DAOU Uncorked

By Sydney Sadick

Exceptional wine, unforgettable views, and a legacy rooted in passion—DAOU is more than a name, it’s a lifestyle. Brand ambassador Laura Reynolds shares how heritage, hospitality, and heart have made it the toast of the Hamptons.

DAOU is synonymous with elegance and excellence. What’s the story behind the vineyard’s founding, and how has your vision evolved over the years?

DAOU was founded in 2007 by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou, who dreamed of creating a winery that would elevate Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon on the global stage.

Their path to DAOU Mountain was as unlikely as it was remarkable. Georges and Daniel were born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, when the city was known as the “Paris of the Middle East.” Unfortunately, the family was forced to flee their home and find refuge in France when the Lebanese Civil War started in the 1970s. In France, their father cultivated love for wine, specifically Bordeaux wines, which would be a turning point for Daniel’s interest and passion for wine. 

The brothers came to California to study engineering and computer science while taking night classes learning English. After graduation, they founded a tech company, Daou Systems, that helped pave the way for innovation in health care IT services and create the footprint for patient record transfer in hospitals. 

They went public in 1998 and sold the company, accomplishing their first chapter of the American dream. It was then that Daniel embarked on his next venture: becoming a winemaker. Georges also shared his brother’s desire to live a life in wine. It was finally time for their long-held dream to prevail.

They set out to create the world’s next iconic Cabernet Sauvignon. After searching the world for terroirs that could rival Bordeaux’s first-growth estates, they discovered what would become known as DAOU Mountain in the Adelaida District in Paso Robles. Here, the soils were comparable to Bordeaux and the climate was similar to Napa Valley—a perfect complement of elements. Mastering both art and technology in the vineyard and cellar, Daniel soon became one of California’s most accomplished winemakers.

The rest is history, and the vision has remained largely the same since day one—create extraordinary Paso Robles wines and provide unparalleled hospitality.

Family is clearly at the heart of the DAOU brand. How have the DAOU brothers’ personal journeys shaped the ethos of the winery?

As children, the Daou brothers went through immense trauma and tragedy during the Lebanese Civil War. Both brothers have said they stared death in the eye and refused to waver. This bond is what pushed them to keep striving in the face of adversity and appreciate the strength, love, and hope that can only come from family. Several DAOU wines are named after family members, such as Soul of a Lion for their father Joseph, and Mayote for their mother Marie.

This strong family ethos drives DAOU’s culture of hospitality. When you come to DAOU Mountain, we want to you to truly feel at home. You might arrive as a stranger, but we want you to leave as family. We want you to eat well, drink extraordinary wine, and to make your story a part of ours.

We strive to live up to this example every day on DAOU Mountain. The brothers’ story is so impactful for us, and we push to be our best selves to reflect our dedication to these two incredible men. 

DAOU is known not only for its award-winning wines but also for its immersive guest experience. What can visitors expect when they come to the estate?

DAOU is not your typical tasting room, and we hope you feel that as soon as you step on the Mountain. This is an experience, not a visit. Hospitality is at the forefront of everything we do. Our team has curated a world-class menu to pair with the wine tasting. Every sip and bite must be incredible. Our educators make the entire experience unforgettable and will make you feel like family. We want you to leave yearning to come back. Many guests become team members for this exact reason.

It helps that the Mountain itself is pure magic. It’s a world apart, with 360-degree views and beautiful architecture surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. This is where time stands still and you can truly get away from it all. When you spend an afternoon “above the clouds” on DAOU Mountain, you’ll never forget it.

What role does innovation play in DAOU’s winemaking process, either through technology, sustainability, or viticulture techniques?

Innovation is essential to DAOU’s winemaking philosophy. The team blends tradition with forward-thinking techniques to craft wines that reflect purity, precision, and a deep sense of place. One example is the use of DAOU’s proprietary D20 yeast strain, cultured from the mountain itself, which helps preserve acidity, enhance flavor, and support balance in the final wines. 

Equally important is sustainability. Our vineyard team created a digital map of the estate to monitor vine health and water usage, which plays a key role in conserving water during drought conditions. As a SIP [Sustainability in Practice] Certified vineyard, we employ dry farming, organic management, and solar-powered energy systems to protect the land and its resources. Everything we do—from grape to glass—is about crafting exceptional wines while ensuring DAOU Mountain thrives for generations to come.

What is your personal favorite DAOU wine at the moment, and what do you love to pair it with?

My favorite wine is the 2021 Soul of a Lion. It’s a stunning Bordeaux blend that exemplifies the power and elegance of Cabernet Sauvignon coming from the Adalida District of Paso Robles. The 2021 vintage is especially compelling—rich and smooth, with layers of dark fruit, refined tannins, and a beautifully balanced structure. It bridges the bold, expressive character of New World California fruit with the finesse and complexity of Old World winemaking traditions. Whether you’re enjoying it now or cellaring it for years to come, Soul of a Lion is a benchmark for what high-elevation Cabernet Sauvignon in Paso Robles can achieve.

What sets DAOU apart from other wine companies? 

We like to say that DAOU is not a winery, it’s a lifestyle. We make wine for every occasion whether you’re searching for a glass after work or are looking for a milestone bottle. We’re creating world-class Bordeaux varieties. Some are made with extreme approachability, others are crafted with extreme staying power—the kind of wines that go toe to toe with the world’s best, and that will age gracefully for decades to come.

Your rosé is a favorite! Why do you think the rosé craze has not slowed down?

 I’m thrilled that rosé is now a year-round staple. It’s such a versatile and food-friendly wine. It pairs with anything you put in front of it. I think it can be casual or elegant and quality has increased greatly over the years. I hope this “fad” stays for a long time. 

For our readers building wine cellars or hosting luxe gatherings, what are your go-to tips for selecting, pairing, and serving wine in a coastal setting?

When I think of the beach, I think of wines with acid—bright and light. The smell of the salty air goes perfect with white wines along with coastal cuisine. Seafood and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, Champagne/sparkling with oysters and caviar. I highly recommend lightly chilling your light red wines as well prior to serving. A cool glass of Pinot Noir on the patio is the ultimate summer pairing. And for more sumptuous meals after the sun goes down, you can never go wrong with a bottle of Soul of a Lion or another of our Bordeaux-style offerings.

The Hamptons is full of tastemakers, creatives, and connoisseurs. How do you see DAOU fitting into this elevated and discerning lifestyle ecosystem?

The Hamptons and DAOU share a common language—elevated taste, effortless luxury, and an appreciation of craftsmanship. We walk hand in hand. 

Lastly, how do you see the future of luxury wine evolving, and what role will DAOU play in shaping that narrative?

Luxury wine in the past was defined by rarity and price. We as consumers now seek more. We want a sense of purpose, a memorable story, and stewardship of the land. DAOU will continue to be an innovator in all three. We seek to create world-class wines that far exceed the price point while ensuring quality never wavers. It’s our job as a brand to take care of what we have now so our future generations can enjoy it as we do, while sipping on an incomparable glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.