Laguna Canyon Winery has been in operation about 6 years. Brothers, Marlowe and Darren Huber, vintners/proprietors originate from Canada and have been in the wine business approximately 20 years. The winery may be fairly young but they have consistently won awards at the Orange County Fair. The largest competition in the state.
They are located on Laguna Canyon Road just up the street from the Laguna Arts Festival. They will be opening another tasting room downtown Laguna Beach in the very near future.
The winery has a very intimate setting; nice dark woods, oak barrel aromas, the sweet scent of wine. Everything is done on the premises from wine making to corking. I stopped by once for a wine barrel tasting and was delighted with the aromas as I walked in.
For 30 years the Wyland Gallery (famous whale artist) was located in the building right next door to the Laguna Canyon Winery. A relationship was developed over the past 6 years...and wala! A new wine label is added to the menu. Wyland Cellars. Just gotta love fate!
Marlowe was tending bar yesterday and he poured the following:
2008 Sauvignon Blanc - Rutherford, Napa Valley. Citrus, lemon grass, guava fruit, gooseberry, flint. Pair with grilled poultry, marinated pork or smoked trout.
2008 Wyland Chardonnay - Pineridge Winery, Napa Valley. Orange County Fair award winner. Apple, pear, citrus, vanilla. Pair with seafood, turkey, crab cake, seaweed salad.
2006 Zinfandel - Russian River Valley. Boysenberry, cranberry, and black cherry, with hints of black pepper. Pair with outdoor grilled steak of chops, barbecued chicken or ribs.
2006 Wyland Organic Syrah - Los Carneros, Sonoma Valley. Orange County Fair award winner. Vanilla, sweet wood, spice, blackberry, black current, tannin. Pair with steak, sausage, lamb, venison.
2005 Wyland Inaugural Cabernet Sauvignon - Paso Robles. Orange County Fair award winner. Deep, toasted oak, earth, leather, spice, black currant, black cherry, tannins. Pair with fillet Mignon or rib eye steak.
Like most wineries in California, Laguna Canyon Winery does not have a restaurant, but what they do have is monthly dinners that are quite something. Reservations can also be made for any type of celebration event.
I enjoyed myself very much chatting with Marlowe about wine and food and I thank him for his hospitality. I wish the Huber family much success!
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