Squeeze OC Magazine
O.C. winery is a hidden gem
Save a trip to Napa and head to Laguna Canyon for a wine-tasting treat.
By COURTNEY CROITORI
SqueezeOC.com
Blink and you might miss this hidden winery nestled in the canyon of Laguna Beach since November 2004.
The third winery in Orange County, and the only one with a public tasting room, this charming storefront is catty-corner to the Laguna College of Art and Design, and its large windows offer views of the oak barrels that house the wines.
Winemaker Marlowe Huber, an import from Vancouver, British Columbia, chose the locale because of California's rich wine reputation and Laguna's active interest in art culture (not to mention he met his wife here).
Once he greeted us and explained the brief history of the winery, Huber was quick to answer our questions regarding the wines and explained the differences between aroma, bouquet and what exactly causes headaches after wine drinking (besides overindulging, it's those damned sulfites!)
There are four reds, four whites and one dessert wine offered, from a variety of regions in Northern California, Oregon, Washington and Italy.
The California Chardonnay, while light and refreshing, paled in comparison to the Italian Pinot Grigio that boasted full flavors of pear, apricot and toasted hazelnut.
My friend sampled two reds worth noting: the Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon-California/Italy was mild, fruity and would make a great everyday red, while the Sangiovese-California, a more complex red with hints of black licorice, was the standout of the evening and made the trip through the canyon worthwhile.
If you're looking to increase your knowledge of wines, the Laguna Canyon Winery also offers monthly classes at reasonable prices, with tastings included.
We walked away with more than our favorite two bottles of wine and complementary wine glasses. We found that this inviting, confident and local winery is the place to go for a relaxed wine-tasting experience.
Laguna Canyon Winery
2133 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach
949-715-9463
www.lagunacanyonwinery.com
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