MENU
mobile-logo
Home / Articles Posted by Ben Malkin

9:41 pm
Food • Beverage October

DAOU Vineyards

A seated tasting at the top of DAOU Mountain — calcareous soils, sunlit terraces, and the wines they make. Reservations open daily; every table is held for you.

Paso Robles, CA 93446 · Adelaida District AVA · 8 miles west of US-101
Tel: (805) 226-5460 | daouvineyards.com

CLICK HERE: Learn More About DAOU Vineyards

Article by Ben Malkin, Photography by Jenn Harrington for DAOU and Ben Malkin

We have been fans of the premium wine from DAOU Vineyards in Paso Robles for many years. The family heritage, the spectacular setting and hospitality of their vineyards and tasting room and, most of all, their best of the best Paso Robles AVA Cabernet Sauvignon have always made DAOU very special. Our most recent Paso Robles visit was featured in our July 2026 “Explore” issue. That visit to DAOU Mountain included tastings of their Patrimony Reserve wines (all 100s on the “Chez Benny” wine score scale) and a meal worthy of three Michelin stars if they were a restaurant—it was a lifetime memory!

Of course, we said YES! When and where? We will be there! Hollywood? Okay, let’s plan a staycation at a nearby hotel to really enjoy ourselves and avoid Uber or driving.

Lucky us! Robin and I were then invited to attend their Soul of a City introduction to their 99-point rated 2023 Soul of a Lion, DAOU Vineyards flagship wine. The wine is spectacular: a Left Bank Bordeaux-style blend that’s 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot.

Held at TAO in Hollywood on April 23, the event featured curated tastings of the new vintage alongside rare library selections, with a special media tasting led by Senior Winemaker José Alberto Santos and wine expert Dev the Somm (Devin Reed). The dynamic celebration of wine and culture also included a welcome toast from DAOU Brand Ambassador Laura Reynolds, along with immersive elements such as a custom perfume bar and a live mural. TAO is almost more of an experience than a restaurant; it’s a great setting for a modern sultry film noir. I will let the photos tell the story.

DAOU 2023 Soul of a Lion is top, top shelf. We have a case stashed away for aging or a great steak dinner. Knowing me, I predict that it will be finished off well before it ages.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

9:52 pm
August Publisher Letters

Publishers Letter

Ben Malkin, Publisher

Let’s start with our cover girl, Isabella Gertz. She is a 16-year-old Agoura Hills High School student who started a nonprofit to raise money to help families in need. Utilizing her culinary passion and skills she started BellasBakes.org. She’s also won individual awards for her creations. We love featuring a brilliant young woman who contributes to the welfare of our community.

Our article about the best local public and private schools are a wonderful example of what a fine community the Conejo Valley is to raise a family—so many fine educational choices for your children are right on your doorstep.

We also feature Oxnard’s Pacifica High School English teacher John Beck, this year’s Teacher of the Year for Ventura County. He is an excellent example of a lifelong educator staying in his community and ensuring that the next generation is successful.

We’re excited to share something a little different with the opening of The Little Kitchen Academy in the Oaks Mall this month. Kids of all ages will learn to cook. Just think Mom and Dad; your kids can make their breakfast and prepare their lunch while you enjoy your morning coffee. I’ve always loved cooking. I would drive my mom nuts with questions while she prepared dinner. Had she had this opportunity she would have enrolled me in a minute.

The pets in this issue are amazing too. It’s all about dogs this time, and what great information we have to share. OBOL continues to provide aid and comfort to animals in what is a stressful shelter environment. Gold Coast K9 provides safety tips on active summer activity for your kids and pets. As a “cat person,” I was not aware of what to watch out for, so this article is really enlightening.

The therapy dogs providing a calming environment for children is something that could have helped me many years ago to settle down, pay attention and get better grades. Having kids read to these gentle canines is a creative and effective way to promote a love of literacy.

Every year, this is perhaps my favorite issue. I hope you enjoy it.

6:43 pm
Food • Beverage July Paso Robles Travel

Article and Photography By Ben Malkin

Robin and I have made a visit to California wine country for her December birthday’s annual tradition. It has been several years since we explored Paso Robles’ wineries. A lot has changed. The main change is that the premium wineries schedule almost exclusively by reservation, and the bespoke wineries offer top-shelf wine and food pairings as part of the experience.

Another amazing part of the experience is the small-town charm of Paso Robles. The town square is a modern version of a traditional Norman Rockwell painting. It was all lit up for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The Americana pageantry also included a massive bonfire on New Year’s Eve that was celebrated by what looked like the entire population of Paso. What fun!

With the invaluable help of Chris Taranto, communications director of Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, we were able to schedule wine and food parings at several of the “best of the best” wineries.

The wine and food pairings were complete gourmet small-bite meals, tastings of the best of their current releases plus some Library wines from their cellars. All three were extraordinary experiences, reflecting the personality of each winery. What was consistent was the warm and welcoming hospitality. The visits not timed for food were just as special with tastings and tours that made each memorable. California wine touring like this should be the norm for anyone who wants to appreciate what makes a wine region special.

Paso Robles is home to many of the best Rhone varietal wines in California, or better yet, from any wine region. Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre shine here. They also produce rich, deep and fruity Cabernet and Zinfandel. Creative wine makers are also blending varietals into wine that is sublime, perhaps better than the sum of its parts.

I am not going to tell you which wine had hints of blueberries or blackberries or which Syrah had hints of tobacco or licorice. I’ll leave that to the wine wonks. I will say the wineries we visited created wines that are equal or better than those in Napa or France. The hospitality is even better. Maybe they still have something to prove.

The following wineries are all outstanding. If I was scoring for a wine magazine, the combined average score would be a 94.

Le Couvier Winery Their wine is dry farmed, natural and barrel aged for three years. Their L’ Enfant Du Pape GSM blend, a complex California version of a Chateau Neuf Du Pape, is my favorite. All visits are extraordinary wine and food pairings. The extended barrel aging was immediately apparent in the depth and quality of their new releases. We were greeted by three young and very knowledgeable hosts. The presentation and quality of the small bites and the wine got our Paso wine country trip off to a resounding start! LCWine.com

Hawks Hill Ranch Winery Their tasting room is at the top of a mountain with very special views and yummy wine. We enjoyed great hospitality and an interesting tour that included an other-worldly Manzanita grove. Because they have high elevation and western-facing slopes, the wine ranges from Chardonnay to Cabernet and really wonderful Rhone varietals. HHRWinery.com

Daou Vineyards Located atop Daou Mountain, it is a destination winery and deservedly popular for its highly rated and rich Bordeau varietals and blends. We were served a Michelin Star-worthy lunch and a selection of their ultra-premium Patrimony label. All in all, a cherished memory. DaouVineyards.com

Booker Wines They are a Rhone varietal house with Roussanne, Viognier and Marsanne blends on the white side to premium very hearty and sophisticated Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. A unique feature is an underground space where you can taste and view the layers of the terroir in which the grapes are grown. BookerWines.com

Linne Calodo Winery Rhône-inspired reds to innovative white blends are their hallmark. The estate is the vision of Matt Trevisan, a pioneer in blending Rhône varietals with bold, expressive character. Their selection reinforces my recent conversion from a Bordeau first wine person to preferring Rhone. I found that I could easily enjoy Rhone varietals with any meal. Perfect food-friendly wine. LinneCalodo.com

Epoch Estate Wines There is a lot of history at the winery on York Mountain. The award-winning tasting room design is so beautiful it almost overwhelms the quality of the wine. However, the Bordeau, Rhine and Spanish varietals are excellent. I especially enjoyed their Tempranillo and Zinfandel. The Zin was a tribute to Paso’s famous West Side Zin tradition. EpochWines.com

Barton Family Wines & Grey Wolf Cellars For me, this modest winery, restaurant and tasting room set in a basic farmhouse is the ultimate “West Side” Paso winery. Modest and really darn good! You can find just about any varietal or blend that can do well in Paso. They were all 90+ and reasonably priced. Their Chenin Blanc cured me of not really liking Chenin Blanc. It was served along with a rich and earthy mushroom soup. BartonFamilyWines.com

We dined at Il Cortile and it was as delicious as ever; our favorite Paso restaurant. To sum it up, Paso Robles has become our favorite wine country destination. It’s an easy 3-hour drive from Thousand Oaks that is a whole lot easier and less hassle than a fly and drive to Napa or Sonoma.

8:12 pm
Publisher Letters

Publishers Letter

Ben Malkin, Publisher

Through the years the theme of our June issue has always been “Men”. This month we have chosen to lead with a feature on a local nonprofit that supports both men and women, For The Troops. If you are a regular reader  you are familiar with who they are and the purpose of their mission. This issue highlights their latest fundraising event.  They honored Vietnam veterans and raised donations to support the men and women currently serving in our armed forces.

For The Troops is an all-volunteer run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing members of the American military with “We Care” packages containing basic necessities, goodies, games and—most of all—a show of support.

Since its inception in 2005, For The Troops has substantially grown in volunteers and donors and has distributed more than 250,000 packages year-round to American troops who risk their lives overseas every day—far away from the comforts of home.

The men and women in our armed forces….Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines are deployed throughout the world and particularly in the Middle East. They are presently risking their lives under what are often miserable and dangerous conditions. Supporting them is not at all about agreeing or disagreeing with whether they should be there or not be there. As an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam Era, I am very familiar with that kind of debate. I encourage as much local community support of For The Troops as possible. Donations and letters to encourage morale are always welcome. Learn more about them at For The Troops.org.

I will sign off with the current core value of the USAF. “Integrity first, Service before self, Excellence in all we do”.

12:02 am
April Publisher Letters

Publishers Letter

Ben Malkin, Publisher

The theme of this month’s issue is investing. Since I am not a stock market expert, I will leave that discussion up to the experts at two of our marketing partners, the Lake Avenue Group at Morgan Stanley and Montecito Bank & Trust. Robin and I invested in the Conejo Valley and Santa Rosa Valley communities when we launched Conejo Valley Lifestyle in 2015. Our magazine is a business, and our mission is to communicate with the folks who live here about some of the best our community has to offer. Our focus for the past 11 years and into the future has been primarily on small businesses like ours and the many nonprofits that flourish in the Conejo Valley and throughout Ventura County.

More often than not, starting a small business involves investing your own money. It’s not about investors and “OPM” (that’s Other People’s Money for those who never saw the movie). Whenever I launched a new business (I’ve done more than a few) I never looked down from the tight rope. Aside from having the new “great idea”, I always made certain I had a marketing budget. Every entrepreneur in our community is investing in themselves and the neighborhood, town or city in which they do business. It’s a combination of a “family affair” and the community at large.

In this issue, we feature an honest-to-goodness family affair. SoCal Sleep Dentistry in Westlake Village was recently launched by the husband-and-wife team of Dr. Nina Rastegar and Dr. Daniel Kohanchi. While they are highly qualified and skilled dental health professionals, their practice has a vision that reflects family values and a commitment to health and wellness in the Conejo Valley. You can learn more inside this issue.

There are many more professional practices and businesses like SoCal Sleep Dentistry in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Oak Park and Agoura Hills. They are excellent examples of what is bestd about our cities and our country.

7:07 pm
March Publisher Letters

Publishers Letter

Ben Malkin, Publisher

It’s the start of Spring and time once again to look at our homes and decide what needs some sprucing up.

Some fresh paint inside or out? Give Felix at First Choice Painting a call. Replace worn-out carpet with classy wood flooring from Best Floors N More. Luis provides and installs premium flooring. Time for a new kitchen or bath? Darlene and Doug Kimbell at State Restoration can be counted on for the best quality, design, and efficacy. Their new studio in Thousand Oaks is the place to fulfill your dream of a new kitchen or sexy bathroom.

Is your furniture getting a bit shabby? Maybe the cat finally finished it off, or it’s simply time for a new look. Or maybe you’re ready to update the dining room. We have two very distinct choices for you: Paul Trent at The Sofa Guy has been serving our community with custom-built quality home furnishings for over 20 years; another very distinctive option is Mark Thomas Home—a family business for over 60 years, carrying national brands like Lexington, Hooker, and Hunter Douglas Gallery.

Moving outdoors, is your landscape and hardscape tired? At Cat in a Hammock Kristina and Alan Jones are waiting for your call. Also, make certain that you use the finest material from Angelus Block. Consider adding a premium barbecue like a Delta Grill from Thousand Oaks Fireside and Design to your outdoor enjoyment.

Are you a wine aficionado? Installing a custom wine wall from Cellar Masters is a great way to store those ageable Bordeaux. Why not? As Flip Wilson said many years ago (I am really giving away my age with this), “If you got it, flaunt it.” Including an amazing painting by Artist John Hanley would look very stylish in the same room.

On a more serious note, if a new roof is necessary, or perhaps a complete overhaul is needed, call on Top Armor Roofing to protect your home against leaks and fire.

If you are looking to buy or sell your home, look no further—Rosemary Allison at Coldwell Banker Realty is your first choice. The bottom line is that you come first. Always!

Here’s to our home sweet homes!

5:27 pm
Finance March
Learn More About Montecito Bank & Trust

For the 23rd year and counting, Montecito Bank & Trust awarded local nonprofits grants to support their efforts to uplift the area’s most vulnerable residents.

“You and your teams are resourceful problem solvers; often the first to see a need and step up to meet it,” acknowledged Chairman and CEO Janet Garufis. “You respond to crises at hand, work to find long-term solutions and to help empower individuals and families so that they have the tools they need to not just survive but thrive. You feed the hungry, house the homeless and heal the hurting… You listen to your community, engaging with them to better understand their needs, collaborate with partners… and advocate for changes to enhance the quality of life for all segments of our community. THANK YOU!”

Montecito Bank & Trust’s Annual Community Dividends® Awards Luncheon, held last November at The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachside Resort, recognized 188 local nonprofits’ amazing work, distributing $1.2 million in awards to help support their programs. Since its launch in 2003, the Community Dividends program has invested more than $24 million in over 300 nonprofit organizations. In 2025, its total charitable giving exceeded $1.7 million, with funding directed toward organizations serving low- to moderate-income individuals and families across both counties.

Nonprofit executives, frontline staff and volunteers gathered alongside 68 Montecito Bank & Trust associates, the Bank’s executive leadership, Board of Directors and Emeritus Director Pete Jordano to celebrate the organizations. Throughout the year, Bank associates contributed more than 5,500 volunteer hours to many of the organizations represented.

In addition to awarding Community Dividends grants, the Bank chose two nonprofits to receive the Michael Towbes Community Impact Dividend, established in 2019 to honor the Bank’s founder. The annual award directs at least $100,000 to nonprofits delivering essential, sustainable services to large numbers of vulnerable residents.

This year, rising demand and a shifting funding environment made it difficult to prioritize a single area of need.

“Identifying one pillar where the need was clearly greatest—food insecurity, mental wellness, housing and healthcare—proved to be an impossible task,” Garufis said. Thus, the Bank opted to strengthen the community’s safety net by investing in two trusted local foundations: Santa Barbara Foundation and Ventura County Community Foundation. Each received $100,000 for emergency response funds, bringing the Impact Dividend total to $200,000.

This decision “demonstrates MB&T’s unwavering commitment to our ENTIRE community. Mike always hoped that our Philanthropy would ‘model the way’ for others in the community,” said Garufis. “We believe this is one of those moments where MB&T can make a powerful statement about the urgent need for support.”

Attendees received a surprise treat from students at the Music Academy of the West’s SING! Program, who performed Shalom Chaverim, a Hebrew folk song, and Kuwa Furaha (Be Joy) by Jim Papoulis, drawing a standing ovation from the audience. The free after-school program primarily serves students from Title I schools & is supported by Montecito Bank & Trust.

The event concluded with another unexpected nod commemorating the Bank’s 50th anniversary—five “golden tickets,” each representing a decade of service, were tucked into the Bank’s 2025 Community Impact Report distributed at the event. The nonprofits who discovered them received an additional $500 donation.

The afternoon demonstrated the importance of service and recognition as well as the mutual benefits that result when local institutions work with area nonprofits to invest in the well-being of the place we call home.

11:56 pm
Publisher Letters

Publishers Letter

Ben Malkin, Publisher

The title of this message might seem like an overstatement (it is)…there is certainly plenty of that going around these days. However, I was inspired by a “local” story that is not local to our commu-nity, but to one in Florida. While it is 3,000 miles away, it meant as much to me as if it happened in Thousand Oaks or Westlake Village.

I’m old-fashioned. I’d rather be informed by what I read from a diverse selection of credible sources than have my brain fried by TV “talking heads” or a blabbermouth podcast “influencer” (gads, I really dislike that word!). So, I get news feeds from newspapers, magazines, broadcast and internet media of all sorts.

In this case, The Washington Post sent me an article entitled, “He ate at this restaurant every day. When he didn’t show, the chef saved his life.” What happened was that a retired Air Force veteran was an everyday diner at the Shrimp Basket restaurant in Pensacola, Florida. He always ordered the gumbo. He chatted with folks and became friends with the chef. When he stopped showing up, the chef went to his apartment, found him near death and then saved his life. That and the amazing follow-up support from the chef, the restaurant and its staff and patrons are in the article (https://apple.news/A11Yn4eQ_QMqCKXiZVFVczQ).

Businesses and a neighborhood came together to support a lonely senior. What does this caring, compassion and generosity in Pensacola have to do with our community? Pretty much everything. I believe it could and might happen here and come out just as well.

In this issue you will see how Montecito Bank & Trust supports local nonprofits throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. It’s a bank for Pete’s sake! But it’s a community bank and that says it all! There is much more inside and itis all about us…the “locals.” Friends and neighbors.

10:16 pm
Editor Letters Publisher Letters

Editor’s Letter

Tracy Marcynzsyn, Editor

As the last month of the year rolls around, it’s incredible to realize that 2025 will soon be a memory, referred to in the past tense! There’s still so much to experience as we close out the year and head into 2026, and our holiday issue features several ways to soak up the spirit of the season and celebrate.

Attending the annual performance of Pacific Festival Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” tops the list of favorite holiday traditions! Bring the whole family to this inspiring event to witness the beauty and grace of these talented dancers, who have spent months (and even years, in some cases) preparing to wow audiences and spread holiday cheer.

A trip down the 101 to Aldik Home presents another opportunity for holiday awe that all ages will enjoy. Strolling through the breathtaking displays of delightfully decorated Christmas trees, colorful lights and festive décor makes for an afternoon of memories that will last for years to come, especially if you find a special ornament or a new tree to brighten up your home for the holidays.

Our local Luxury Destinations Concierge shares about Christmas traditions around the world. From Italy’s panettone to South Africa’s malva pudding, people from cultures far and wide gather together around the table to eat unique and tasty treats. This season, consider discovering a new recipe (try the Hot Mulled Wine in Shantha’s article) along with those tried and true favorites. Whatever you choose to serve or sample at your table, as Shantha reminds us, “the most meaningful gifts aren’t wrapped in ribbons. They’re found in shared laughter, new discoveries and unforgettable memories of moments together.”

Cheers to a happy, healthy and hopeful holiday season to you and yours!

7:33 pm
Giving Back

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley

699 Hampshire Rd, Suite 100 Westlake Village, CA 91361

Tel:818-706-0905 | bgcconejo.org

We opened our doors in 2003 and have since grown to be one of the largest Clubs in Southern California! Through hard work, community outreach, and praise-worthy support from our community and funders, we have been named one of the top 100 Boys & Girls Clubs out of the 5,000-plus in the country! 

Learn More About About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley

Article and Photography by Ben Malkin

The Boys & Girls Club Greater Conejo Valley held their 23rd annual Future Ready Gala. Future Ready means giving every child the tools, opportunities and encouragement they need to face life’s challenges. They honored Joe and Jennifer Seetoo, the distinguished Gala Honorees, and Preston Kevin Lewis, their Cal Johnston Service Award recipient for their generosity and commitment.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved