Hollywood Family Winery Closes After Wildfire Devastation

Rosenthal – The Malibu Estate, a winery founded and operated by a Hollywood family for four decades, has ceased operations. The brand's primary distribution hub, a tasting room on Pacific Coast Highway, was obliterated by the 2025 Palisades wildfire.

This wildfire devastated over 6,800 structures, and the tasting room site remains inaccessible as it serves as a staging ground for extensive cleanup efforts. The government has not provided a timeline for potential commercial tenant returns.

The Rosenthal family, also known for Raleigh Studios and the Sunset Marquis hotel, began planting grapes in Malibu's Newton Canyon in 1985. The estate grew to 240 acres, producing varietals like cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay.

This was not the first disaster for The Malibu Estate; a previous tasting room was lost to fire in 2012, and the Woolsey wildfire in 2017 destroyed nearly all of the Newton Canyon vineyard.

Mark Rosenthal cited the cumulative impact of these catastrophes and a general decline in alcohol consumption among younger demographics as reasons for closing. He stated that without a significant distribution channel like the tasting room, continuing the business is not feasible.

Rosenthal is now seeking to sell the Newton Canyon property, envisioning its potential conversion into a luxury inn or rehabilitation center due to its scenic setting. He previously sold the family's soundstage business to Hackman Capital Partners in 2021.

Significant renovations are underway at the Sunset Marquis hotel, with an eight-figure investment planned to complete upgrades by the 2028 Summer Olympics. The family will maintain a library of Rosenthal vintages. The final guided tasting at the vineyard is scheduled for September 26, with wine club members offered steep discounts on remaining bottles.