Wine and beer in Laguna Beach

Three places that pour wine on Coast Highway

Bianchi, McClain Cellars and Wine Craft each say on their own sites that they pour in Laguna Beach. Bianchi sits on North Coast Highway at number 496. McClain is at 480 S Coast Hwy and Wine Craft is a few blocks farther south at 662, both in the Village, so those two are an easy walk apart.

The three work differently. Bianchi is the tasting room of a Paso Robles winery. Its page describes ocean views and a 90-minute limit on a visit, and it lists a deposit rule for larger parties. McClain’s location page is short, and the winery’s home page says its wines come from Santa Ynez Valley grapes. Wine Craft is not tied to one winery: its site says about two dozen wines are open to taste, wines from around the world are for sale, and a table of self-guided crafts comes with the tasting.

Age and dogs

Bianchi’s site says its Laguna Beach room is open to guests 21 and over. It also says only service dogs are allowed and there is no outdoor seating. If you plan a stop with a dog or with anyone under 21, check the other rooms before you go, because their pages do not state a rule. For restaurants that say dogs are welcome, see dog-friendly patios.

A wine bar and a wine shop

Wine Gallery, at 1833 S Coast Hwy in Woods Cove, is a wine and beer bar. Its site counts more than 25 wines by the glass, adds its own Mile 216 label and says the kitchen is built around a wood-fired oven. It mentions a courtyard patio and wine tastings every other week.

Rye Goods on Forest Avenue is a bakery first. Its site calls it an organic sourdough bakery, deli and wine shop and lists natural wine. The coffee and bakeries page covers the bakery side.

Beer

Laguna Beer Company is up Laguna Canyon Road, away from the beach. Its site describes core styles plus an Artisan Series, and the food menu lists pizzas and sandwiches. Finney’s Crafthouse is in the White House building on Coast Highway in the Village and lists 30 or more taps.

Getting there

Coast Highway is busy on weekends and in summer. Wine Craft’s site suggests the Glenneyre Street lots and street parking on Coast Highway and Cleo Street. The parking guide lists the city lots and the getting around guide covers the free trolley. If you are tasting, the trolley and your feet are the easier way to get around.

Before you go

Hours and tasting formats change. Bianchi’s page says daily reservations are limited, and Wine Craft says it accepts reservations. A wine club, a tasting flight and a bottle purchase are separate things, so ask which one you are booking. Dinner choices in the same neighborhood are on the restaurants in the Village page, and a gallery stroll fits before or after on the art walk page.