Kyle Mizuno is the winemaker at Rolling Hills Estate in Champlain Valley, Westport, NY. His distinguished 25-year career in Napa Valley gave him the rare opportunity to work alongside luminaries of the wine world, including Philippe Melka, the late Michel Rolland, Heidi Barrett, and Aaron Pott. Today, as Director of Winemaking at Rolling Hills Estate Winery, Kyle brings that world-class pedigree to the Champlain Valley of New York AVA, where he is helping pioneer the discovery of this emerging wine region through authentic, terroir-driven winemaking. Media Inquiries: Kathleen Willcox kathleenwillcox@hotmail.com | https://rollinghillsestatewinery.com/
What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, & memorable about your brand?
Discovery is at the heart of our brand. We believe there is something special about wine lovers discovering great wines before the rest of the world does. That’s why we’re committed to crafting exceptional wines that express the character of the emerging Champlain Valley of New York AVA while inviting others to experience its story from the very beginning. That belief has shaped every decision we’ve made, from planting our vineyards beneath the majestic high peaks of the Adirondacks to welcoming others into a journey of discovery as this remarkable wine region continues to emerge.
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained.
I think the biggest unconstrained decision I’ve already made was leaving Napa Valley for an emerging AVA in New York. I was fortunate to work alongside some of the world’s best winemakers and to see firsthand what it takes for a wine region to earn global recognition. But I realized I didn’t just want to be part of an established story, I wanted the opportunity to help build the story! What makes this opportunity so special is the freedom to help shape a wine region from the very beginning. That’s what drew me to the Champlain Valley of New York. It’s a chance to apply everything my mentors generously taught me while continuing to learn from this remarkable place and its potential. It’s a full-circle moment: giving back to the industry that’s given me so much and helping shape the future of an up-and-coming wine region from the very beginning.
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.
Marquette is the wine that best represents both our winery and my approach to winemaking. Long before I arrived, the early expressions of this varietal revealed a brightness, depth of character, and versatility that suggested something truly special was possible in the Champlain Valley. Rather than trying to make Marquette into something it isn’t, I’ve always believed the best wines begin by understanding what a grape naturally wants to express. That promise was one of the reasons I was drawn from Napa to help pioneer this emerging region, and every vintage continues to reveal new layers of complexity that make the journey as rewarding as the destination. Stay tuned, this wine review is coming soon!
Bonus Question: What are your wholehearted convictions related to the wine business?
My wholehearted conviction is that the wine business must always leave room for discovery. The industry can become overly focused on familiar regions, established names, and what has already been proven, but tastes change and markets move in cycles. People eventually begin looking for something different, authentic, and still taking shape. The wine industry has evolved into sameness and we are about to go through a period of discovery away from that and toward wonderful new international quality varietals. The market is going to force the transformation of these new discoveries. It will happen naturally by those who take the lead and understand the change that is coming. Wine is art, not a commodity per se! At the same time, I believe we’ve become so focused on everything surrounding wine that we sometimes lose sight of the wine itself and the people who cherish the moments it creates. Wine has always been about bringing people together, sharing a meal, celebrating milestones, and creating lasting memories.