The 2025 AJA Vineyards Wine & Food Pairing Guide
Wine is more than something you sip, it’s an experience meant to be shared around the table with food, family, and friends. Here’s our guide to pairing this year’s current releases.
Crisp Whites & Rosé
2024 Eds’ Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Malibu Coast): bright and zesty, with lime, green apple, and minerality. Try it with oysters on the half shell, goat cheese crostini with honey, or a Thai mango salad. Chill to 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit and serve in a tulip-shaped white wine glass.
2023 Sauvignon Blanc (Happy Canyon, Santa Barbara): fresh citrus and tropical notes of grapefruit, peach, and pineapple. Pairs well with shrimp ceviche, peach and goat cheese crostini, or grilled asparagus with lemon.
2024 Chardonnay (Central Coast): a classic expression with stone fruit and subtle oak. Complements roasted chicken with herb butter, mushroom risotto, and brie with apricot jam.
2024 Wildflower Rosé (Paso Robles): delicate, refreshing, and endlessly sippable. Pairs well with watermelon feta salad, shrimp tacos, and berry tart. Keep it well chilled.
2020 Malibu Coast Rosé: peach, nectarine, and wild strawberry notes with a hint of salinity. Try it with a Niçoise salad, tuna sushi rolls, or a peach galette.
Sparkling for Every Celebration
2023 Extra Brut Sparkling (Monterey): crisp, elegant bubbles suited to a toast or a casual glass. Pair with smoked salmon blinis, truffle popcorn, or lemon mascarpone shortbread. Keep it ice cold and serve in a flute or coupe.
Bold & Beautiful Reds
2020 Cabernet Sauvignon (Miracle Vineyard, Malibu Coast): Luxardo cherry, blackberry, tobacco, and licorice. Ideal with grilled ribeye, aged cheddar with fig jam, or dark chocolate. Decant for 30 minutes before serving at 60 to 65 degrees.
2022 Winemaker’s Red Blend (Central Coast): smooth and approachable. Try it with lamb meatballs, barbecue ribs, or gouda cheese.
2019 Five Red Wine (Miracle Vineyard, Malibu Coast): rich, bold, and age-worthy. Pairs with braised short ribs, mushroom ragout, or aged parmesan with figs. Decant for one hour before serving.
Serving & Storage Tips
- White wines and rosé are best served chilled, 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Sparkling wines should be kept ice cold, 40 to 45 degrees.
- Red wines are best at cellar temperature, 60 to 65 degrees.
- Bold reds benefit from 30 to 60 minutes of air before drinking.
Join the Wine Club
AJA Wine Club members receive exclusive releases, priority access to limited wines, special pricing, and invitations to members-only events. Learn more about the wine club.
Visit Us
Our tasting room is located at 1417 2nd Street, Suite C, in Santa Monica. Reserve a tasting for a guided flight or a chance to explore these wines yourself.
Pairings taste better when shared, so grab a bottle, whip up one of these dishes, and let Malibu come alive in your glass.