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10:51 pm
Food • Beverage October

Mizel Estate Wines

Just north of Los Angeles, down oak-lined roads and nestled in the heart of Hidden Valley, Mizel Estate awaits you. Horses graze in pastures, roses bloom, the waters of the great pond glimmer, and grapes bask in the sun. The Santa Monica Mountains rise around you while the rest of the world falls away.

1050 W Potrero Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91361
Tel: (805) 795-2506 | mizelestate.com

CLICK HERE: Learn More About Mizel Estate Wines

By Val West, Photography Provided

On a gorgeous fall afternoon, you stroll through a stunning vineyard surrounded by mountains and vast blue sky as far as the eye can see. Afterward, relaxing at a lovely table set among the vines, you savor a flight of luscious, velvety red wines. You’ve just experienced the unexpected magic of Mizel Estate Wines, nestled in the heart of Thousand Oaks’ Hidden Valley, just 25 miles north of Los Angeles.

Perfect Provenance

The name “Mizel” is a blend of the names of the owners, Michael and Zelene Fowler, who established the vineyard in 2014 with the goal of creating world-class wines.

Mizel Estate Wines are grown on a 38-acre estate in the Malibu Coast AVA (American Viticultural Area). The geography of Mizel Estate, located on a fertile valley floor protected by mountains, provides ideal growing conditions for exceptional fruit. The grapes bask in the valley’s warmth, yet are cooled by ocean breezes, which allows them to retain their acidity.

When you taste Mizel’s fine wines, you drink in the pure expression of their vineyard. Mizel’s Winemaker, Guillaume Fabre, says “creating great wine is a question of balance; that unique equation that enables an ideal blend of climate, soil and the grape itself.”

Handcrafted Elegance

Mizel Estate Wines is a boutique, limited-production winemaker, focused on quality. Sustainably grown and hand-harvested, only the choicest grapes are used for Mizel Wines.

“Mizel’s dedicated team has control over the entire winemaking process, which allows us to consistently produce excellent wines,” says Michael Fowler.

Handcrafted Excellence

Mizel Estate Wines is a boutique, limited-production winemaker, focused on quality.  Sustainably grown and hand-harvested, only the highest-quality grapes are used for Mizel wines.

Mizel grows six French grape varieties on their estate: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah. Throughout the growing season, the vines are attentively nurtured to bring forth the premium characteristics of Mizel’s fruit. As harvest approaches, the grapes are carefully monitored to ensure that each variety is harvested at its peak.

The winemaking commences in Paso Robles, with Fabre managing crush and fermentation, carefully developing each grape variety’s unique flavor profile. Afterward, each varietal is aged in superlative French oak for 18 months.

“There is a little bit of an art and science to figuring out which types of oak and how old the barrels should be for each varietal. Guillaume is the expert, and he knows best,” shares Michael. When the aging is complete, the Fowlers meet with Fabre to taste wine from over 30 different barrels to decide which ones to blend. This passionate winemaking team combines their expertise and perspectives to skillfully blend Mizel Estate’s signature wines: First Impression Bordeaux Blend, Easy to Please Grenache and Smooth Touch Syrah. Each vintage is meticulously blended based on the characteristics of the fruit from the year’s harvest.

The results of the Mizel team’s efforts shine through in their opulent red wines. Mizel’s exquisite, nuanced red wines dazzle the palate with lingering flavors of fruit and spice.

Mizel’s Shangri-La 

Upon entering the breathtaking Mizel Estate, you step into a world apart. As you walk through the manicured grounds along stone-bound paths surrounded by roses and vines, a sense of peace envelops you.

The Fowlers love to share the beauty of Mizel Estate with their guests.

“Our intention is to make our guests feel at home, whether they are here for a few hours or they are a beloved wine club member who’s invited to visit again and again,” says Zelene.

Every Saturday, guests can join an intimate gathering of fellow wine explorers for a refined wine tasting on Mizel’s private estate. Take a guided tour of the vineyard, then stop, sit and delight in the surroundings while enjoying a curated flight of Mizel’s divine, smooth red wines on the enchanting outdoor terrace.

Mizel’s engaging wine tastings are welcoming events that inspire lively discussion and bring about a spirit of camaraderie among the guests.

Mizel Wines Out and About

Enjoy Mizel’s luxury wines together with sumptuous fare at several outstanding local culinary destinations.

Treat yourself to Pearl District’s sophisticated, innovative cuisine matched with Mizel Estate Wines. Pair Pearl District’s delectable grilled Scottish salmon and its heavenly Asian-influenced accompaniments with Mizel’s Easy to Please Grenache. Peyman Afshar, owner of Pearl District, says of Mizel’s Grenache “It’s grown locally and rivals Paso Robles Syrah and Grenache. It’s an elegant and approachable wine that’s easy to drink.”

Discover inviting WeVino, where wine enthusiasts can embark on a tasting journey of Mizel Estate Wines while indulging in exciting modern Italian cuisine. Swoon over Tartare Di Tonno Rosso Siciliano complemented by Mizel Estate’s crisp MiRosa Rosé.

Relax in a cushy booth in Holdren’s warm, clubby dining room and tuck into a succulent USDA Prime steak or try their signature Cioppino in a spicy tomato sauce paired with Mizel’s Smooth Touch Syrah.

Gather with friends on The Stonehaus’ charming patio and relish an assortment of delicious fromage and charcuterie paired with Mizel Estate Wines’ elegant First Impression Bordeaux Blend.

Celebrate with a night out at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse in their glamorous dining room in Woodland Hills. Indulge in USDA Prime steaks sourced from small Midwest farms or best-in-class seafood enhanced by Mizel Estate’s Easy to Please Grenache or First Impression Bordeaux Blend.

Join the Mizel Family

At its core, Mizel Estate Wines is purpose-driven, donating a portion of wine proceeds to the Mizel Family Foundation, which provides inclusive artistic, educational and career opportunities for individuals needing extra support and understanding to achieve their life goals.

When you visit Mizel Estate, you step away from pretentious, hectic city life and journey down a road less traveled, where you’ll find delicious wine, genuine people and wondrous possibilities.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

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

5:02 pm
Food • Beverage October

Nectar of the Dogs

Simi Valley’s first and only wine tasting room is open Wednesday-Sunday, pouring award-winning handcrafted California wine.

791 Chambers Ln Unit 130, Simi Valley, CA 93065
Tel: (805) 624-7101 | nectarofthedogs.com

CLICK HERE: Learn More About Nectar Of The Dogs

Article and photography provided

Nectar of the Dogs Wine (NOTDW) is more than a tasting room; it’s a destination built around the simple idea that great wine is better when it’s shared, and that every bottle can help make a difference.

With handcrafted California wines, a lively calendar of events and a mission to support dog rescue, NOTDW has created a space in Simi Valley where guests can sip, socialize and celebrate while giving back to a cause close to the brand’s heart.

More Than a Tasting Room

Nectar of the Dogs Wine was born from a passion for wine and a commitment to helping dogs in need. The company’s mission goes beyond producing quality wine; a portion of bottle sales supports local nonprofit rescue Outta the Cage, in addition to other local rescues.

That spirit of giving is part of what makes the brand unique. The dog-inspired identity is playful and welcoming, but the mission behind it is meaningful: bring people together, create memorable experiences and use the business as a vehicle to give back.

“At its core and since the beginning, Nectar of the Dogs Wine was inspired by the love of the rescue dogs that changed our lives, and our love of wine,” said Founder Melanie Garibay.

Giving back is only part of the story. Garibay also envisioned NOTDW as a place where people could gather and feel at home. Since opening its tasting room in 2023, the response from the local community has helped fuel the company’s growth.

“Opening the tasting room was a labor of love, and the overwhelming support from the community has made it all worth the hard work and effort,” says Garibay.

That sense of welcome is evident in the dog-friendly tasting room’s personality. Dog lovers, wine enthusiasts, music fans and neighbors can all find a reason to stop by and stay awhile.

Crafted to be Shared

At the heart of Nectar of the Dogs Wine is small-production, handcrafted wine.

The brand’s portfolio showcases a diverse collection of wines, from crisp, refreshing whites and rosés to rich reds and distinctive blends. Vineyard sources span some of California’s celebrated growing regions, including Napa Valley, Atlas Peak, Paso Robles and Lodi, allowing the winemaking team to explore different varietals, styles and expressions while maintaining a commitment to quality.

Guests can experience the wines through tasting flights, glasses or bottles, making the tasting room an easy place to discover something new whether you’re a longtime wine enthusiast or simply looking for a fun place to spend an afternoon or evening.

Sip, Stay & Celebrate

If wine is at the heart of Nectar of the Dogs Wine, community is its soul.

The Simi Valley tasting room has become a gathering place for live music, special events and experiences designed to bring people through the doors and give them a reason to stay awhile. The calendar features live performances, themed nights, trivia, wine releases and other events that turn a traditional tasting room visit into something much more social.

NOTDW provides an expansive industrial-style space that makes an ideal setting for private events. The nearly 3,000-square-foot venue can be transformed to accommodate a wide range of occasions, including milestone celebrations, rehearsal gatherings, fundraisers, holiday parties and corporate events. From intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, each event is uniquely tailored to meet the guest’s creative vision.

The staff’s extensive experience in event production brings a level of expertise that helps make planning and execution seamless from start to finish. Plus, the venue’s comprehensive production package includes professional audio, video and lighting, providing everything needed to elevate events featuring live music, presentations, performances and other entertainment.

Ultimately, NOTDW is about bringing people together, with a great glass of wine in hand and a good cause at heart.

Whether you stop in for a tasting, come out to hear a local band, gather friends for a celebration or book the space for your next event, the experience is designed to be shared.

Because at Nectar of the Dogs Wine, every gathering has the potential to become something more: a great memory, a stronger community and, with every bottle, a little more help for dogs in need.

© Copyright 2026 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

8:28 pm
Food • Beverage Home • Design October

Cellar Masters

Climate-controlled custom wine cellars and wine storage solutions. Regularly serving Ventura, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Orange, and Riverside Counties since 1990,

2088 Anchor Court, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
Tel: (805) 375-5040 | cellarmastersinc.com

CLICK HERE: Learn More About Cellar Masters

By Greg Barnett

Photography by Greg Barnett and Scott Berry

Have you ever wondered if it’s time to create a wine cellar in your home? How many bottles of wine do you have? How many cases? How many wine racks or refrigerators are currently storing your collection? Perhaps you have a growing wine collection you’d love to display in your home or business.

These are some of the questions Scott Berry, owner of Cellar Masters, hears every day from homeowners and wine collectors.

Getting Started with Cellar Masters

So, how do you get started? Reach out to Berry, and he will meet you at your home or business to help you choose the best wine feature for your needs.

“We love visiting homeowners, listening, designing and creating their custom wine cellars every step of the way,” says Berry. “We understand that tastes are unique for each project, so their wine cellar is personalized to suit their needs. You dream it, and Cellar Masters will create it!”

Cellar Masters also specializes in creating impressive wine features for restaurants. These installations showcase exceptional wine collections in glass-enclosed, climate-controlled environments, allowing diners to admire the collections as they enter or move through the restaurant.

“We recently created a 630-bottle wine feature for Old Oak Steakhouse in Thousand Oaks. It’s always nice to see our work in the wild,” says Berry.

Wine Storage Designed Around You

Cellar Masters offers a wide range of solutions for homes and businesses, including wine walls, under-stair installations, contemporary designs and traditional wine cellars. The company has been designing, building and serving cellars since 1990.

“Wine features can start with a small collection or larger,” says Berry. “Some wine walls are for display and at room temperature, and for temperature-controlled environments in your living room or dining room, we have been very creative in building them for our clients.”

The possibilities are almost endless. A wine feature can be designed to store cases, large format and individual bottles while providing convenient label views and dedicated space for wine keys, decanters and other accessories. Cellar Masters showcases examples of its work on its website, CellarMasters.com, and at its Newbury Park location, where clients can view select installations in person by appointment.

Finding Space in Unexpected Places

“You just never know where you can place your collection,” says Berry.

That creativity is at the heart of what Cellar Masters does. The company has assembled an experienced team to design, build and install custom wine cellars and wine storage solutions for homes and businesses.

Cellar Masters has built more than 2,500 custom wine cellars throughout the region and across California.

Whether your collection consists of a few special bottles or hundreds of cases, Cellar Masters can create a space that is both functional and beautiful, designed specifically around your collection, your home and your lifestyle.

Protect Your Wine Collection

For winemakers, collectors and restaurateurs who may not yet have the space—or who simply need additional storage—Cellar Masters offers a variety of climate-controlled storage options at its facility. Storage begins with an 18-case base locker, making it an ideal solution for growing collections while providing an opportunity to become part of the Cellar Masters wine community. Custom wine lockers and concierge services are also available, including assistance with receiving and managing wine club deliveries.

Call Cellar Masters at 805.375.5040 or visit CellarMastersinc.com to learn more.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

7:47 pm
August Food • Beverage Lifestyle • Education • Culture

Bella Bakes

Tel: (310) 590-9353 | bellasbakes.org

“I believe small acts of kindness can make someone’s day a little brighter. Together, we can create lasting ripples of joy.” — Bella

CLICK HERE: Learn More About Bella Bakes

Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn,  Photography Provided

Mixing creativity, compassion and initiative, local teen Isabella Gertz concocted a recipe to serve up joy to families in need.

After visiting a local food bank, the 16-year-old Agoura High School junior had a lightbulb moment that sparked her into action.

“I realized that while families often receive basic necessities, birthdays and celebrations are frequently overlooked,” shares Isabella. Inspired to make a difference, she reached out to local grocery stores and bakeries to request undecorated cakes that she could customize and donate to help others celebrate birthdays and special events.

With support from Gelson’s, Sprouts and Vons, Isabella teamed up with a group of friends to create unique and beautifully decorated cakes to bring smiles to others.

“We decorated a cake with an axolotl for a 5-year-old’s birthday and got a video of them receiving the cake. Their reaction was incredibly sweet and reminded me exactly why I do this,” says Isabella, who founded a nonprofit called Bella’s Bakes to continue her mission.

“My goal is to expand to reach more communities in Southern California,” says Isabella. Advertising her services through flyers, word of mouth and on Instagram, Isabella works with Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank to deliver the decorated cakes to the lucky recipients.

As her older brother prepares to attend Cornell University in the fall, Isabella contemplates her own college plans, noting she’s thinking of staying closer to home and continuing to brighten up lives with Bella’s Bakes. For the Conejo Valley community, that’s something to celebrate!

Learn more at BellasBakes.org and on Instagram at @_bellas.bakes_.

Isabella’s love of culinary creations began at a young age in the kitchen with her mother.

“I started baking at 5 years old. My mentor that created my passion is my mom, who taught me how to bake when I was little,” explains Isabella, adding that the whole family got involved. “My dad and brother were forced to try my creations, too.”

Isabella studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and credits her Girl Scout instructors’ guidance and support with helping her grow and develop her skills. She is pursuing the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award with Bella’s Bakes and her Bake It Forward and Design with Dignity programs, where others can contribute to the cause by donating funds online at BellasBakes.org.

The ambitious, accomplished teen balances her baking endeavors with schoolwork, the tennis team and extracurriculars, including the Animal Welfare Club and the Women in Medicine Club, as well as volunteering at Los Robles Hospital.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

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.

2:06 am
Food • Beverage July

Mizel Estate Wines

Just north of Los Angeles, down oak-lined roads and nestled in the heart of Hidden Valley, Mizel Estate awaits you. Horses graze in pastures, roses bloom, the waters of the great pond glimmer, and grapes bask in the sun. The Santa Monica Mountains rise around you while the rest of the world falls away.

1050 W Potrero Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91361
Tel: (805) 795-2506 | mizelestate.com

CLICK HERE: Learn More About Mizel Estate Wines

By Val West, Photography Provided

Just a few miles from Westlake Village, down beautiful, oak-lined Potrero Road, time stops as you crest the hill and gaze over open pastures. In the heart of Hidden Valley in Thousand Oaks, you’ll find a local treasure, a gorgeous estate and vineyard where superb local wines originate.

Upon entering the breathtaking Mizel Estate, you step into a world apart. As you walk through the manicured grounds along stone-bound paths surrounded by roses and vines, a sense of peace envelops you. The Santa Monica Mountains rise around you while the rest of the world falls away.

Mizel Estate Wines is an unforgettable wine-tasting destination, situated in one of Conejo Valley’s most picturesque locales.

Estate-Grown Perfection

The name “Mizel” is a blend of the names of the owners, Michael and Zelene Fowler, who established the vineyard in 2014 with the goal of creating world-class wines.

Mizel Estate Wines are grown on their 38-acre estate in the Malibu Coast AVA. The geography of Mizel Estate, located on a fertile valley floor protected by mountains, provides ideal growing conditions for exceptional fruit.

When you taste Mizel’s luxury wines, you drink in the pure expression of their vineyard.

“The real secret to Mizel’s superb red wines is the ground they come from. The soil brings the tannin structure and creates a certain elegance that is so difficult to find—and impossible to add,” says Mizel’s winemaker Guillaume Fabre.

Handcrafted Excellence

Mizel Estate Wines is a boutique, limited-production winemaker, focused on quality.  Sustainably grown and hand-harvested, only the highest-quality grapes are used for Mizel wines.

Mizel grows six French grape varieties on their estate: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah. Throughout the growing season, the vines are attentively nurtured to bring forth the premium characteristics of Mizel’s fruit. As harvest approaches, the grapes are carefully monitored to ensure that each variety is harvested at its peak.

The winemaking commences in Paso Robles with the crush and fermentation. Afterward, each grape varietal is aged in premier French oak for 18 months. When the aging is complete, the Fowlers meet with Fabre to skillfully blend Mizel Estate’s signature wines: First Impression Bordeaux Blend, Easy to Please Grenache and Smooth Touch Syrah.

The results of the Mizel team’s efforts shine through in their opulent red wines. Mizel’s nuanced, velvety red wines dazzle the palate with lingering flavors of fruit and spice.

A Toast to Life

“Wine is a delightful journey filled with joy, self-discovery and connection,” says Zelene. “Our intention is to make our guests feel at home, whether they are here for a few hours or they are a beloved wine club member who’s invited to visit again and again.”

Every Saturday, you can join an intimate gathering of fellow wine explorers for a refined wine tasting on Mizel’s private estate. Take a guided tour of the vineyard, then stop, sit and savor your surroundings as you enjoy a curated flight of Mizel’s smooth, luscious red wines on the enchanting outdoor terrace.

Mizel’s engaging wine tastings are welcoming events that inspire lively discussion and bring about a spirit of camaraderie among the guests.

Beyond Fine Wine

“Mizel Estate Wines is about more than outstanding wines, it is a lifestyle,” says Zelene. “We like to bring about a feeling of wondrous possibility.”

Guests are invited to come experience Mizel through a series of captivating events. Plan a weekend of activities at Mizel by combining Mizel Estate’s Saturday wine tasting with a Sunday art or yoga class.

Free your inner artist on the second and fourth Sundays of the month with an immersive Art and Wine class. Surrounded by idyllic vistas, create your masterpiece under the gentle guidance of renowned artist Bobbie Rich.

On the third Sunday of each month, Mizel’s yogi guides you through a yoga and sound bath session, promoting relaxation and tranquility. Mizel’s lovely outdoor setting enhances feelings of well-being and affinity with nature.

Weekends too busy? Step out of your week on Thursday evenings and into a magical place. As the sky glows behind the mountains, enjoy tasting Mizel’s luxurious, complex wines in their magnificent vineyard. Listen to live music as you converse with other wine devotees on the inviting patio or play a game of bean bag toss on the lawn.

JOIN THE MIZEL FAMILY

Mizel Wine Club members receive invitations to exclusive members-only events and enjoy exceptional privileges on Mizel’s spectacular estate, including complimentary wine tastings and private annual visits with friends.

When you visit Mizel Estate Wines, you step away from pretentious, hectic city life and journey down a road less traveled, where you’ll find fine wine, genuine people and a whole lot of unexpected, remarkable fun.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

6:05 pm
Food • Beverage Publisher Letters

Publishers Letter

Ben Malkin & Robin Chesler

Why not? Who knows what tomorrow may bring? If the food is good, the style of cuisine is to your liking, and the wine and libation list is reasonably priced, then there is no better time to support your local restaurant, wine bar, or brew pub. As we emerged from the dark days of 2020 to 2021, the quality and service in restaurants have returned to whatever was “normal” for those that survived the pandemic (it wasn’t easy!).

While prices are higher due to inflation, the smart customer- and community-focused restaurants have kept the tab at the end of a date night for two somewhat under control. A creative way of doing that has been to increase the size of a portion so that their patrons can share. Since Robin is an expert at “sharing,” this has made her very happy. Besides… even I am willing to share an 18-oz Kansas City Strip Steak on the menu of the new and quite excellent Old Oaks Steak House in Thousand Oaks. As a result, their $80 steak really becomes a $40 steak. Since it is aged premium beef, once we add in shared sides, that’s plenty of food. Our first visit was somewhat “new restaurant not quite ready for prime time.” We gave it another shot and were very pleased. As you enter, the wine wall built by Scott Berry’s Cellar Masters is stunning.

We enjoyed a delicious food- and wine-pairing experience at Marcello Ristorante. The carefully chosen Italian wines paired perfectly with excellent eggplant parmesan, marinated shrimp, and the rest of a multicourse small bites dinner.

Last but certainly not least…wine! The best wine bar/winery in the Conejo has been, and continues to be, NABU Wines. I have been begging Greg Barnett to submit his Napa, Malibu, and now Mendocino and Paso Robles wines into competition. He is now knocking the ball out of the park with multiple medals from state fairs and wine events throughout SoCal. The reds are superior wines that can also be aged. The Albariño, a not-too-well-known Spanish varietal, is a star.

Last, but not least, take a look at our Sonoma wine country trip—more on that inside this issue.

12:19 am
Food • Beverage Travel

By Ben Malkin

Photography by Ben Malkin and Left Coast Photography

While Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley are next-door neighbors in the heart of premium California wine country, a visit and wine tasting tour shows contrasting styles, experiences, and wines to enjoy.

Napa wineries are easily accessible. From the south to the north, most of the wineries are located on a grid bordered by Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail. Your visit to Sonoma Valley is more of an adventure that requires the use of Google Maps, and better yet, a good old-fashioned printed Sonoma Valley winery map. For Robin’s annual December birthday vacation, we dove into the “adventure” of a visit to Sonoma Valley.

Sonoma Valley is much more laid back than Napa Valley—$1,000/night rooms and acres of resort facilities are not part of the culture. For me, that’s a good thing. Michelin star or wannabe star restaurants and $400 dinners for two are for Napa, not Sonoma.

The advantage of a late December visit is less traffic and reduced crowds at the wineries. These days it is always best to schedule appointments for everything from a tasting to a complete wine and food pairing at some wineries. With the generous help of Amy Patrick at Sonoma County Vintners, we scheduled visits to wineries in the Russian River Valley up north to the Alexander Valley, enjoying beautiful road trips from Sonoma to Healdsburg to Santa Rosa. We visited the heart of their Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel country.

Next, some advice on quality vs. quantity: Schedule no more than three wineries a day, and if lunch is included, perhaps just two. We enjoyed incredible food and wine pairings at St. Francis Winery and Ram’s Gate Winery. Each provided a unique experience that we will always treasure. You can also choose to stay out of your car for an afternoon and visit the tasting rooms on the square in Sonoma.

We kicked things off at Ram’s Gate Winery, located at the entrance to Sonoma Valley near the famous Sonoma Raceway. Their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are classically Russian River and Carneros. The wine and food pairing was perfect and so extensive that we skipped dinner that evening.

One of our favorite wineries is Chateau St. Jean. We have been members for many years. Their Cinq Cepage Bordeaux-style blend is very special, as is their Russian River Pinot Noir. Foley Family Wines recently bought them. That meant when we visited Chalk Hill Estate Winery (www.chalkhill.com) later in the week (perhaps the best Chardonnay in Sonoma County), we were members. So corporate ownership is not always something to bemoan. The Foley-owned wineries have retained and possibly improved their quality.

Another exceptional experience was a visit to Ledson Winery. They are family-owned and managed, and very proud of it. The beautiful building and grounds are chock-a-block full of family history. They offer a wide choice of varietals and award-winning wines. You can spend hours just shopping in their Marketplace.

The next day, we enjoyed another food and wine pairing at St. Francis Winery and Vineyard, featuring a wonderful parade of small bites and premium, 90+ scoring Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. You can find their wine at the grocery store, but to truly experience the best, you need to visit.

We headed north to Chalk Hill Estate Winery. It was a very adventurous drive, but well worth it when we finally got there. We found Chardonnay to die for (their “flagship varietal) and sublime Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Visit or join for 90+ showstoppers. We spent two or more hours tasting the wine and gazing at the vineyards.

The goal of our trip was to enjoy great wine, so there’s no restaurant reviews. On the other hand, our wine and food pairings were the most memorable highlight of our trip. Maybe next time we’ll visit Paso Robles wine country for more great wine, lots of driving, and exploring. Cheers!!

Our final experience was far to the north at Zialena Winery. Family-owned and nurtured by Mark Mazzoni, the wine-making tradition here goes back to 1931 and the culture of workers at Italian Swiss Colony saving money to buy their land. The wine is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and their own Zinfandel Mazzoni clone; very, very Alexander Valley. Their Cabernet and Zinfandel from the Alexander Valley are some of my favorites, well-structured and graceful.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

7:13 pm
Food • Beverage Travel

By Ben Malkin

Photography by Greg Barnett

Owner Janet Barnett with a wine tasting flight in NABU’s tasting room

NABU Wines

Handcrafted award-winning wines from Napa Valley to the Malibu Coast since 2012.

2649 Townsgate Road, Ste. 200, Westlake Village, CA 91361
Tel: 805.778.1100 | nabuwines.com
Tasting Room Hours: Monday-Sunday 12pm-7pm

CLICK HERE: Learn more about NABU Wines

Often referred to as a hidden gem in the Conejo Valley, NABU Wines has been an urban winery producing its handcrafted award-winning wines since 2012.

Why NABU, we ask?“When my wife Janet Barnett and I started the winery, our main focus was producing wines from Napa Valley and from our local mountains of Malibu, and that’s why we are called NABU,” says Owner Greg Barnett. Any “Star Wars” reference? “No,” he laughs, adding, “but we do have fun with our name on May the 4th, Star Wars Day, at the winery every year; people arrive in costume with light sabers and more. It’s a lot of fun.”

When you visit NABU’s winery, you have no idea what to expect, and when you step inside, you realize you have arrived at a destination. While NABU Wines still produces wine in the Napa Valley and the Malibu Coast, its focus has expanded to neighboring AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) in Northern California, including Mendocino County, where they produce Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon on the Talmage Bench in Ukiah, as well as Pinot Noir on the southern part of the Sonoma Coast.

“In 2023, I began producing white wines in Paso Robles again with Sauvignon Blanc and Albariño. Both have been well received by our guests and at competitions at fairs,” says Greg. “So far, both have won two gold medals each and one silver medal each. We also have four barrels of Petit Verdot almost ready to bottle. I am very excited to share this with everyone.”

This year, NABU achieved outstanding results at the county fairs in Orange County and Los Angeles and at the mid-state fair in Paso Robles, earning a total of 15 gold, silver, and bronze medals. At press time, they were still awaiting the results from the local Ventura County Fair.

NABU Wines is the only winery in the Conejo Valley that is open every day at noon for wine tasting. The wine flight features three white wines and three red wines, curated by their staff, who take great pleasure in sharing stories about each one with their guests.

When you look around the winery, you notice that it’s very music-centric, with vintage gear displayed, and they have an extensive vinyl collection featuring jazz, rock, heavy metal, current releases and other genres, spanning decades, available to choose from to spin on their turntable. You can also bring in one of your favorites to spin, too.

NABU Wines is located at 2649 Townsgate Road, Suite 200, in Westlake Village. For more information, call 805.778.1100 or visit NabuWines.com.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved