DAOU Vineyards & Winery
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: DAOU Vineyards & Winery, established in 2007, is an inspiring winery facility with a dynamic location that features a Spanish bell tower. The large, white building looks out over the beautiful Paso Robles landscape.
Before reaching the winery, visitors will pass through vineyards towards a sea of lavender highlighting the winery. At the entrance to the DAOU winery tasting room, visitors will travel under an ornate wrought iron-style arch with the words EST 2007. The large, white winery tasting room facility is delightfully landscaped with large red roses, lavender and other perennials.
Visitors to the DAOU Vineyards & Winery tasting room in the Adelaida District sub-AVA of Paso Robles will immediately notice the bell tower that rises above a landscaped area with a large patio overlooking vineyards and countryside. The structure itself is a Spanish colonial style. The Spanish bell from 1740 is from a Spanish monastery. Landscaped gardens and a patio provide a relaxing but elegant spot to enjoy a glass of DAOU wine.
Inside, the tasting room is large and filled with a large, square-shaped tasting counter and numerous seating arrangements. A fireplace adds to the ambiance of the facility. The room is filled with an eclectic selection of decorative items. Be sure to examine the framed colorful poster that depicts the journey the Daou family took from Lebanon to the United States.
Near the tasting counter, large doors open on to a patio where visitors can view the rolling hills of Paso Robles. A few chairs are located off by themselves where visitors can enjoy relaxing in a more private, quiet setting while enjoying the views.
The Daou winemaking family consists of Daniel Daou winemaker and viticulturist, and Georges Daou who partners with Daniel with everything else. Daniel and Georges were born in Beirut, Lebanon. In the 1970s the Daou family immigrated from Lebanon to France and eventually to the United States.
After careers in the technology world, Daniel and Georges, who had become enamored with wine while in France, decided to establish a vineyard and winery in the Paso Robles region. They discovered the current property which had been established as a vineyard by Dr. Stanley Hoffman in the 1960s and known as Hoffman Mountain Ranch Winery. The Daou brothers purchased the property in 2007. The tasting room was completed in 2011. An old bottle of the Hoffman wine identified with a piece of tape is displayed in the tasting room.
Vineyards
The winery and vineyards occupy 212 acres with 114 under vine. The soil consists of calcareous clay and limestone soil. The vineyards are at an elevation of 2,200 feet. The vineyards are SIP (Sustainability in Practice) certified.
DAOU Wines
Wine tastings at DAOU take place at a large counter made of white onyx with under lighting. Wines are poured in Riedel stemware. Artisan Charcuterie & Cheese Plates are available for purchase each day.
In the winery, Daniel Daou uses particular winemaking protocols including: the use of free run juice, native yeasts and 100% new French oak.
The 2014 Chardonnay Reserve Paso Robles was a yellow color with aroma notes of citrus and tangerine. The taste was creamy with green apple notes.
Micho Estate 2013 Adelaida District was a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is special as it was made in honor of Daniel’s and Georges’ sister who passed away from cancer. The wine was an opaque dark ruby color. It offered black fruit notes, earthiness and chalky notes. The wine had chewy, bold tannins and was full-bodied. The finish had fruit notes yielding to mineral.
The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 was an opaque dark ruby to black color. The wine offered notes of blackberries, black cherries and licorice. There was a silky mouthfeel. The wine had bold tannins with a full body. The finish of fruit yielded to licorice.
DAOU Reserve Seventeen Forty 2013 was a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. This wine was produced in honor of the bell from 1740. The wine was an opaque dark ruby color with dark fruit notes. The smooth mouthful had bold kissing tannins and was full-bodied.
Mayote Estate 2012 was a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot produced in honor of their mother. This was a dark purple with a ruby hue colored wine. The wine offered notes of sweetness, blackberries, plums and licorice. There was a velvety mouthfeel. The wine had bold tannins and was full-bodied. The crisp finish was fruity with notes of licorice.
The Estate Soul of the Lion 2013 was a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The color was dark ruby with a purple hue. The wine had notes of blackberries and black cherries. The wine offered bold tannins and was full-bodied. The finish had fruit yielding to a hint of licorice.
When tasting wines at DAOU winery be sure to ask about the Spanish bell. Views from the gated bell tower allow a bird’s eye view of the vineyards and mountainous/hilly area. Stay awhile and enjoy the views of the countryside with a glass of wine.
DAOU Vineyard & Winery
2777 Hidden Mountain Road
Paso Robles, CA 93446
GPS: N35º 38.478’ W120º 47.047’
Article written April 2016
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