Bet you didn’t know that you could explore a vineyard AND see wild animals — all not far from downtown Los Angeles.
But you can, thanks to Malibu Wine Safaris.
The tour of the vineyard includes tastings of wines made from grapes grown in the Santa Monica Mountains, a little known but emerging region that is producing some excellent wines.
The vineyard and ranch cover around 1,000 acres, so there’s ample opportunity to “pull over to the side of the road,” soak in the scenery, and sample the local gifts of the grape.
While that’s a fun way to visit a winery, it’s not unique. Other estates in other regions offer vineyard tours in various types of vehicles, with stops for sampling along the way.
What sets Malibu Wine Safaris apart are the animals you’ll encounter along the way. And these aren’t Animatronic inventions — they’re the real thing.
We’re talking zebras… camels… alpacas… bison. There’s even a giraffe — with a name: Stanley.
Malibu Wine Safaris even will provide pellets, carrots and bananas for feeding the various critters.
A number of tour packages are offered, and you can read more about them here. The winery asks that you book at least 48 hours in advance.
Be aware that the safari trucks are built to maximize the viewing experience, and it may be challenging for some to get in and out of them. Malibu Wine Safari’s website has an informative FAQ section that should answer all of your questions.
