2988 S . Coast Hwy , Laguna Beach • ( 949 ) 770-1817 WOOD | CARPET | STONE | GRANITE | TILE
Bryan cut short his studies in viticulture and enology at University of California , Davis , to join the effort , learning from other winemakers in the region . In fact , 20 years ago , he led a team of wine growers in proposing boundary lines for a new appellation , the Santa Rita Hills AVA , which was adopted in 2001 . The area has grown over the years , producing top-notch wine .
Eclectic vintage decor offers much to explore at Babcock Winery & Vineyards .
Love Garden rose , tasting wine here feels like a magical journey . One of the most impressive is an extremely rich port called Until Venus , a 2019 vintage made from late-season petit verdot grapes and fortified with brandy .
Owned by Bryan and Lisa Babcock , the property was originally purchased by Bryan ’ s parents , Mona and Walter , who were also the proprietors of Walt ’ s Wharf in Seal Beach . They transformed the land from growing lima beans to chardonnay , sauvignon blanc and gewurztraminer grapes and began producing wine .
DINE When you ’ re done traveling the wine trail for the day , return to Solvang , where some excellent dining options await . Consider Coast Range , which has been highlighted by the Michelin Guide — and for good reason . The intimate space features private booths with walls on three sides among the seating options in addition to a patio . Decor ranges from nautical to cowboy-inspired at this butcher shop and restaurant in one .
Diners can ’ t go wrong with any of the menu items , but the French onion soup with truffle cheese gratinee is next level . Most of the menu is steaks ( think bone-in rib-eye , wagyu tomahawk and filet mignon ) and sides , but diners can also choose from oysters , shrimp scampi , chicken fried steak and miso-glazed cod . Those with children tagging along can rest assured
A patio and kid-friendly menu options are great for families at Coast Range .
that they have kid-friendly options too : grilled cheese , chicken fingers , pasta with butter or marinara , a 5-ounce steak and more .
In the morning , you must visit Olsen ’ s Danish Village Bakery for coffee and all manner of pastries and baked goods . You ’ ll feel like a kid in a candy store with the glass cases full of apple strudel , chocolate-dipped lady fingers , coconut macaroons , almond-raspberry tarts and , well , Danishes with cream or fruit filling . Get one or two for breakfast and a bag of others for the road — trust us , it ’ s a long drive home without pastries in the car . — S . S .
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2988 S . Coast Hwy , Laguna Beach • ( 949 ) 770-1817 WOOD | CARPET | STONE | GRANITE | TILE
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 61