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ORANGE COUNTY

POWER PLAYER

THE BEST WAY TO WINE

Costa Mesa-based wine shop Argaux, is a female-owned online wine shop and educational platform

Argaux co-founders Margaux Reaume and Arden Montgomery

Orange County–based sommeliers Arden Montgomery and Margaux Reaume came together to launch Argaux to engage, educate and entertain wine customers. “It’s our mission to remove any intimidation surrounding wine and to make the world of wine approachable,” says Montgomery. “We want them to have access to our sommeliers, stories, tips on food and wine pairings and the inside scoop on where to taste wine while traveling.”

After meeting at college in Arizona and bonding over their shared love of cooking, entertaining and hosting dinners, the duo decided to launch Argaux in Costa Mesa, California. “There is an evolving food scene and beautiful farmers markets with the freshest produce here,” says Montgomery. “Our community is active and healthy and they are starting to ask questions about their wine like, ‘Why do I get headaches when I drink red wine?’ and ‘What is natural wine and is it better for me?’”

From carefully curated virtual tastings to the newly launched at-home Blind Tasting Kit, there is a thoughtful blend of learning and sipping with every activation. “Argaux is providing

Orange County and beyond with the best small-production, family-owned and responsibly farmed wines in the world,” says Montgomery. “We felt like Orange County needed more diversity when it comes to where and how they access these types of wines.” Working with other women winemakers, sommeliers and entrepreneurs has also been rewarding for the pair. “It’s inspiring to be a part of the industry at this time,” Montgomery explains. “There has always been an incredible community of women in this industry and we’re honored to be included and working alongside them.” While Argaux continues to evolve with new seasonal launches and celebratory packs of wine, the company remains rooted in its original focus on consumer experience, human connection and good

wine. argaux.com

FROM TOP: 2018 San Giorgio a Lapi Fiore Rosso; 2017 Pec & Burl A Tale of Two Dudes Red Blend Ê FOR MORE ORANGE COUNTY, VISIT DUJOUR.COM/ CITIES

EAT HERE NOW ,

Rossejat de fideos at Comedor

Top Tapas

Comedor, a vibrant new tapas experience in Laguna Beach, combines traditional Spanish cuisine with modern twists courtesy of Top Chef finalist Marcel Vigneron. Located within the recently renovated La Casa del Camino hotel, the restaurant boasts stylish 1930s design accents and an elevated tapas selection. Guests can come together over small plates of jamon serrano, fresh housemade tortilla and sautéed shrimp. Must-have main dishes include the rossejat de fideos, a Paella-style vermicelli with lobster, shrimp and calamari, as well as a decadent molten chocolate cake. comedorlaguna.com

RETAIL REPORT ,

SURF’S UP

Fashion and lifestyle brand Saturdays NYC recently opened the doors of a new 1,200-square-foot boutique at the famed Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach. The new store serves as a homecoming for Saturdays co-founder Morgan Collett, who has always found inspiration for his brand in his hometown of Newport Beach. “As a kid growing up in Newport surrounded by the surf industry, it gave me the opportunity, inspiration and foundation that set me on my path to New York, which inevitably led to Colin Tunstall and I creating Saturdays,” Collett says. The space’s interior reflects the DNA of Saturdays with raw, natural elements such as JUDD plywood application and smooth concrete flooring. The minimalist, laid-back design allows the full range of seasonal and core products to shine among subtle surfinspired art and decor. saturdaysnyc.com

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