EXCELLENCE IN A BOTTLE

EXCELLENCE IN A BOTTLE Meet the brothers behind DAOU Family Estates

By Teresa Bitler

Brothers Georges and Daniel Daou dreamed of finding the perfect terroir to create world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Their dream came true when they discovered what would become known as DAOU Mountain in Paso Robles. Here, guests not only enjoy some of California’s most coveted wines, but also a hospitality experience without peer.

AN IMPROBABLE JOURNEY

The story of DAOU Family Estates begins long before the brothers found their way to Paso Robles. As boys growing up in Lebanon, Georges and Daniel Daou’s idyllic childhood was disrupted when an errant missile struck the family home at the advent of the Lebanese Civil War.

The brothers both sustained serious injuries, and as the war escalated, the family was forced to flee to France. There, Georges and Daniel fell in love with the vineyards, the art of hospitality and saw how a bottle of wine could bring people together.

to prevail. After all, driven by his passion, Daniel had spent years growing Cabernet Sauvignon on a one-acre plot and making wine in his garage. Now, they just needed the perfect location to grow the Bordeaux-style wines that inspired them. It would take several years before their quest would lead them to Paso Robles.

DISCOVERING DAOU MOUNTAIN

DAOU Mountain didn’t look like much when the brothers acquired it in 2007. As Georges recalls, “No wells, no vines, no buildings, no power, no tasting room—nothing but incredible potential.”

But Georges and Daniel had a vision for this land. “The soil was amazing,” Georges explains. “The climate was amazing. We had found a hidden gem—a terroir that was absolutely perfect for growing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varieties.”

Today, the 212-acre mountaintop estate in the Adelaida District produces some of California’s finest wines. It has also become a must-visit for wine travelers coming to Paso Robles, which is located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles—and just 60 miles from the Allegiant Airlines hub of Santa Maria.

Over the past decade, DAOU wines, crafted by Winemaker, Daniel Daou, have been awarded scores of 90+ points more than 200 times. The DAOU Soul of a Lion is named for the brothers’ father and is one of the most anticipated Cabernet Sauvignon releases each year. Other coveted wines include DAOU Rosé, Pessimist by DAOU, and DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon, which is available for sale on board Allegiant Airlines.

Georges and Daniel Daou, Owners of DAOU Family Estates

A WINE DESTINATION LIKE NO OTHER

What you sip in your glass is only the beginning, according to Georges. To truly appreciate DAOU, a visit to the vineyard is necessary. “When you come, you will find that the wines and views are unparalleled, and that the people and hospitality are unparalleled, too,” he says.

DAOU Family Estates has a variety of immersive experiences in their tasting room on DAOU Mountain, just 15 minutes away from downtown Paso Robles. On the “Discover DAOU Tasting Experience,” guests can enjoy a taste of five DAOU Estate and Reserve wines. With selections such as charcuterie, cheese and steak frites, the Estate Chef creates the perfect complement to your tasting. DAOU also offers a “Picnic Experience” where guests enjoy a curated pairing while overlooking the vistas at 2,200 feet elevation as well as a “Private Barrel Tasting” featuring flagship wines such as Soul of a Lion. Reservations are required. DAOUvineyards.com