Why Malibu Makes Great Wine
One of the many draws of AJA wine is the location of our vineyard. Located in the Malibu Coast AVA (American Viticultural Area), our grapes grow in a supportive climate that helps produce rich, high-quality wine. But why is Malibu such a grape-growing hotspot?
Malibu is an eco-diverse region with many microclimates that let a wide variety of grapes flourish. The grapes are enriched by the soil and flavored by the natural elements of the ocean and mountain ranges nearby. Here are a few reasons Malibu makes some of the world’s best wine grapes.
The Climate
What makes Malibu unique is the wide variety of climates found across the region. Climate varies by a vineyard’s location: elevation, weather patterns, and proximity to the ocean all play a role.
Malibu sits in the Santa Monica Mountains, which use the neighboring Pacific Ocean to create a mix of temperature, humidity, and cloud cover. The mountain range hosts a network of vineyards that use different elevations to keep specific grapes in the right conditions.
Grapes that need more humidity and oceanic fog thrive at lower elevations closer to the ocean, which is where you’ll find vineyards specializing in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes need a warmer, drier climate, found in the higher-elevation vineyards. The mountain range and proximity to the ocean are key reasons Malibu is a premier destination for vineyards like ours.
How Does Malibu Compare to Other Wine Regions?
The Malibu Coast AVA has a climate profile similar to the Mediterranean region of Europe, where vineyards are also nestled in mountains along the sea, allowing for similar grape production far from our Malibu home.
That sets it apart from other wine regions that produce grapes that wouldn’t thrive here. Our warm summer climate also compares to the southern hemisphere’s coastal Chile and the Adelaide Hills in South Australia. Our vineyard specializes in growing warm-climate grapes shaped by our climate and soil.
We Are Proud to Call Malibu Home
We’re honored to be one of the few Malibu Coast AVA vineyards. Our luck has given us the opportunity to produce beautiful wines that carry the flavor of our Malibu microclimate. We hope you continue to enjoy our many wines, and we can’t wait for you to try our new vintages.
Sincerely sipping,
Braden