This week’s episode of The Wine Down is dedicated to the topic of Malibu Wines. Sonja and Brandon are joined by Tim Skogstrom (show producer and owner of Cornell Winery) and Jim Palmer (owner of Malibu Vineyards). The group discuss the unique geography and terroir of Malibu and the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains and go into depth on what makes this region ideal for winemaking. Jim Palmer shares insight on what it takes to deal with the challenges of planting a vineyard and sustaining a wine making operation. This week’s wine mission results are revealed as Sonja shares what red wine goes with fish and Brandon shares his discovery of what vegetable dish pairs well with Riesling.

Long time Malibu resident Jim Palmer began growing wine grapes in Western Malibu nine years ago and has been making wine during the past five years. His first commercial release, Malibu Vineyards 2003 Single Vineyard Syrah won a Silver Medal in the Limited Production Rhone Style Class at the L.A. County Fair 2005 Wines of the World Competition and a six-bottle wooden box case sold for $3,100. at the UCLA John Wayne Cancer Charity Fundraiser in May 2005.

Tim Skogstrom started Cornell Winery & Tasting Room in the Santa Monica Mountains back in 2006. Tim built his tasting room as a tribute to the many wines that hail from the sun-drenched hills above LA and Cornell is the only place in the area where guests can experience all of the producers in one place.