TOP LEFT : COURTESY OF MCCLAIN CELLARS ; BOTTOM LEFT AND MIDDLE : COURTESY OF LAGUNA CANYON WINERY ; OPPOSITE PAGE : COURTESY OF MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH

The local wine scene is definitely having a moment , with a number of new tasting rooms opening their doors in recent years . And with some offering things like charcuterie boards , special labels , live music or even crafting to go along with tastings , they ’ ve become some of the most popular spots in town to unwind .

Local restaurants have embraced the trend , too , presenting winning wine lists to accompany the luxurious dishes on their menus . Whether you ’ re hoping to sample a number of varietals or sip on one vino in particular , you ’ ll find plenty of options here in town .

BLISSFUL BOTTLES Laguna Canyon Winery , the oldest tasting room and only true winery in Laguna Beach , celebrates its 20th anniversary this year . These wines are the only ones actually made in town , solidifying the winery as an important fixture in the local scene , with crushing , fermentation , pressing , barrel aging and bottling all taking place on-site in Laguna Canyon .

Founder and winemaker J . J . Huber grew up in Canada , where he opened two wineries before venturing to Southern California . “ My wife selected this location in 2003 , as one can get the sense that there are vineyards amongst the rolling hills of the canyon ,” Huber says .

Between studying under an Italian winemaker and learning from a professor at the University of California , Davis , Huber has an immense knowledge of the process , doing

the majority of it himself — even picking grapes and trucking them down from vineyards in Napa and Sonoma counties .

The winery currently offers three whites , two roses and 11 red wines . “ Our reds are unfiltered ,” he adds , “ so grapey , earthy , natural and more pungent flavors .” Stop by for wine tastings , cheese and charcuterie boards , and special events with live music ; these wines can only be purchased directly from the winery , either at the tasting room or online .

Also situated in Laguna Canyon is McClain Cellars , which is located near Laguna Beach Brewing Co . at The Hive . This small but mighty tasting room , which opened its doors in 2019 , is anything but ordinary , specializing in wine blends that tell a story , from their flavor to their name to the colorful , artistic labels on the bottles .

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 53