Today we’d like to introduce you to J.J. Huber.
Hi J.J. , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
J.J. Huber’s journey into the world of winemaking is deeply rooted in his upbringing on a horse and cattle ranch in central Canada. Growing up as a proud cowboy, J.J. spent his early years riding the open range, working alongside his family, and learning the values of hard work, resilience, and respect for the land. It was on that ranch where he first developed a profound appreciation for nature and the art of nurturing it, learning invaluable lessons from his father.
Seeking new horizons, he ventured west to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, where serendipity introduced him to Gianni Seminari, an oenologist and Winemaster hailing from the University of Milan, Italy.
Under Gianni’s expert guidance, J.J. spent two years crushing grapes, honing his skills, and absorbing the rich traditions of Italian winemaking. With newfound expertise and a passion for the craft, J.J. embarked on his own winemaking journey. Employing the Italian winemaking techniques he had acquired, he began sourcing and crushing his own grapes. As he refined his unique winemaking style, accolades and prestigious awards started to pour in, transforming his hobby into a thriving pursuit.
This success led to the establishment of his first winery, in collaboration with his brother, in the Vancouver area in 1993. The Huber family further expanded their winemaking endeavors by building a second winery in 1996. Yet, J.J.’s dreams extended beyond Canadian borders. Inspired by a desire to be closer to the renowned vineyards of California, he set in motion plans to construct a third winery in the enchanting Laguna Canyon, naming it after the picturesque divide that separates the coastal beauty of Laguna Beach from the sprawling landscapes of Orange County.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely been a journey with both smooth stretches and some steep climbs. Winemaking is a passion, but it’s also a business that demands patience, resilience, and creativity. When my brother and I ran our urban wineries in Vancouver, we were among the first to bring that “city winery” concept to Canada — crafting premium wines in an urban setting rather than a rural vineyard. That experience taught us how to innovate and connect directly with customers in a hands-on way.
Moving to California to start Laguna Canyon Winery was both exciting and challenging. We wanted to be closer to the vineyards that inspire some of the world’s best wines, but building a boutique, award-winning winery in a high-profile coastal town like Laguna Beach required determination. From navigating permits and logistics to introducing locals and visitors to our handcrafted approach, every step took time and persistence.
That said, every challenge has been worth it. Seeing people enjoy our wines, hearing their stories, and being part of the Laguna Beach community has made all the hard work incredibly rewarding.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
For me, winemaking is truly an art form. Each vintage is like a blank canvas — you start with grapes that have their own personality, shaped by the soil, the sun, and the season, and then you guide them into something beautiful and expressive. I love that balance between science and creativity — understanding fermentation, structure, and chemistry, but also trusting your senses and intuition.
Blending is one of my favorite parts. It’s like composing music — a little more of this varietal for depth, a touch of that one for brightness — until the wine harmonizes perfectly. The creative process never gets old because no two harvests are ever the same.
At the end of the day, it’s about creating something that brings people together — a wine that tells a story, captures a moment, and makes someone smile. That’s what keeps me inspired year after year.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Laguna Beach is its creative energy — it’s truly an art community at heart. Everywhere you turn, there’s creativity: from the local galleries and festivals to the small businesses that express their own kind of artistry. Being here feels like being surrounded by inspiration. For me, winemaking is our form of art — it’s an expression of craftsmanship, patience, and passion — so having our winery here feels like a natural extension of that creative spirit.
The people here appreciate authenticity and hand-crafted work, which makes Laguna Beach the perfect home for a boutique, small-production winery like ours. There’s also something about being near the ocean that brings balance — it reminds you to slow down, enjoy the process, and celebrate what you create.
As for the challenges, like many coastal towns, space is limited and logistics can be tricky — especially when you’re operating a working winery in a community known for its beaches and galleries. But that’s part of the charm too; it pushes you to innovate and connect even more deeply with the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lagunacanyonwinery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DP7ajpFkjae/
