Malibu’s 2 Top Wine Tours

Malibu is famous for its stunning coastline, celebrity sightings, and world-class wineries. But what often goes unnoticed is how many uniquely different wine-related experiences you can enjoy here. Whether you’re after a relaxed picnic with a view, a guided hike through the vineyards, or a full-day tour combining wine, food, and the beach, Malibu offers options that suit a variety of interests and schedules.

We’ve curated this list based on ratings, reviews, value, and authentic experiences. From the highly-rated Malibu: Guided Vineyard Hike with Photo Stops and Wine — a combination of gentle outdoor activity and local history — to the Malibu Wine, Food & Beach Tour that blends celebrity spotting with wine tasting and beach lounging, you’ll find detailed insights into what makes each tour special. Expect practical details, honest reviews, and tips on who each tour is best for. Our goal is to help you pick an experience that matches your style, whether you’re a solo traveler craving adventure or a group of friends seeking a fun day out.

In this guide, you’ll find comprehensive descriptions of both tours, including highlights like cave paintings, organic gardens, celebrity homes, and picturesque beaches, as well as practical advice on booking and timing.

1. Malibu: Guided Vineyard Hike with Photo Stops and Wine

This popular vineyard hike experience stands out for its combination of outdoor activity, cultural history, and wine to-go, all within a two to three-hour outing. The tour begins with a 2.5-mile guided hike around a private Malibu vineyard, which is perfect for those who enjoy a relaxed walk amid stunning scenery. You’ll pass rocky peaks, native oaks, and the organic garden, all while learning about the area’s natural and agricultural history.

What makes this tour unique is its focus on native Chumash cave paintings, offering a glimpse into the indigenous heritage of Malibu. The terrain is easy to moderate with a 300-foot elevation gain, making it accessible for most people, but not suitable for strollers or wagons. After the hike, you’ll receive a complimentary pair of wine cans to enjoy at your own pace. The reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides—many mention Tug’s friendly and humorous approach—and the breathtaking views.

Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you want a blend of light adventure and cultural insight with the bonus of a wine treat at the end. It’s excellent for active travelers who enjoy nature and history without a full-day commitment.

2. Malibu Wine, Food & Beach Tour

This Malibu Wine, Food & Beach Tour offers a more extensive, four-and-a-half-hour experience combining sightseeing, wine tasting, and beach relaxation. Traveling in a comfortable open-air bus with air conditioning and a sound system, you’ll explore Malibu’s most upscale sights, including celebrity homes, scenic coastal views, and natural preserves.

What makes this tour stand out is its ability to combine multiple experiences in one trip. You start at Legacy Park, a beautiful wetland, then stop at the iconic Malibu Pier for photos, followed by a high-altitude visit to Cornell Wine Co. in the Santa Monica Mountains for wine and food tasting. The tour concludes with a stop at Point Dume State Beach, where you can walk or relax on the sand. You’re welcome to bring your own drinks along, adding a personalized touch.

Reviews highlight the engaging Gavin as a guide, noting his friendliness, humor, and extensive knowledge of Malibu’s history and celebrity culture. The tour’s pace, variety, and the opportunity to see both natural and man-made sights make it popular among visitors seeking a well-rounded day.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a longer, more diverse overview of Malibu’s highlights, with the added benefit of onboard wine and snacks and the chance to see celebrity homes and beaches.

How to Choose

Choosing between these two Malibu wine experiences depends on your interests, schedule, and activity level. If you prefer a shorter, active outing that combines nature and culture, the Malibu: Guided Vineyard Hike is an excellent option. It’s particularly suited if you enjoy light hikes and learning about indigenous history, with the bonus of wine to-go.

On the other hand, if you want a relaxed, comprehensive day that covers multiple iconic sites, including celebrity homes, beaches, and vineyards, the Malibu Wine, Food & Beach Tour offers more variety and social interaction. It’s also better suited for those who enjoy guided commentary and a larger group atmosphere.

Both tours are well-reviewed and offer excellent value—just at different paces and focuses. Remember to book early, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and time.

Final Thoughts

In Malibu, you can choose from active vineyard hikes with cultural insights or a luxe, all-in-one sightseeing and wine experience. The Malibu: Guided Vineyard Hike provides a more intimate, outdoorsy adventure, while the Malibu Wine, Food & Beach Tour offers a broad taste of Malibu’s glamorous lifestyle along with refreshing wine and snacks.

For those seeking a quick outdoor escape blending nature and history, the hike is hard to beat. But if your goal is to see celebrity homes, relax on a scenic beach, and enjoy a guided commentary, then the longer tour will serve you better. Both are highly rated—so consider your interests and schedule when making your choice. And don’t forget to book early—Malibu’s popular experiences fill up fast.

Enjoy your Malibu wine adventure, and cheers to discovering this beautiful stretch of California’s coast!