The AJA Story Through an Intern’s Lens
AJA’s flavors are rooted in family values. Every wine is shaped by the network and determination that come from Todd and Heather Greenbaum’s love of wine. AJA was founded by Todd and Heather after they bought their first vineyard in 2010. AJA is named for Todd and Heather’s children: Amanda, Jack, and Alec. That first vineyard was later named Pamela’s Vineyard, after Todd’s mother, full of wisdom and love, who anchors the family with her compassion.
Our Flagship Wine, Syrah
AJA’s flagship wine, Syrah, captures the flavors of the ocean breeze drifting into the Malibu hills. The Malibu Coast AVA (American Viticultural Area) creates a perfect climate for Syrah grapes to thrive, with warm sunny days and cool nights. Our Syrah is award-winning, with delicious notes of berries and vanilla and hints of black pepper.
Miracle Vineyard
In 2013, our second vineyard was planted with a blend of five grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, to make a Bordeaux-style blend. AJA’s Miracle Vineyard was named after Heather’s mother, Doreen, nicknamed “the Miracle Maker.” During the Malibu fires of 2018, it was a miracle the fire stopped at the perimeter of the vineyard, sparing both the house and the vines.
Our Bordeaux-Style Wines
This vineyard is the starting point for our Malibu Coast Cabernet Sauvignon and FIVE wines. Our Cabernet Sauvignon has been a fan favorite among red wine drinkers. These wines carry the rich history held in the soil of the vineyard, and pair brilliantly with earthy, bold flavors. They were a fantastic addition to AJA’s collection once Todd was ready to create a Bordeaux-style blend, both wines using the earth itself to guide their taste.
Eds’ Vineyard
In 2018, AJA planted Sauvignon Blanc grapes, a perfect contrast to the other plump purple grapes on the estate. This third vineyard was named after Todd and Heather’s fathers, Ed and Edward, and is aptly called Eds’ Vineyard.
One of my personal favorites is AJA’s Sauvignon Blanc. The label says it all: the topography these grapes grow in gives the wine an almost paradise-like flavor. It’s the ultimate pool or beach-side wine, with a medium-bodied structure that lets harmony and fruit shine through. This wine is the Malibu Coast: the eyes-shut dream of what this coast embodies, with a natural, light, soothing taste that feels like a beach day in a glass.
From Rosé to Chardonnay
Stemming from our Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon is our Wildflower Rosé, with a beautiful pink hue from the skins of the purple grapes. This rosé is sharp and elegant, inspiring a lustful feeling after tasting it, a vacation romance in a glass.
And lastly, our new Central Coast Chardonnay. This wine was my first introduction to AJA Vineyards and has a special place in my heart. Its natural, earthy oak flavor is the epitome of wine history, paying homage to Chardonnay’s roots in Burgundy, France, while marking AJA’s next step forward.
We’re so happy you’re able to join us on this wine journey, and we hope you taste our love of wine in every bottle. As we continue into this next chapter of AJA Vineyards, thank you for your support.
Sincerely sipping,
Braden