Wine Trippin’
In Laguna Beach, California
By Linda Kissam, 'Food, Wine & Shopping Diva' Travel Expert', with photos by Allan Kissam

There’s nothing better than good wine. Then again, there’s really nothing more inspiring than great art.  But if you think about it, what could be better than an amazing hotel near the beach?  Luckily, in my search for the most unique wine venues in America, I got to experience it all in Laguna Beach, California.

I decided to visit Laguna Beach when I heard the theme for this year’s Pageant of the Masters was “Eat, Drink & Be Merry!”  Hey, I thought this was strictly an art town!  How could, and why would, the Pageant be built around a beverage and food theme, and could it live it up to the promise?  Well…it could and it did in an exceptional way that may just surprise and delight you… in a wine trippin’ kind of way of course.  It certainly did so for me.

I arrived at the hotel around noon to meet the co-owner Chris Keller in the hotel restaurant K’ya Bistro.  La Casa del Camino was built in 1929 as a seaside retreat for Hollywood movie stars.  It’s a hip Mediterranean style landmark hotel combining European charm with modern beach style and amenities. Once I met with Chris, I could see why this place is a local’s and visitor favorite.  Chris loves the place and it shows up in the details. He is passionate about Laguna.  “I don’t leave here often,” he told me. “Laguna really has everything I need.  We’re not just about art.  We’re about wine, food, and family also,” My ears of course perked up at the mention of wine. “I hope your article will help get that message out.” No problem Chris, I am on it.

I loved the hotel’s K’ya Bistro restaurant. It comes complete with an interesting food and wine menu that speaks to everyone’s taste and pocket book.  On any given afternoon and evening the place is packed. Not just busy, packed.  The food and wine prices are so well chosen, reasonably priced and delicious you would be foolish not to patronize it. Chef Craig Connole has nailed the offerings: sweet, savory, comfort, and spicy small plates all in the $5-$12 price range. The wine selection had many of my favorites and…get this… you can order a 2 oz., 4 oz. or 6 oz.  pour, as well as bottles.  A shout out also goes to the staff for their wise and thoughtful care of each customer.  We never wanted for attention or good food while sipping wine, eating dinner or breakfast there. Of course, if the Bistro scene isn’t your deal, then head up to the rooftop for a grand ocean view, nibbles, wine, beer, and cocktails. It too, is generally packed.

All guestrooms have their own unique characteristics and antique furnishings. Rooms have recently been completely renovated.  I was treated to a room in the CASA Surf Project.  Think ten rooms, ten designers, ten surf company sponsors.  Quirky, elegant and fun, with ocean views AND a portion of the night’s fee goes to a charity, specific to each room.  I stayed in the L*Space suite (pictured).  The designated charity is Amber Watch Foundation.  Imagine a study in good taste and bling, in white.  My friend Ginger stayed in the Etnies Suite where Global Green is the charity. Imagine bright colors and a skater theme (inspired by champion skater Pierre Andre Senizergues).  Those looking for great food, premium wines, and a delicious night’s sleep can find it all here.

After unpacking, the next stop was Las Brisas Restaurant where we met with executive general manager, Fuoad Ziady. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the stunning Laguna Beach coastline, Las Brisas has been a Southern California landmark since its inception in 1938 as the Victor Hugo Inn.  Converted to Las Brisas in 1979, it has become a magnet for locals and for visitors from all over the world. I cannot say enough good things about this place. It’s an OMG experience from start to finish.  We were treated to delicious fresh appetizers (Guacamole Tstilo Mexico), seafood (Mero con Tomatillo, Frutas del Mar, Ceviche de Robalo), beef (La Asada)  and chicken (Enchilada) entrees , and world-class service.  The wine list is appropriate, affordable and interesting.  I want to stress that this was an inspiring outing with beautiful food presentation and tastes.  Special in every way, but perhaps the “best dish” on the menu is executive manager Fuoad. He spent 3 hours with us, never appearing rushed or distracted.  He was warm, friendly, and guided us through so many wonderful dishes we couldn’t make it to dessert (which from the look of trays going past us was a stellar experience also).  Fuoad leads this place to the wonderful experience it is.  I highly recommend you join him for breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday Brunch, wine, or cocktails.  Indoor or outdoor seating completes the picture.  Tell him I said, “Hi”.

It’s interesting to note that late June – August,  there is free bus service from 9:30 AM to 11:30 PM to most of the shops, restaurants, beaches, wine bars,  and art festivals.  Laguna is a very busy place with limited parking space.  My suggestion is to take the quaint transportation trolleys any time you can. I did, and was very happy with the clean, on-time service.  You can call for transit info at 949-497-0766.

I didn’t forget the art experience (with a wine twist of course). In the evening, PR specialist Chris Trela treated us to a guided tour of the Laguna Playhouse.  It’s a 400-seat equity theatre full of great shows and professional talent.  They have an exciting line-up each year, worthy of your attention.  Love the fact they serve wine at intermission! Seriously folks, get on the Internet and check them out before you come, so you can attend one of their fun and engaging plays.  Since this is professional talent, you are in for a treat.

Right next door is the Festival of the Arts featuring the Pageant of the Masters.  Both Ginger and I have been to several performances over the years.  It’s always amazing to watch this 90-minute presentation of “living pictures.” Think classic and contemporary paintings made to come alive on stage with real people posing to look like the characters in the paintings while standing in faithful, true to the painting backgrounds.  Special make up and stage lighting make it all pop. We couldn’t have imagined that the evening could get more creative than years past…but something about the “Eat, Drink, and Be Merry” theme really took wings and made this production fly. We loved all the wine references and paintings, and were knocked out of our seats by the stunning Mardi Gras parade of food, wine and foolishness just before intermission.  This is a MUST see this year for its upbeat and creative production.  Before or after, make sure you check out the Festival of Arts grounds.  It’s filled with unbelievable high-end art for sale July and August.

Last stop on my way out of town was Laguna Canyon Winery.  Who knew there was an award-winning, 2,500 case winery in Laguna?  I do now, and so should you. It’s located in a light industrial area right off Laguna Canyon Road, on the right hand side as you’re leaving Laguna. The sign is located out near the road, so you shouldn’t miss it if you’re driving at a reasonable speed.

Twenty-two small lot wines and two very passionate vintners, make this winery special.  The wines are smooth, complex, well thought out. Who can resist an owner whose vision of success is showing up every day and enjoying what he does? The question of course was, yes these are exceptional wines, but who makes them?  As it turns out, the grapes come from Napa and Sonoma, but the wines are all Laguna hand-crafted.  Co-owners Marlowe and Darin Huber (pictured), are the winemakers.  Marlowe told me it’s quite a sight to see a big semi back into the small’ish facility and begin unloading grapes.  They have a crusher, tanks, barrels, a labeler, and a bottling line.  They also have an event room, a wine club, storage facilities, and plans to open a second facility.  The current one is (and will stay) at 2133 Laguna Canyon Road.  It’s on the left, right before you hit the art fairs.  The second tasting room will be at 680 Glenneyre Street in the middle of the Laguna shopping district. The tasting room on Laguna Canyon Road is open Tuesday – Sunday, 11 -6.  The Glenneyre tasting room is open daily from 12-8 beginning in August 2010. Be sure and taste the ’06 Russian River appellation Malbec (75 cases, $34.00/bottle), the ’06 Chalk Hill appellation Sangiovese (150 cases, $32.00/bottle), and the ’05 gold medal Paso Cab (250 cases, $25.00/bottle). Expect smooth, complex wine with a gorgeous nose.  I think you’ll be buying some of that wine, as I did.  It’s a great parting gift and a tasty memory of a great wine trippin’ adventure.

Photos: Eat, Drink & Be Merry - photo by Ginger Giordano;  the L*Spot Room & Kyalogo & Bistro View - Courtesy of Las Casa del Camino; and Laguna Canyon Winery - photo by Linda Kissam

Big Blend Radio: Linda Kissam was a featured guest on Champagne Sundays radio on July 25, 2010. To listen to Linda's interview, please click here. To listen to the rest of the show, please click here.

Linda Kissam 'Wine, Food & Shopping Diva' a professional travel, food, and wine writer based out of Southern California. Through her persona as (one half of) www.TheWineChixs.com  and her Web site www.TheWineBuzzzz.com , she specializes in easy, breezy destination stories sharing her favorite things about the places she visits.