Wine

Dining at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is always a treat. However, for Champagne lovers, dining in Restaurant 162’ during the month of December is going to be even more special. Dom Perignon, widely considered to be one of the world’s finest Champagnes, will be offered to discriminating diners by the glass.

The venerable wine, produced by Moet et Chandon, is named after Pierre Perignon, a Benedictine monk from the Champagne region of France who – in the 1600s – perfected the method of producing sparkling wine. The first vintage was released for sale in 1936.

What makes Dom Perignon so special is that it’s a vintage Champagne – all the grapes used in the wine-making are harvested during the same year.

Pair a glass of this nectar with the culinary masterpieces created by Restaurant 162’ Executive Chef Rob Wilson and Chef de Cuisine John Garcia, and you’re in for a grand holiday celebration. Among the entrées to choose from: Butter Poached Lobster with cipollini onion, lobster ragout and bouillabaisse broth; Crisp Troll King Salmon with truffle mascarpone risotto and Port sauce; and Kona Kompachi with cauliflower purée, chorizo, sesame spinach and carrot reduction.

Happy holidays, indeed.

Restaurant 162’ at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000; ritzcarlton.com


Bacchus’ Secret Cellar
6735 Quail Hill Pkwy.
Irvine • 949.502.4600
The shop stocks more than 600 labels from all over the world, and the wine bar is open daily for tasting and offers more than 18 flights. Or you can create your own tasting menu. The shop is open Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. bacchussecretcellar.com

Amazing Grapes Wine Store
29911 Aventura, Suites D, E and F, Rancho Santa Margarita
888.299.9463
More than 30 wines are available for tasting. International meats and cheeses are available, as well. Store hours are Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. amazinggrapeswinestore.com

California Taste Fine Wines
• 303 Broadway, Suite 103, Laguna Beach • 949.715.5385
• 28940 Golden Lantern, Suite E, Laguna Niguel • 949.218.9974
Wine tastings are offered every Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m. Laguna Beach hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Laguna Niguel hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. caltaste.com

Eno at the Ritz-Carlton
Laguna Niguel, 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive • Dana Point
949.240.0829
You’ll find more than 500 wines, 50 international cheeses and fine chocolate at Eno. Wine classes and pairings with cheeses and chocolate are offered. Open Sunday through Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to midnight. ritzcarlton.com

Frog’s Breath Cheese Store
143 N. Glassell
Orange • 714.744.1773
Wine-and-cheese tasting are offered Thursday through Saturday. Specialty cheeses are cut to order, and a variety of Italian meats, gourmet nibbles and salts are available for purchase. Hours are Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. frogsbreathcheese.com
 
From the Vine Wine Boutique
23874 Aliso Creek Road
Laguna Niguel • 949.448.8814
The family-owned and -operated boutique features limited-production wines. Tasting hours are Thursday,
5 to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday,
4 to 8 p.m. fromthevinewb.com

Hi-Time Wine Cellars
50 Ogle St. • Costa Mesa
949.650.8463
Wine tasting is held Thursday through Saturday. Organic wines and gourmet snacks are available for purchase. Store hours are Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. hitimewine.net

Napa Valley Wine Bar
31781 Camino Capistrano
Suites 201 and 202
San Juan Capistrano 949.493.6272
Daily wine tasting features an impressive variety of boutique wines from California. In addition, a special brew, wine and barbeque menu is available every Thursday. Wine bar hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m.; Friday,
4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 2 to 11 p.m.; and Sunday 2 to 8 p.m. napavalleywinebar.com

Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery
20362 Birch St.
Newport Beach • 949.645.2200
The premium vineyard and winery produces more than 250 cases of gold medal-winning Bordeaux-style wine. Its wine cave is open to private and corporate events. nbwine.com

The Wine Club
1210 E. McFadden Ave., Suite. E Santa Ana • 714.835.6485
Wine tasting begins in January, with pairings Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Wines from around the world, gifts and accessories are also available for purchase. Open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. thewineclub.com

Wine Gallery
411 E. Coast Hwy., Suite 250 Corona del Mar • 949.675.3410
Wine tasting is offered daily, and a variety of handcrafted limited-production wines are available for purchase. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. cdmwinegallery.com