Malibu-Newton Canyon AVA

Malibu-Newton Canyon
Wine region
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established1996
Years of wine industry28
CountryUnited States
Part ofCalifornia, Los Angeles County , Malibu Coast AVA
Other regions in California, Los Angeles County , Malibu Coast AVASaddle Rock-Malibu AVA
Growing season296 days
Climate regionRegion V
Heat units4,000-4,100 GDD
Precipitation (annual average)24 in (610 mm)
Soil conditionsLoam to clay loam
Total area850 acres (1 sq mi)
Size of planted vineyards25 acres (10 ha)
No. of vineyards1
Grapes producedCabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Viognier
No. of wineries1

Malibu-Newton Canyon is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in western Los Angeles County, California, in the Malibu area . It was established on June 12, 1996 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Mr. George Rosenthal, President of Rancho Escondido, Inc., proposing a viticultural appellation to be named "Malibu-Newton Canyon." The viticultural area lies entirely within Newton Canyon, a mountain basin that sits just below Castro Peak, one of the highest elevations located on the oceanside of the Santa Monica Mountains. The bowl-shaped canyon is what distinguishes Malibu-Newton Canyon from the surrounding areas. Vineyards currently within the area are only located on the Rosenthal – The Malibu Estate. The Estate is a 250 acres (100 ha) property entirely within the Malibu-Newton Canyon viticultural area where approximately 25 acres (10 ha) are cultivating premium winegrapes. Varietials include Cabernet Savignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Petite Verdot.