a true hidden treasure in the heart of California’s renowned wine region. It is located on the Saddle Rock Ranch, an 1100-acre property that feels like you are in a different world. There are many beautiful photo opportunities to be had! To get there, you take the scenic Pacific Coast Highway or US-101 route, which leads you to the picturesque Malibu Hills.
Options Galore for Adventure and Wine Lovers
As you venture through Malibu Wine Hikes, there are plenty of options designed for wine enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Remember, this isn’t just a hike. It’s a journey through a vast property of California wine culture, combined with the opportunity to marvel at the beauty of the surrounding nature. It is an experience that you won’t get in many other places in Southern California.
The Wine Hike
The Wine Hike is the main attraction, as suggested by its name. This tour embarks on a 2-hour guided journey, where you’ll wander through the stunning vineyards, meet the resident animals, and savor some of the best wine Malibu has to offer. And don’t forget to enjoy the gardens and fruit trees surrounding the property. This is the option I chose, and I loved every second. I preferred the hike over taking a vehicle because we got to touch and feel all the sites. Being up close in nature gives you a sense of calm and gratitude you can’t experience from a car.
Take the 4X4 for more adventure
If you’re looking for a thrilling ride around the scenic Saddlerock Ranch without having to lace up your hiking boots, this tour is for you.
The 4×4 Wine Tour is an exhilarating combination of sightseeing within the 1100-acre vineyard and beverage tasting. It gives you and up to three of your friends a unique way to explore Malibu’s vineyards. As you traverse beautiful landscapes, enjoy taking astonishing photos, indulging in delicious snacks, and savoring various wines.
Wine Tasting VW Bus
The Vintage VW bus is right for you if you want to explore even more. This Malibu wine tour not only takes you on an enjoyable ride through the lands rich with grapevines but also extends the journey out onto the roads of Malibu for a broader wine exploration experience. One of the distinct features of this tour is the music-filled ride, setting a lively ambiance as you soak in the beautiful surroundings, capture Instagram-worthy shots by the beach, and savor some of the most delectable, locally-sourced wines Malibu has to offer.
About the property
The property is huge! I did not expect it to be that grand. The property has vineyards on the hillside, and we were able to pick grapes off and taste them. Our guide told us they picked each grape by hand due to the hillside vines. They live on the property as well.
There are a few hills, all of which are easy to navigate, but make sure you wear sneakers with a grip to avoid sliding. There is a mini garden with sage, strawberries, pomegranates, and other herbs they allow you to pick from. You will have many opportunities for beautiful photo ops!
My favorite part was feeding and petting the animals. They have horses, mules, Alpacas, and llamas. All of the animals were friendly and were used to visitors. Their names are fun names based on notable figures with a twist. My favorite name was Barack O’llama.
A piece of history
Another exciting thing to see while on Malibu wine hikes is the native american paintings from the Chumash Native American tribe. They are well preserved and depict four horsemen thought to be early Spanish explorers. It is a historical landmark and fascinating to see.
Wine Tasting Experiences
While on the property, you will taste their unique wines you cannot buy in a store or take home. Specifically for the Malibu wine hikes, you get three different wine types to enjoy. The first is a frose that we enjoyed during a break. They have four canned wine options: a Red Blend, an Orange Muscat, a Pinot Blanc, and a Rose of Syrah.
They give you the option to have one can during the rest of the walk and the other one when you are done or both at once. I chose to split them up, and I am glad I did. I started with the red blend, which was delicious and potent. It had me feeling nice the rest of the hike. Once we finished, I worked off the first wine and was ready for the Pinot Blanc.
Make a day of it
After the Malibu Wine Hikes or other experiences, you can explore the other hidden Malibu wineries tucked away in the mountains. Specifically, you can use your wristband to visit the Malibu Wine and Beer Garden and receive 10% off for being on the tour. We chose to go to a spot down the street, Cornell Winery and Tasting Room. It is a little more laid back and has a restaurant next to the store. You can order food, sit outside, and enjoy the scenery.
Don’t just read about it – experience The Malibu Wine Hikes! Book a tour from their website or the others offered on tour websites and be part of the Malibu magic that has enamored so many.
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