Cornell Wine Tasting Room is located along Mulholland Highway in what once was the town of Cornell. The motto here is “Drink Local Wine,” and a wide selection of wines from grapes harvested in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Step inside the rustic wine tasting room, enjoy some wine, kick back on the porch, and watch the parade of exotic cars pass by along Mulholland Highway. The tasting room also features paintings and photography by local artists that can be purchased or viewed.
There are about 50 vineyards in the Santa Monica Mountains; some are just hobbies, while others have elaborate affairs with several hundred acres. Local wines featured at Cornell include Rosenthal Estate Vineyards, Santa Monica Mountains Vineyards, Malibu Valley Vineyards, and Trancas Vineyards.
Next door to Cornell Winery is The Old Place restaurant. They serve breakfast on weekends and dinner all week long. The Old Place is not your run-of-the-mill eatery, with only four booths and bar seating; it’s just the opposite.
Cornell Winery is centered in “The Three Magical Miles” of Mulholland Highway. Just east of the wine tasting room is Paramount Ranch, where they have been making movies since the 1920s.
Cornell Winery and the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains are a treasure trove of things to do and places to see. Cornell is a good starting point for a day trip to the Santa Monica Mountains. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Old Place, then head off and explore the local area.
The Old Place Restaurant
The Old Place is a unique restaurant located adjacent to Cornell Tasting Room. Breakfast menu items include Blue Corn Meal Flap and cinnamon rolls. Dinner selections include Oak grilled Black Angus Sirloin, Wild Rosemary Pale Ale Chicken, “Old Place” Steamed Clams, plus seasonal specials.
Cornell Winery Nearby Things To Do
Mulholland Highway
If you head south and climb Mulholland Highway through a section called the “twisties” or “snake,” you end up at a world-famous biker hangout, the Rock Store. The entire route is about 50 miles from Calabasas to Pacific Coast Highway. Part of this route is currently closed to traffic.
Peter Strauss Ranch
Directly across the street from Cornell is Peter Strauss Ranch, part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Peter Strauss Ranch has free parking, no admission charge, and is open from dawn to dusk.
Malibou Lake
Nearby is Malibu Lake; the story goes that residents renamed the lake Malibou Lake to hide the lake from tourists. Malibou Lake is private and lined with million-dollar estates, but you can drive along Lake Vista Drive and take a peek.
Malibou Lake was originally going to be the most significant social club in Southern California in the 1920s. The lake never achieved this status, although a clubhouse was built in 1924. Twelve years later, the clubhouse burnt down and was replaced with the current structure, which hosts weddings and events.
Troutdale Fishing Lake
(Closed) Another interesting little nearby place is Troutdale, a small fishing lake where you are guaranteed to catch a fish. Perfect for a family outing or as a place to teach kids how to fish.
Paramount Ranch
Paramount Ranch offers miles of hiking trails and a real western movie town. If you only have time for one-stop, Paramount Ranch should be it. Kids will love running around the “Ghost Town.”
If you bring your hiking boots, the most popular hike in the park is to the MASH filming location.
Western Town at Paramount Ranch was severely damaged in a wildfire. The National Park Service plans to rebuild the western buildings that meet current fire codes. The two remaining buildings are the chapel and train depot.
Where is Cornell Winery & Tasting Room
Cornell Winery & Tasting Room. 29975 Mulholland Hwy Agoura Hills, CA 91301. 818-735-3542 Open Thursday – Sunday 10 am – 9 pm.
Direction From The South: Take 101 N. Exit Kanan Rd. Turn left. Travel 4 miles to Troutdale Rd. Turn left. Mulholland Hwy. From Santa Monica/Malibu – Take Pacific Coast Highway North. Kanan Rd. Turn right. Troutdale Rd. Turn Right. Mulholland Hwy.
Direction From The North: Take 101 S. Exit Kanan Rd. Turn left. Travel approximately 4 miles to Troutdale Rd. Turn left. Mulholland Hwy. Cornell Winery makes a great day trip, and with so many other nearby things to see, it doesn’t get any better.