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Podcasts Take Two
The fight over the Santa Monica Mountain wine industry
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May 9, 2014
Listen • 4:38
The fight over the Santa Monica Mountain wine industry
No one knows exactly how many vineyards exist in the mountains. Some estimate there are about 50. About half would close under a new coastal land use plan.
Donald Schmitz hugs his dog, Duke, while holding a glass of cabernet made from his grapes. Schmitz produced 2001, 2005 and 2012 labels.
Donald Schmitz hugs his dog, Duke, while holding a glass of cabernet made from his grapes. Schmitz produced 2001, 2005 and 2012 labels.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
The vines on Donald Schmitz's property produce about three to five tons of grapes each year.
The vines on Donald Schmitz's property produce about three to five tons of grapes each year.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
Vines are located on the north and south-facing sides of wine-maker Donald Schmitz's property. Schmitz produces wine under his label, Malibu Solstice.
The vines are located on the north and south-facing sides of Donald Schmitz's property. HIs wines are labeled differently depending on which side the grapes came from.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
Cindy Agran, left, and Jefferey Marlow visit the Santa Monica Mountains for wine tasting at Cornell Winery and Tasting Room.
Cindy Agran, left, and Jefferey Marlow visit the Santa Monica Mountains for wine tasting at Cornell Winery and Tasting Room.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
Customers at at Cornell Winery and Tasting Room in Agoura Hills do a tasting on Friday afternoon, April 25.
Customers at at Cornell Winery and Tasting Room in Agoura Hills do a tasting on Friday afternoon, April 25.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
Local wines are for sale at Cornell Winery and Tasting Room.
Local wines are for sale at Cornell Winery and Tasting Room.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)

No one knows exactly how many vineyards exist in the mountains. Some estimate there are about 50. About half would close under a new coastal land use plan.

When you hear "California wines,"  Napa Valley or the Central Coast might come to mind. But the Santa Monica Mountains also have a budding wine industry...for now.

KPCC's Jed Kim says it may not be compatible with a new land-use management plan being developed.