Spotted throughout the mountains of Malibu is a wine region with boutique vineyards and tasting rooms waiting to be explored.
While it’s only a short drive to sip some great wines and enjoy an ocean view, Malibu Discovery has been showing off the region with its tours for the past four years.
Running seven days a week, its signature Malibu Wine Trail tour offers three winery stops and lunch at a Malibu restaurant.
Among its tasting room partners are Rosenthal Tasting Room, Cornell Winery, SIP Malibu, Malibu Wines, Malibu and Vine, and also special stops at the Hirsh Estate and Rosenthal Estate.
As for the restaurants, expect to dine (and drink more wine) at Kristy’s Wine Bar, The Sunset Restaurant, Duke’s Malibu, or the Malibu Café.
Malibu Discovery president Ken Fasola said like many start-ups, the tour company first started out of an apartment.
“It was my concept and vision, and along with my business partner Mike Dwyer, we just kept working at putting together great tour experiences,” Fasola said. “We started with the wine tours, but now do specialty sightseeing tours, hiking tours, Presidential Library tours, and our new Pasadena tour. Los Angeles has a lot to offer: celebrities, history, entertainment – we will continue to package superior tour experiences that appeal to both locals and visitors. We also are planning to launch a new retail concept in the next year.”
He said its Wine Tour constantly received high praise and ratings from travel publications, hotel and hospitality industry organizations, and excellent reviews on Yelp!, TripAdvisor, and other internet review sites.
“Malibu is what makes the wine tour unique, and the way we deliver the story of its history, celebrities, and wine country,” Fasola said. “People on our tours are thinking wine tasting, of course, but what amazes them is the great scenic beauty of the wine tour through the canyons and along the coast – it is truly stunning.”
He said Malibu offers a much different wine region experience than Napa or the Central Coast.
“Our wine vintners are unique and the Malibu setting is unique,” he said. “Also, our lunch stop during the tour is always special – great food, scenic views, and a relaxed atmosphere. So, most people love the completeness of the tour – from start to finish everything is made special. Plus it is a great day vacation, without having to drive all the way up to Santa Ynez or farther.”
Fasola said there is a unique story for almost every tour – and they’ve had thousands of tours.
“One that represents what our tours are all about was when we had a couple from Santa Monica, a couple from New Jersey, and four visitors from Slovakia – a real mix of people,” Fasola said. “While the guests were polite and reserved at the beginning of the tour, it ended with everyone singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond on the way home. The tour really brings people together – both visitors, friends and families – in a unique and very fun way. It really is a beautiful thing to behold.”
He said the tours are great for individuals, couples, groups, and company outings, adding “it really works for everyone.”
“And that we love what we do – we have a real passion for entertaining people and providing them one of the best days of their lives,” he said. “Although we are excited to have just celebrated our four year anniversary, we cannot wait for the next four years – the best is yet to come.”
For more information, call 310.393.6555 or visit malibudiscovery.com.
