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.
Mizel grows six French grape varieties on their estate that are well suited to their terroir: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah. Throughout the growing season, the vines are nurtured under the direction of Estate Manager Hector Ambriz and Winemaker Fabre, who bring forth the premium characteristics of each individual block of Mizel’s extraordinary 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 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
Mizel Wine Club members receive invitations to exclusive member-only events and enjoy exceptional privileges on Mizel’s breathtaking estate, including complimentary wine tasting events and private annual visits with friends.
Mizel Family Foundation
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.
Mizel Estate Wines
1050 W. Potrero Rd. Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
"Creating great wine is a question of balance; that unique equation that enables an ideal blend of climate, soil and the grape itself.”
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.