Great grapes

Chianti. Burgandy. Napa Valley. Paso Robles.

Orange County?

You bet.

Ken Spears is introducing Lagunans to wineries located in or owned by Orange County residents as part of a yearlong wine tasting series at his store, California Taste Fine Wine.

The free first session, 4 p.m. Saturday, will feature the wines of Gershon Bachus Vintners. The newer Temecula Valley winery is owned by Laguna Beach residents, who will be present at the tasting.

The night will also feature a “Spanakopita Smackdown,” where guests will try and vote for the best Greek spinach-and-pita dish as made by Spears or his store manager’s wife.

The event came about when the winery owners stopped into the store as customers.

“I told them that when the time is right, we have to do a tasting,” Spears said.

Later, he came to realize that it would be a great topic for a monthly series.

“I’m stunned at how many wine people there are in South Orange County,” Spears said. “Nobody’s ever done this before. This is a great way to highlight what people do so well locally.”

In addition to the monthly local vintner sessions, California Taste holds weekly wine tastings and wine education classes.

Spears and his wife opened their first wine store in Laguna Niguel in late 2005, following a previous stint owning the Fleur de Lis restaurant in Long Beach.

“We liked the wine part of it better,” Spears said of closing the restaurant. “We had so much wine in collections, both personally and in the restaurant.”

Five weeks after opening the Laguna Niguel store, Spears saw the storefront of his current location available.

“There used to be a wine store here a long time ago,” he said. “I told my wife we should look into opening a second store.”

Spears said there is a notable difference between Laguna Beach and Laguna Niguel palates; the latter are primarily into California wines.

“Laguna Beach has a much more European bent in their taste, especially during the summertime,” Spears said.

“It’s the usual suspects in Laguna Niguel, whereas in Laguna Beach you get to have some fun.”

Each store has a different selection, with a few popular items sharing space in both locations.

“We’re very happy; it’s worked out very well,” he said.