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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

1:00 am
Health • Wellness July

Newbury Park Dental Arts

400 S. Reino Road. Suite 100. Newbury Park, CA 91320
Tel: (805) 498-0400 |

Office Hours
Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
Friday by appointment only

CLICK HERE: Learn More About Newbury Park Dental Arts

By Alicia Doyle, Photography Provided

At Newbury Park Dental Arts, dentistry is about far more than cleanings and checkups—it’s about transforming lives. Dr. Cristina Markiewicz and Dr. Jason Verdi have built a reputation for blending clinical excellence with genuine compassion, helping patients not only achieve healthier smiles, but renewed confidence.

“We deliver life-changing dentistry,” says Dr. Verdi. “We help people get healthy, look good and feel great about themselves.”

That philosophy is woven into every aspect of the patient experience. From preventive care to complex restorative treatments, the team takes a personalized approach, recognizing that each patient walks through the door with unique needs, concerns and goals.

That philosophy is woven into every aspect of the patient experience. From preventive care to complex restorative treatments, the team takes a personalized approach, recognizing that each patient walks through the door with unique needs, concerns and goals.

“We treat people as individuals with families, jobs and lives—not as appointment numbers,” Dr. Verdi explains. “Our goal is to empower patients to take charge of their oral health through education, clear treatment plans and compassionate care.”

Comprehensive Care, One Trusted Team

One of the defining qualities of Newbury Park Dental Arts is its ability to provide truly comprehensive care under one roof. Patients can access preventive services such as cleanings, exams, digital X-rays, and oral cancer screenings, as well as restorative treatments including crowns, bridges, and full-mouth rehabilitation.

Cosmetic dentistry is also a popular focus, with services like teeth whitening, veneers and full smile makeovers helping patients achieve natural, confident results.

“We’re especially excited about our smile makeovers and minimal-preparation veneers,” says Dr. Verdi. “They can dramatically enhance a smile while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.”

In addition, the practice offers dental implants, emergency care and sedation options designed to ease anxiety—an essential component of their patient-first philosophy.

“Our team is gentle and empathetic,” he says. “We work hard to reduce fear and build lasting relationships with our patients.”

Modern technology further enhances the experience, with tools like digital imaging and iTero scanning improving both accuracy and comfort. Combined with transparent pricing, insurance assistance and flexible financing options, the practice strives to make high-quality care accessible to all.

Modern technology further enhances the experience, with tools like digital imaging and iTero scanning improving both accuracy and comfort. Combined with transparent pricing, insurance assistance and flexible financing options, the practice strives to make high-quality care accessible to all.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

11:29 pm
Home • Design July

Thousand Oaks Fireside and Design

Thousand Oaks Fireside and Design offers a wide selection of gas fireplaces, such as See Through Gas Fireplaces, Left,  Right, or Double Corner Fireplaces, Linear, Modern, Contemporary, Custom design, Vent Free, Traditional, or many others.

104 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 9136
(805) 496-6660 | thousandoaksfireside.com

CLICK HERE Learn more about Thousand Oaks Fireside and Design

Article and Photography Provided

The concept of the home has evolved from a simple shelter into a personalized sanctuary. At the heart of this transformation is the desire to blend indoor comfort seamlessly with outdoor luxury. For nearly 16 years, Thousand Oaks Fireside and Design has been a premiere destination for homeowners throughout Ventura, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties seeking this exact balance. Situated at 104 East Thousand Oaks Blvd, this full-service showroom has redefined the traditional hearth shop by offering cutting-edge fire features, custom outdoor kitchens and high-end design solutions.

Adapting to the Modern Hearth Market

Historically, fireplace shops focused strictly on traditional wood-burning units, basic mesh screens and iron tool sets. However, shifting environmental regulations and changing consumer preferences have pushed the industry to evolve. Local municipalities increasingly place restrictions on wood burning, driving demand for cleaner, highly efficient alternatives.

Under the management of Thomas Malinowski, Thousand Oaks Fireside and Design has embraced this shift. The company offers a curated portfolio of realistic, efficient electric and gas-burning units tailored to modern architectural tastes. Homeowners can explore options ranging from ultra-sleek linear gas fireplaces to dynamic see-through designs and versatile electric units. These modern units provide the cozy ambiance of a real fire without the cleanup, smoke or environmental drawbacks of traditional firewood.

Premium Brands and Visual Customization

The showroom stands out by partnering with some of the world’s leading manufacturers. Customers can inspect premium hearth brands such as

  • Heat & Glo
  • Heatilator
  • Flare Fireplaces
  • Montigo
  • Dimplex
  • Modern Flames

Beyond the internal mechanics, the store specializes in the visual styling that frames the fire. This includes pre-cast stone mantels, custom surrounds and custom fireplace doors from Design Specialties. These premium finishes allow a fireplace to serve as a stunning architectural focal point in any room.

The Thriving Outdoor Room Concept

Beyond the living room, Thousand Oaks Fireside and Design has become a specialist in the booming “outdoor room” trend. Modern backyards are no longer just patches of lawn; they are extensions of the home used for entertaining, cooking and unwinding.

• Built-in teppanyaki griddles and cooktops
• Outdoor refrigeration and ice makers
• Warming drawers and beer taps
• High-Performance Alfa Pizza Ovens

To complete the outdoor atmosphere, the company incorporates gas fire pits from The Outdoor Plus, outdoor gas and wood-burning fireplaces and premium outdoor heating units such as Bromic, SunPak and Infratech to ensure comfort even on chilly coastal evenings.

A Visual and Collaborative Experience

What truly distinguishes this destination is its consultative approach to design. Converting a homeowner’s backyard vision into reality can be challenging without visual references. To address this, the team uses 3D graphics software. Designers can create a virtual layout tailored to the customer’s space, incorporate precise models of selected grills into the rendering and show exactly how the finished project will look before any construction begins. Ultimately, Thousand Oaks Fireside and Design aims to deliver a smooth, high-quality experience that fosters long-term customer relationships. By integrating innovative clean-heat technology, premium outdoor cooking equipment and personalized design assistance, they equip local homeowners with the tools to enhance their indoor and outdoor living spaces.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

1:26 am
July Lifestyle • Education • Culture

Article & Photography supplied

Coming together at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village in April, the Oaks Christian community raised more than $2 million in support of the school’s mission at its annual Dinner Auction Gala.

Inspired by the generosity of Oaks Christian founder Dallas Price-Van Breda’s surprise matching gift challenge—pledging to match up to $1 million raised through auctions, direct donations and the Moment to Give campaign—the school community rose to the challenge, helping to achieve the fundraising milestone.

Emceed by Oaks Christian parent Neal McDonough, whose warmth and humor energized the evening, the program included performances by Grammy Award-winning producer David Foster and singer-songwriter Katharine McPhee, as well as vocalist Daniel Emmet, who earned a standing ovation with his powerful performance.

The live auction featured 10 exclusive items, including a rare 1927 World Series Yankees baseball signed by Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and other “Murderers’ Row” players, which sold for $24,000; an Australian Labradoodle puppy ($15,000); a luxury resort getaway ($44,000); and a unique Navy SEAL experience with a retired commander ($40,000).

Alumni also shared inspiring stories that reflected Oaks Christian’s commitment to academic excellence, artistic expression and athletic achievement. Olympians Amanda Longan (Class of 2015), Adrian Weinberg (Class of 2019) and Morgan Stickney (OCO Class of 2016) spoke about how their Oaks Christian experience helped shape their journeys to the world stage

Alumna Emily Ricks Hahn (Class of 2019) moved the audience by sharing that knowledge gained in her science classes enabled her to recognize a life-threatening medical condition, ultimately changing the course of her life and future aspirations.

The evening was a celebration of generosity, community and the lasting impact Oaks Christian continues to have on the lives of its students and alumni.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

11:04 pm
Home • Design July

First Choice Painting

726 Pamela Wood St, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
Tel: (805)273-1180 | instagram.com
First Choice Painting is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 

• Exterior painting
• Interior painting
First Choice Painting on Instagram

Written By Alicia Doyle Photography provided

First Choice Painting has built its reputation one brushstroke at a time—earning trust across the Conejo Valley through decades of craftsmanship, consistency and family pride.

Founded more than 40 years ago by Felix Lopez, Sr., the company remains deeply rooted in its original mission: delivering high-quality painting services with a personal touch. Today, that legacy continues through three generations—Felix Sr., Felix Jr. and Michael Lopez—each contributing to a family tradition that blends experience with evolving industry standards.

“We want to make you feel special about your home or business,” says Felix Lopez Jr., who carries forward the values his father instilled from the beginning.

From residential refreshes to large-scale commercial projects, First Choice Painting handles interior and exterior work of all sizes. Their approach goes beyond simply applying paint. Careful preparation—patching stucco, filling cracks, sanding surfaces and ensuring a clean foundation—remains a hallmark of their process, setting the tone for a finished product that lasts.

That attention to detail has not gone unnoticed. In today’s review-driven marketplace, many clients first encounter First Choice Painting through glowing online testimonials. Across platforms like Angi, customers consistently highlight the team’s professionalism, efficiency and ease of collaboration.

For Felix Jr., those reviews reflect something deeper than customer satisfaction—they reinforce a long-standing commitment to doing things the right way.

“Our painters are highly qualified, and we take pride in being clean, professional, responsive and punctual,” he explains. “We aim to deliver great craftsmanship while offering real value to every customer.”

That commitment extends to the materials they use. First Choice Painting partners with trusted brands such as Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Dunn-Edwards, ensuring durable, high-quality finishes. The company also offers eco-friendly options and remains available for emergency painting needs when time is critical.

Serving communities throughout Santa Rosa Valley, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Calabasas, Malibu, the Palisades, and the San Fernando Valley, First Choice Painting has become a go-to resource for homeowners and businesses alike.

Every project is fully licensed, bonded and insured, with a guarantee that underscores the company’s confidence in its work.

“We love painting houses and businesses,” Felix Jr. says. “It’s what we do—and it’s in our blood.”

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

10:39 pm
Editor Letters July

Publishers Letter

Tracy Marcynzsyn, Editor

Our theme this month is explore, and July is the perfect month to get out there and discover new places to go and things to do. Whether it’s taking a road trip with family or friends, jumping on a plane to a farther-off destination, or scouting out a new hiking trail or restaurant closer to home, venturing out into the world to explore something new yields immeasurable benefits.

This month’s columnist, Barton Goldsmith, in his “10 Tips for Summer Fun,” encourages us to “do the new,” noting that experiencing new adventures with others helps us connect and build strong bonds.

Our resident columnist, Kim Pagano, also shares how exploring new places sparks inspiration and fresh ideas. Fortunately, our area is brimming with exciting, wonderful things to explore.

Mizel Estate Wines is one of those that are highlighted in this issue. Located in the pristine Hidden Valley, the winery offers breathtaking scenery with roses, vines, and the spectacular Santa Monica Mountains towering above. Spending an afternoon at this magical locale offers a peaceful respite from the fast-paced world of responsibilities and to-do lists. In addition to wine tastings, guests can take an art class or wind down with yoga and a sound bath.

A little further up the road in Paso Robles is another fun destination to discover and sample some world-class wines. Publishers Ben and Robin share some of their favorite places to wine and dine that they’ve discovered during their annual trip to Paso Robles, where small-town charm makes for a heartfelt visit. “The town square is a modern version of a traditional Norman Rockwell painting,” says Ben.

Another quintessential slice of American nostalgia can be found in Nashville, Tennessee, where travel writer Melissa Curtin takes us beyond the crowds and cover bands to historic neighborhoods and culinary destinations to drool for. Read all about it and more in the pages that follow.

We hope this issue inspires you to explore and discover some amazing new finds this summer. Bon Voyage!