DAOU: In the Press (2024) by DAOU

PRESS BOOK 2024

TAKEN

TERROIR by the

FEUDI DI SAN GREGORIO AIMS TO CHANGE YOUR OPINION OF CAMPANIA AND ITS UNIQUE WHITE WINES

Antonio Capaldo is president of Feudi di San Gregorio in Campania, Italy’s Irpinia appellation.

Mountain Magic

A DINNER AT HOUSTON’S POST

OAK HOTEL GAVE GUESTS A GLIMPSE OF THE LATEST VINTAGE OF PATRIMONY ESTATE AND DAOU VINEYARDS

STORY BY Kyle Billings

“Keith has been a mentor to me in so many ways,” Treasury Wine Estates national education manager Gillian Ballance (right) says of fellow

Master Sommelier Keith Goldston.

Keith Goldston, MS, shows a sample of the calcareous clay soils found in Paso Robles’ Adelaida District.

PHOTOS BY Tracy Eason Photography

first press

When you’re greeted with Champagne, you can’t help but smile. After battling the notorious Houston traffic, some of the city’s best sommeliers and wine directors trickled into Stella’s Wine Bar on the first floor of the luxurious Post Oak Hotel to wind down over flutes of Ayala 2016 Le Blanc de Blancs Champagne. But the best part was yet to come: They were on hand to attend The PATRIMONY Dining Experience, a dinner series hosted by Gillian Ballance, MS, to celebrate the launch of the latest vintage from Paso Robles–based winery PATRIMONY Estate.

Our group was escorted along the hotel’s decadent corridors, winding our way up to an intimate private room called The Cellar, where frescoes of verdant and rolling hills along the wall were framed by floor-to-ceiling wine cases teeming with bottles that would make any enophile gush. Standing at the head of an elegantly appointed table that spanned the length of the room, Ballance greeted the guests with an invitation: “Let’s get this dinner underway, shall we?” she said.

Although she’s not from Texas, it was readily apparent that this was not Ballance’s first rodeo, so to speak: As national education manager at Treasury Wine Estates, our host was a commanding presence, engaging the room with her knowledge, passion, and no small measure of charm. During her opening remarks, she described the sense of awe she felt when she visited the PATRIMONY Vineyard for the first time. “We were 2,200 feet up and I said, ‘OMG—this is magical,’” she recalled, adding that proprietors Daniel and Georges Daou “really put the Adelaida District of Paso Robles on the map.”

The Daou brothers were children when their family fled their native country of Lebanon due to political turmoil; eventually they settled in California by way of France and became entrepreneurs. Fostering an adventurous spirit, they founded

their eponymous winery in 2007 and purchased the Hoffman Mountain Ranch on what is now called DAOU Mountain in the Adelaida District in 2012, a year before launching PATRIMONY. Keith Goldston, MS, who oversees the wine programs for venues at The Post Oak Hotel, shared his admiration for the Daous: “For me, the greatest part of America is the immigrant bootstrap story,” he said. “In terms of the American dream, I can’t think of a better example.”

The decision to purchase land in Paso Robles was prescient. The Adelaida District, located in the northwest corner of the region, benefits from calcareous soil, high elevation, and easy access to Pacific Ocean breezes courtesy of the Templeton Gap. It is an ideal climate in which to produce world-class wines fashioned from Bordeaux varieties. Ballance noted that Daniel Daou, PATRIMONY’s chief winemaker, believes that the keys to great wine are “great color, texture, and rich-

The PATRIMONY Dining Experience was held in The Cellar at Houston’s Post Oak Hotel.

ness.” Grapes sourced from the PATRIMONY Vineyard are able to achieve incredibly high phenolic ripeness. They are hand-harvested, optically sorted, and fermented with a proprietary yeast created from a strain native to DAOU Mountain that was found to produce wines with superior color, acidity, and mouthfeel.

After Post Oak chef sommelier Julie Dalton, MS, poured the PATRIMONY 2021 Blanc, a blend of 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Sémillon aged 15 months in (mostly new) French oak, Ballance informed the group that production of the wine, which was flown in specifically for this occasion, was extremely limited. “There are only about 100 cases available,” she says. “We wanted a Bordeaux-style white blend to start us off.” Fragrant and sumptuous yet lithe, it was the perfect partner for the appe-

tizer, a wild Alaskan salmon tartare. The fish was cured for 20 hours, then generously topped with white sturgeon caviar.

As the first course was cleared, Ballance solicited the crowd: “How about the PATRIMONY Blanc?!” A chorus of approval reverberated. But she was equally enthusiastic about the next wine, the DAOU 2013 Soul of a Lion, whose name is an allusion to the courage required to build a legacy from nothing in honor of the Daous’ father, Joseph, who taught his sons how to come roaring back from trials and tribulations. “It takes the soul of a lion to face [so much] adversity and come out on top,” she said. As for the wine’s pairing with lamb shoulder that was slow-cooked for seven hours and plated with duck confit, Ballance mused, “The richness, the texture, the opulence—I don’t think it’s showing

its age. The fruit profile played with the lamb beautifully.”

Introducing the PATRIMONY 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, Ballance regaled attendees with a description of her evolving perception of wines from Paso Robles, spurred by the Daou brothers’ keen eye for the potential of Bordeaux varieties in the region. “When I first went to taste wines from Paso, it was to taste Zinfandel,” she stated. “Fast-forward to today: It’s a really great mix of old-vine Zin and beautiful Cabs and everything in between.”

The 2020 vintage was challenging for most producers in the region due to intense heat spikes. For the PATRIMONY 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, a 100% varietal wine, the property’s high elevation, combined with careful grape selection via optical sorters and expert winemaking, enabled a standout expression. “There was no stone unturned in making this wine,” said Ballance. Paired with a succulent tenderloin and bone marrow on a bed of polenta, it received no shortage of plaudits from guests.

Following an interlude of limoncello sorbet, the fourth and ostensibly final wine, the PATRIMONY 2019 Caves des Lions, was paired with slices of Manchego, Comté, and Cambozola cheese; the nearly half-and-half blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc aged in 100% new French oak for 27 months. But just as the group was expressing their contentment, Ballance unveiled a surprise: a D’Oliveira Madeira Verdelho from 1973, the same year that Joseph left Lebanon with Daniel and Georges’ mother, Marie Daou. “This is a special way to commemorate them,” said Ballance. The crowd couldn’t have agreed more.

Attendees enjoyed a four-course meal paired with PATRIMONY and DAOU Vineyards wines.

October 10, 2024

Circulation: 14,988

Digital

Wine’s “Hot Brands” Maintaining Momentum In The Run-Up To Year-End

Juan Banaag

Earlier this year, Impact recognized the fastest-growing brands across the wine business with its annual “Hot Brand” awards. With 2024 now in its final months, the majority of the award winners are poised to post another year of strong growth.

Seaglass, from Trinchero, and Daou, now owned by Treasury Wine Estates, are also continuing their upward trajectories. “Consumer interest in aromatic white wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio” is boosting the Seaglass range, Trinchero vice president of marketing Brie Wohld told SND. Daou, meanwhile, is capitalizing on the rising profile of Paso Robles among U.S. consumers, with Treasury focused on continuing to expand on the brand’s 800,000-case volume.

PASO ROBLES

Discover The Beauty

Vision & Coordination: Bella Vita Events Eagle Oak Ranch Estate Daou Mountain

Photography: Chris Schmitt

Hair/Makeup: Jackie Romero

Bridal Gowns +Veils: Bella Bridal Couture

Groom: Tuxedo Junction Suit Warehouse

The villa and garden at Eagle Oak Ranch

a reception. Whether it’s 50 people or 600 guests, Eagle Oak Ranch has the versatility for every occasion. The property is ideal for brunches, engagement celebrations, birthdays, corporate events, galas, and anything inbetween.

The Villa accommodations include six elegant bedrooms, offering king, queen, full, twin, and bunk beds for a wide variety of sleeping options. The primary ensuite bathroom sets a new standard in luxury with the private tub overlooking the exquisite panoramic scenery. There are multiple living rooms inside the Villa and multiple outdoor seating areas.

BELLA VITA EVENTS

Bella Vita Events is an award winning, full-service wedding and event planning company that celebrates your special occasion with a boutique approach to innovative planning and design. Your interaction with them will be fun, fresh and highly personalized. They are there to listen, inspire and serve your

vision. Enjoy the interactive journey with Deborah James, Bella Vita Events’ highly experienced CEO, and watch your dream occasion become a reality.

DAOU MOUNTAIN

Daou Mountain, perched high above the Adelaida District in the coastal range west of Paso Robles, offers wine lovers an experience like no other. Founded by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou, the estate is celebrated for its breathtaking views, exceptional hospitality, and world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. With its elegant Spanish colonial architecture, the tasting room provides visitors with sweeping views from the highest elevations of any winery in the region. Guests are invited to embark on a journey through the estate’s 212-acre terroir, where they can learn about the meticulous winemaking process and the rich Daou family legacy. Whether exploring the vineyards on guided tours or enjoying a private barrel tasting, visitors are immersed in the

PHOTO ABOVE: @marvelous_creations_la PHOTOS RIGHT: Flowers:@thebellerae. Bridal Dress: Bella Bridal Couture (805.379.3307) Groom’s Tuxedo: Tuxedo Junction Suit Warehouse (805.585.0698)

passion that goes into each bottle. The tasting experiences feature DAOU’s acclaimed wines, such as Estate Soul of a Lion, and Reserve Rosé, perfectly paired with seasonal culinary offerings crafted by Chef Johnston, who blends homegrown ingredients with Lebanese and Mediterranean influences inspired by the Daou family’s heritage. Since 2007, DAOU has become a cornerstone of the Paso Robles wine community, elevating the region’s reputation for producing exceptional Bordeaux-style blends.

FISH GAUCHO

Fish Gaucho is a vibrant tequila and mezcal bar in the heart of Paso Robles, offering over 300 spirits. This is one of the most popular restaurants for good reason. The food is authentic, innovative and always fresh. They harvest local ingredients,

serve hand-juiced margaritas, signature cocktails, and there’s an amazing local wine and craft beer selection. Their motto is consistent: that fresh seafood, organic meats, and shellfish should be paired with the best in spirits to create an unforgettable dining experience.

GUEST ACCOMMODATION

There are several hotel accommodation options for your guests in Paso Robles, including Allegretto Vineyard Resort, which is conveniently located right off the 101 freeway. If your guests choose to spend a few days in the area, there are plenty of activities to give them a truly memorable stay.

Inquiries: specialevents@eagleoakranch.com (805) 892-8035 bellavitaevents.com (818) 874-0776

PHOTO ABOVE AND RIGHT: Daou Winery: Bella Bridal Couture

In Praise of Older Wines

Kathleen Willcox

July 29, 2024

Circulation: 2,117,044

Digital

Today, it would be hard to think of a bougier scenario than a 20 or 30-something year old skulking down to their “cellar” to stow their latest allocation of Screaming Eagle. But not too long ago, cellaring fine wine for an undefined day 10-40 years down the line was a rite of passage for many adults, across countries, generations and income levels.

But even elder Millennials and members of Generation X who have the spending power, perspective and palate to want to invest in wine for the future are not doing so – at least not in the way their parents and grandparents did.

"Most of our clients are interested in library and back vintage wines, and that is specifically why they come to Benchmark," says Jay James, master sommelier and president at rare wine retailer Benchmark Wine Group in Napa. "Planning ahead is a common challenge for almost all collectors, especially younger collectors or those just getting into the practice. Limited storage space, limited funds and limited time all contribute to the difficulty of maintaining what I call a classic cellar."

There are a range of cultural and socioeconomic reasons why building even a modest cellar isn't really happening now on a large scale: blame our attenuated attention spans, space constraints and uprooted lifestyles, different priorities.

And yet the desire to drink older vintages hasn't diminished at the same rate as the habit of providing oneself with the means to do so has. If anything, more young people are seeking out older wines – they just want them right now please, not in a decade. Read to learn more about the thirst both wineries and wine lovers have for sharing and drinking aged wines.

Stronger market for aged wines

Wineries and their importers are fielding an increasing number of inquiries from wine lovers that don't have – and can't find – rare back vintages.

At DAOU Vineyards in Paso Robles, digital strategy and direct-to-consumer senior vice president Isaac Herrera says they are seeing a "significant uptick" in interest for library and back vintages.

"Whether it's wedding anniversaries, children's birth years or other milestones". old vintages of DAOU are in high demand, Herrera says.

September 27, 2024

Circulation: 10,000

19 Diverse California Cabs

Alison Bailin Batz

All hail the California Cabernet, which has captured the heart and mind of wine drinkers around the world since the iconic Judgement of Paris. Here are 19 epic vintages from some of the most beloved winemakers across California.

2021 DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Another perfect Paso Cabernet? Why yes, yes, it is. Here, the black fruit gets a kick thanks to notes of pomegranate and a bit of tobacco, before mocha joins the party with a few friends, namely baking spices and vanilla. $60

WineInk: A meteoric rise

Atop DAOU Mountain

Kelly J. Hayes

It is an introduction that vintner Daniel Daou uses often and then, seemingly without exception, delivers on the promise.

This past December it was the wine world that was amazed when Daniel and his brother Georges sold their eponymous winery, DAOU Vineyards, to the Australian wine concern Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) for a reported $1 billion. It was one of the largest transa ctions for a single winery in the history of wine and amazingly, to use that word again, it was for an estate based not in Napa or Bordeaux, but in Paso Robles, California, an emerging wine region but one still under the global radar. Perhaps not much longer.

As I sat recently with Daniel on the patio of DAOU Mountain, the heart and soul of the property, he explained how the deal came together. “Georges and I had a dinner last August at The Little Nell with Tim and Ben (Tim Ford, CEO and Ben Dollard, President Americas) from Treasury. They loved our wines and they understood the value of what we do and got it . We felt very comfortable with partnering with them to help move our dream forward.” The Little Nell served as the venue for the momentous gathering as bot h Daniel and Georges own houses here in the Roaring Fork Valley and consider this to be their home. “We have grand plans for DAOU to become the next brand with the international scale and luxury credentials of Penfolds (a premier TWE brand),” said Ford in a press release following the acquisition. “With DAOU, we will be well-positioned to connect with a new generation of wine lovers, combining tradition with innovation, culture -led experiences, and global distribution.” Daniel remains DAOU’s founder and winemaker.

The journey for the brothers to the pinnacle of the wine world reads like a novel. Born to a Lebanese father and a French mother, they were raised in Beirut, Lebanon, then known as the Paris of the Middle East. In 1973, civil war erupted, and their home wa s hit by a rocket in the opening salvo of the fighting. Both brothers were severely injured leaving Georges in a coma for two days and Daniel wounded by shrapnel in the face, heart, and legs. After an arduous recovery, the family emigrated to France where they lived in Paris and Cannes.

“Since that time Georges and I have always felt most comfortable being uncomfortable,” Daniel explained. “We are always looking for the next thing and solving situations. It is how we move forward.”

The brothers moved to California and attended the University of California in San Diego majoring in engineering. Despite initial financial struggles for the pair, they saw an emerging niche in high -tech and started Daou Systems, a company that built intran et computer networks. In a decade they successfully took the company public and, at just 32 years of age, Daniel could have retired. But he had a second act in mind. “I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to make wine. I wanted to make a world -class Caberne t Sauvignon but everyone told me I was crazy.” Daniel had long been a prolific collector of fine wines and had a wine epiphany drinking a 1986 Léoville -Las-Cases. But the transition to becoming a winemaker from a tech entrepreneur was formidable.

“I began looking around the world for the right soils because I knew that soils were the key,” he said. For eight years he searched, looking in Bordeaux, California, and Argentina. “We looked for limestone but I was interested in calcareous soils, those created from the deposits of the sea.” The brothers came across a plot of land that sat at 2,200 feet above the winemaking region of Paso Robles, about 14 miles from the Pacific with just the right combination of soils and climate. As a wine region, Paso was known to be exceedingly warm and a sweet spot for Rhone varieties. But Daniel saw the potential for producing the kind of Cabernet Sauvignon that he had dreamed of making. “Go two miles this way and the temperatures are too hot for Cabernet,” he said as h e gestured towards the hills to the southeast. “Two miles that way it’s too cold. We found just the right spot.”

They immediately began to plant a 26-acre vineyard and produced their first wines. In the decade and a half since, they have created an estate that encompasses nearly 400 acres with four winery buildings and a mountaintop visitors center that serves as home to those who love DAOU, their wines, and the exquisite views. “We didn’t buy a winery,” Daniel noted. “We bought dirt, no wells, no vines, no buildings, no power, no tasting room. Just dirt. But we did bring passion, imagination, hard work, and energy to unlock the potential that was there to begin with.”

Today, nearly a year following the sale, the brothers, in addition to overseeing their dream with TWE, are working on their next project. Tenuta Giorgio e Daniele (@tgd_toscana) is a 173 -acre property in southern Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia region and the goal is to produce world-class Cabernet-based wines there as well. “It is remarkably similar to what we found in Paso,” says Daniel. Daniel’s daughter Lizzie, who inheri ted a passion for wine from her father and has a pedigree that includes time spent at Château Latour, is deeply involved in the stunning project.

The Daou brothers have found their calling. “All I want to do is make wine for the rest of my life,” said Daniel as he gazed across the vines ready for harvest on Daou Mountain.

August 29. 2024

Circulation: Online/Digital

Art, Beaches, and So Much Wine on a Weekend Getaway to San Luis Obispo

Gorgeous SLO is the perfect easy California destination. Ben Mesirow, Leila Najafi, and Claire Margine

Much of that stretch on the 101 is worth turning into a destination in its own right, too. San Luis Obispo should be top of mind in that regard: it’s one of the best weekend getaways from LA or from San Francisco. SLO County is home to nearly 300,000 people, and includes towns like Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Cambria, Paso Robles, and San Simeon. The terrain and the culture are diverse and fun, from the beach to the hills, quaint farm country to the university-driven cosmopolitan side of SLO. Here are some of the best things to do in San Luis Obispo County.

Travel Time:

3 hours from LA

3 hours and 15 minutes from San Francisco

5 hours from San Diego

Fill the weekend with:

Wine tasting in San Luis Obispo County

There are so many world-class wineries to choose from in Paso Robles including Denner Wine, Niner Wine Estates, Booker Wine, and the female-owned Hubba Wines. But if you’re looking for a serene, lovely setting first and foremost, perhaps no tasting room is more beautiful than DAOU Vineyards. DAOU Vineyards is the highest elevated vineyard on the Central Coast, which means epic views in their Mediterranean-inspired tasting room. Both sides of the city of Paso Robles are dotted with wineries, and there are some great wineries in town too if you like big reds with a rambunctious energy, check out Herman Story If you want go wine tasting at many smaller wineries in one convenient place, head down to Tin City. Giornata focuses on Italian varieties, there are lovely wines inspired by the French tradition from Union Sacre, and the aforementioned Hubba is there too. Don’t forget to stop by Etto, for lunch or for some fresh pasta to take home.

Sep 2 2024

Circulation: 56359923

Online/Digital

The 5 US states with the best wineries, according to a sommelier

Brianne Cohen

Believe it or not, all 50 states grow grapes even in cold and snowy places like Alaska and Vermont and tropical spots like Florida and Hawaii.

I'm a certified sommelier, and there are five states I always recommend if you're looking for the best wine, wineries, and wine-tasting experiences

Unsurprisingly, California rules supreme.

Napa Valley is probably the most popular wine region in the US. Ritu Manoj Jethani/Shutterstock

It's no surprise that California is at the top of my list.

Napa Valley offers something special for both cabernet-sauvignon enthusiasts and those who enjoy luxurious tasting experiences. Key places to visit include Artesa Vineyards and Winery, Matthiasson Wines, and Quintessa Winery.

Sonoma has a more laid-back feel but equally good wine. My favorite spots in the region include Peay Vineyards and Chalk Hill Estate.

Paso Robles between Los Angeles and San Francisco has made quite the splash lately, with a spectrum of tasting experiences ranging from casual (Thacher Winery and Tablas Creek) to extreme luxury (Daou Vineyards or L'Aventure Winery).

Other notable wine regions in the Golden State include Lodi for more relaxed tastings, Santa Barbara for beachside sips, and Temecula for additional unique experiences (including hot-air-balloon rides).

Sep 2. 2024

Circulation: 58390154

Online/Digital

The 5 US states with the best wineries, according to a sommelier

Brianne Cohen

Believe it or not, all 50 states grow grapes even in cold and snowy places like Alaska and Vermont and tropical spots like Florida and Hawaii.

I'm a certified sommelier, and there are five states I always recommend if you're looking for the best wine, wineries, and wine-tasting experiences

Unsurprisingly, California rules supreme.

Napa Valley is probably the most popular wine region in the US. Ritu Manoj Jethani/Shutterstock

It's no surprise that California is at the top of my list.

Sonoma has a more laid-back feel but equally good wine. My favorite spots in the region include Peay Vineyards and Chalk Hill Estate.

August 29. 2024

Circulation: 8,142,768

Online/Digital

Art, Beaches, and So Much Wine on a Weekend Getaway to San Luis Obispo

Gorgeous SLO is the perfect easy California destination. Ben Mesirow, Leila Najafi, and Claire Margine

There are two reasonable routes to drive between Los Angeles and San Francisco. You can take the 5 freeway, which is faster, more direct, and usually the smart way but also hot, flat, and monotonous. Or you can take the 101 freeway, a charming drive that winds through some of the very best terrain in California, from the beaches of Santa Barbara up through Santa Ynez wine country, the rolling oak woodlands of the Central Coast and the fertile grounds of Salinas. Yes, it’s slower, but it’s so much more pleasant and it’s mostly slower because you’ll spend so much time getting out of the car for great food, wine, beer, and beautiful places to stretch your legs. Road trips are about the journey, not the destination. Much of that stretch on the 101 is worth turning into a destination in its own right, too. San Luis Obispo should be top of mind in that regard: it’s one of the best weekend getaways from LA or from San Francisco. SLO County is home to nearly 300,000 people, and includes towns like Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Cambria, Paso Robles, and San Simeon. The terrain and the culture are diverse and fun, from the beach to the hills, quaint farm country to the university-driven cosmopolitan side of SLO. Here are some of the best things to do in San Luis Obispo County.

Travel Time:

3 hours from LA

3 hours and 15 minutes from San Francisco

5 hours from San Diego

Fill the weekend with:

Wine tasting in San Luis Obispo County

There are so many world-class wineries to choose from in Paso Robles including Denner Wine, Niner Wine Estates, Booker Wine, and the female-owned Hubba Wines. But if you’re looking for a serene, lovely setting first and foremost, perhaps no tasting room is more beautiful than DAOU Vineyards. DAOU Vineyards is the highest elevated vineyard on the Central Coast, which means epic views in their Mediterranean-inspired tasting room. Both sides of the city of Paso Robles are dotted with wineries, and there are some great wineries in town too if you like big reds with a rambunctious energy, check out Herman Story. If you want go wine tasting at many smaller wineries in one convenient place, head down to Tin City. Giornata focuses on Italian varieties, there are lovely wines inspired by the French tradition from Union Sacre, and the aforementioned Hubba is there too. Don’t forget to stop by Etto, for lunch or for some fresh pasta to take home.

August 23, 2024

Circulation: 7,983,441 Magazine

Dev The Somm Drops Music Video For 'Wine, Wine, Wine' with Special Guests

The summer wine-anthem video features Cedric The Entertainer, Daou & Setta wines. Matthew Kaner

Los Angeles Sommelier and wine savant Devin Reed, aka Dev The Somm, has released the music video of his debut wine track featuring Daou Vineyards & Setta, and a cameo from new-to-the-game celebrity wine owner Cedric The Entertainer. Wine, Wine, Wine pays homage to Jay-Z’s Girls, Girls, Girls, and is believed to be one of the only songs ever recorded entirely about wine. Written by Reed and produced by LA beat- maker Ahsohn the DJ, the 3 1⁄2 minute track lists 42 different wine types, regions, or brands, and finishes with Reed rattling off some of his favorites, including not only Jay-Z’s Ace of Spades Champagne or ultra-expensive Napa Valley red wine Opus One, but also a bevy of small, female-owned, and blackowned wineries as well.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:

Cedric’s Napa Valley red blend, Setta, named after his late mother Rosetta & produced in partnership with Napa vintner Ian Devereux White of namesake winery Smith-Devereux, is one of the featured wines in the video alongside Daou, the ultrapopular Paso Robles behemoth.

The music video for Wine, Wine, Wine comes as the perfect summer pairing, following Dev, Cedric, and friends, throughout a fun-filled “you-just-had- to-be-there” type of wine day at snazzy Beverly Hills wine shop, Wine Merchant, and the French/California-inspired cuisine Hollywood restaurant, Mr. T.

If you don’t know of Reed, he’s been hiding in plain sight. Previously he worked as the wine consultant behind NBC’s winecentric comedy sitcom Grand Crew. You may even recognize the creator Phil Augusta Jackson and cast-member Carl Tart in the video! Reed worked with Lebron James’ UNINTERRUPTED, and has done wine tasting interviews with Cedric, Ja Rule, Maverick Carter, and several other celebrities. He resides in Los Angeles, where he studied wine at the Court of Master Sommeliers, Society of Wine Educators, WSET, and UCLA. Dev previously managed celebrity wine hotspot Wally’s right in the heart of Beverly Hills known as one of Drake’s favorite places to get a glass of wine, and the scene of one of Kendall Jenner & Bad Bunny’s first dates.

August 26, 2024 Circulation: 324,508 Magazine

No Boone’s Farm in the Champagne Room: New Wine Rap Video Stars Cedric The Entertainer, Dev the Somm

L.A. somm Devin Reed’s “Wine, Wine, Wine” Jay-Z cover song gets the music video treatment, and the Barbershop star provides comic relief Robert Taylor

L.A.'s rapping sommelier Dev the Somm, aka Devin Reed, returned to the airwaves of social media this week, with a new video for his “Wine, Wine, Wine” cover song of Jay-Z’s 2001 hit

In search of a suitable sidekick, our wine-rhyming hero turned to comedy legend and six-time NAACP Image Award winner Cedric The Entertainer. Cedric, who appeared on Jay-Z’s 2003 Black Album, is also, like Jay-Z, a wine pro: His Setta wine label, named in tribute to his mother, Rosetta Kyles, is made by Napa’s Smith Devereux winery.

“I met Ced through our colleague Ian Devereux White at Smith Devereux winery,” Reed told Wine Spectator. “Ced is such an amazing, down-to-earth dude, and he has always just rocked with me, trusted and believed in me from the jump, and I can't express how empowering that is.”

“Getting to see a true Hollywood professional in front of the camera is amazing,” said Reed. “On the day of the shoot I got t o taste his new Setta Sauvignon Blanc. It was really delicious and now it's one of my favorite summer whites!”

“Dev brings a youthful exuberance to the world of wine,” Cedric told Wine Spectator. “His experiential approach to wine tasting and education is fun and inviting and he has been a big advisor and advocate of my Setta wine. When he told me he wrote a song expressing his love for wine and wanted to do a video, I had to pull up, sip and party with my guy Devin!” The video opens as Cedric and Reed are entering a fancy wine store in Los Angeles. Reed has a hard time keeping a straight face as Cedric inquires after “a very fine 1972 Mad Dog 20/20” and “Boone’s Farm … I believe it’s French. Les Boone’s Farm?” And the real-life wine store, Wine Merchant Beverly Hills, was happy to play along.

“We started at Wine Merchant Beverly Hills, which has one of the most vast arrays of wine that I've ever seen,” said Reed. “I was a customer and friend of their late owner, Dennis Overstreet, who passed away last year, and their staff still remains world-class.”

The on- and off-screen party then headed to Hollywood French dining destination Mr. T. “They have an unbelievable wine list, and a DJ throughout the week. Owner Guillaume Guedj is a friend. I shot him the idea and he said let's do it!”

"We actually celebrated a bit during the actual shoot!" Reed shared. "If you look closely, in the scenes of Ced and I togethe r at the table playing cards, we're actually drinking a 1982 Château Mouton-Rothschild. That wine is mentioned in the song, so we just had to drink it. We also had some Soul of a Lion from Daou and some Setta wines."

“The entire thing was so fun,” said Reed. “Performing something that you created to the full extent was just really fun and really cool. To put some visual imagery behind the song and create my first music video was a dream come true for me.”

August 27, 2024

Circulation: 135,192

Online/Digital

A Roaring Cabernet Sauvignon: Soul of A Lion | DAOU Vineyards, Paso Robles, California

Soul of A Lion, A Luxurious Cabernet Sauvignon with History & Love

Sophie Gayot

There is much more than vines, vineyards, grapes, barrels and bottles behind Soul of a Lion. There is love, passion, adventures, fortunes and misfortunes; no legend, but all true-life events.

A thoughtful and constructed pathway Brothers Daniel and Georges Daou come from a family of entrepreneurs hailing from Beirut, known, at the time, as the Paris of the Middle East… Their father, Joseph, transformed his father’s small carpentry business into one of the most successful furnishing companies in the entire Middle East.

During the summer of 1973, their happy life took a turn with the onset of the Lebanese Civil War. A rocket hit their neighborhood, causing grave injuries to the family. In 1975, Joseph and his wife, Marie, decided to move the family to France. They left everything behind. They lived in Paris and Cannes. Daniel and Georges were guided by their mother, who could sense the fervor of her sons and encouraged their dreams. And, they had one in common: wine, a revelation when being in the South of France, surrounded by vineyards and centuries of winemaking tradition.

The inseparable duo then moved to UC San Diego in the early 1980s and studied Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering. Following in their family’s entrepreneurial footsteps, they started their own company, DAOU Systems, a networking technology company that would revolutionize hospital computer systems. In 1998, after taking DAOU Systems public, Georges and Daniel sold the company. Their glass of life was now awaiting to be refilled….

Daniel Daou, Joseph & Marie Daou, Georges Daou | Photos © DAOU Vineyards

Making a childhood dream a reality

Deep down, Daniel knew he was destined to be a winemaker. After making wine in his garage in rural San Diego (yes, another garage project; and now a 9 zero-dollar company!), tending to a one-acre vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon, and reading every book he could find about winemaking, it was time to start his own winery. He was deeply encouraged by his father, Joseph, and partnered with his brother, Georges.

After traveling the world for eight years in the quest of great terroirs, in 2007 the Daous found their sacred grail: the land of Paso Robles, California. If the area was, sadly, made famous by the death of actor James Dean in 1955 in a car accident, it is also home to great soil and perfect climate for Bordeaux varietals. Daniel likes to say, “Paso has the soils of Bordeaux and the climate of Napa.”

Part of the Santa Lucia Mountains, DAOU Vineyards is perched on what is now called “DAOU Mountain.” It stands 14 miles away from the ocean at an elevation of 2,200 feet, in the Adelaida District on the west side of the Paso Robles AVA, with steep mountain slopes of up to fifty-six percent.

The elevation brings cool breezes that flow over from the ocean through the Templeton Gap in the Coastal Mountain Range, while keeping the vineyards above the clouds for year-round sun. The combination gives warm days and cool nights allowing the grapes to ripen in the sun and maintain their acidity during cool nights. Warm, temperate days and cool nights guarantee even ripening and vine balance every year.

Every vine on DAOU Mountain is touched by hand at least five times each year hand-pruned, fruit dropped. All fruit in the Estate Collection is hand-picked, then sorted by cutting-edge optical technology. The wine is fermented with proprietary native yeast cultivated from the DAOU Vineyards and made from 100 percent free run juice. Each fermentation is managed with continual phenolic analysis, ensuring an exquisite mouthfeel in each wine.

Photo © DAOU Vineyards

Daniel Daou, Proprietor & Winemaker | Photo © DAOU Vineyards

Daniel himself spends a large part of the day in the vineyard, attentive to every possibility for cultivating the purest expression of DAOU Mountain’s terroir. The terroir of DAOU Mountain yields harvests of fruit with extraordinary phenolics, small berries with intense flavors, aromas, and deep colors from a low skin-to-juice ratio.

A winery with a legacy

Daniel and Georges acquired a property known as Hoffman Mountain Ranch. Even though the ranch was widely considered the birthplace of modern winemaking in Paso Robles, it had been abandoned for more than 30 years. They completely restored the original redwood winery, preserving a vital part of Paso Robles history. They totally replanted the grounds with new vines. That is how it rebirthed under “DAOU Mountain.“

Hoffman Mountain Ranch had been established in 1961 by a Beverly Hills cardiologist, Dr. Stanley Hoffman, who wanted to become a winemaker. He hired André Tchelistcheff, a Russian enologist who became America’s most influential postProhibition winemaker, as a consultant. Tchelistcheff revolutionized Napa Valley wine making by concentrating on highquality California Cabernet Sauvignon aged in small French oak barrels. Together, they developed the first gravity-flow winery in America and first commercial-scale winery in Paso Robles.

All about Soul of a Lion Vintage 2021

Photo © DAOU Vineyards

The Estate Soul of a Lion is the crown jewel of DAOU Vineyards. It is a magnificent Left-Bank Bordeaux style Cabernet Sauvignon. It is named to honor the memory of Joseph Daou and his strong and powerful personality, and the unwavering courage and love he poured into his family. Through war and loss, the Daou family held onto each other and their faith in better days to come.

The fruit for Soul of a Lion is identified early and reverently tended through harvest. The berries are optically sorted to ensure pure fruit integrity, and the wine is made exclusively from free-run juice. During fermentation, Daniel employs proprietary phenolic management techniques to complement his own sensory expertise.

But before the fruit, there are the barrels, made of rare bois rosé French oak whose staves are seasoned in the elements for five years prior to coopering. The wine is then aged for nearly two years in these proprietary DAOU 5-Year barrels conceived by Daniel. Finally, it is held for extended bottle maturation prior to allocation ensuring that each vintage has achieved perfection upon release. Daniel likes to call Soul of a Lion his masterwork.

Technical & Tasting notes

Blend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot

Barrel Aged: 22 months in 100% new French oak

Price: $150

ABV: 14.9%

The 2021 growing season on DAOU Mountain was preceded by a dry winter, with only one large storm system that provided 10 inches of rainfall in February. A period of light rain in July also replenished the soil with much-needed moisture. While the summer season was marked by periodic heat waves, the weather cooled down by mid-August and remained that way through harvest, with maximum temperatures hovering in the 60s and 70s. This cooling trend allowed the fruit to enjoy exceptional hang time. In the end, there were low yields with small berries, providing for structured wines with the promise of excellent staying power.

The 2021 vintage displays remarkable intensity in the glass with dark, inky ruby-purple hues. Abundant fruit aromas of black cherry, blackberry, blueberry jam and black currant are interwoven with accents of baking spices, sage and graphite. A voluminous entry introduces sumptuous layers of chocolate-covered blueberry, tobacco, mocha, vanilla and toasted oak. The mouthfeel is concentrated and elegant, with round, vibrant tannins that carry into a commanding finish.

Vintage Release Party at Spire 73, Intercontinental Los Angeles

During the Soul of a Lion Vintage Release Party held at Spire 73, the tallest open-air in the Western hemisphere at Intercontinental Los Angeles, on August 19, 2024, I got to speak with Laura Reynolds, DAOU Vineyards’ ambassador.. The uniting bell

First you will be acquainted with the bell on the bottle. But, if you venture to the winery in Paso Robles, you will see it proudly standing over the tasting room in its own tower.

It was acquired by Daniel and Georges as a sign of unity to ring for special moments of DAOU Vineyards: the beginning of harvest, the end of harvest, and the wedding anniversary of their beloved parents.

This historical bell bears an illustrious pedigree. It was cast in 1740 in Santa Maria, Spain, where it hung in a monastery that made wine.

It has become the emblem of the winery.

DAOU LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL

When you visit DAOU Mountain, you immediately feel the energy and spirit of this special land.

Empowered by their childhood in Lebanese traditions of generous hospitality, family values, faith and love, Daniel and Georges are making life at DAOU Vineyards beautiful. For them, it is all about family and bringing people together with wine, therefore a tasting room and a wine club.

The Tasting Room

Uncork the joie de vivre with DAOU wines at the tasting room, which boasts quite a view. Indulge and pair the wines with chef Spencer Johnston’s cuisine.

Photo © DAOU Vineyards

The Tasting Room is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. by reservation only. Tasting fee is $50 per person.

Photo © DAOU Vineyards

The Soul of a Lion Vertical Tasting

Join for a tasting with a singular focus of Soul of a Lion. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the inaugural 2010 vintage, a vertical tasting of the 2016, 2017, and 2018 vintages of Soul of a Lion is being presented for a limited time. DAOU Experience $110.

DAOU Family Estates, 2777 Hidden Mountain Rd., Paso Robles, CA 93446 | 805-226-5460

“Every day we strive to create an experience as beautiful as these wines, ensuring that everyone who leaves here feels like family. There is nothing more important to us than human connection.” Georges Daou.

Become a DAOU Club Member

The last weekend of every month DAOU Mountain is reserved exclusively for DAOU Members. Members get to enjoy their complimentary Member’s tasting while being treated to a few extra delights, including special releases, library offerings, limited-edition merchandise, and exciting entertainment like the awe-inspiring “DAOU Air,” a precision formation flying aircraft team taking flight over DAOU Mountain.

Every year, DAOU Vineyards celebrate the new Soul of a Lion vintage at an exclusive Family Estate Soirée. It always happens on February 11th, as it is the date Daou family patriarch Joseph Daou married Marie Daou.

> For more information, visit DAOU Vineyards official website.

Photos © DAOU Vineyards

If You Think This Cabernet Sauvignon Hits Different, Wait Until You Meet The Winemaker

“The Lebanese culture that I grew up with is very generous," says winemaker Daniel Daou. "Hospitality and generosity are very much part of our identity."

Rajul Punjabi

“I think there’s a little bit of an awakening in terms of allowing people who, maybe, don’t fit the traditional mold to come in and actually bring that diversified approach,” says Daou.

CAMERON INGALLS FOR DAOU FAMILY ESTATES

“The Lebanese culture that I grew up with is very generous. Hospitality and generosity are very much part of our identity,” says Daniel Daou, chief winemaker and cofounder of Daou Vineyards in Paso Robles, California. “You can go to Lebanon and you walk on the street and meet somebody, and two minutes later, they invite you to the house and treat you for dinner. I want to feel that, when I make the wines that they are generous.”

Daou is everything you’d imagine a successful wine wizard to be: personable, passionate and incredibly informed about the nuances of high-quality wine. Charmingly nerdy about the process, he explains the soil sorcery and climate specifics required to create a cabernet sauvignon that tastes clean, mildly fruity and just complex enough. In short, it’s a lot of science sprinkled with a little bit of magic.

He is also not necessarily who you’d imagine if you know who the American wine industry is composed of. Daou was not born into this world; he fell into it, one taste at a time.

Daniel Daou and his brother and partner in wine, Georges, were born in Beirut. After a rocket attack on their home during a raging civil war, their family fled to France to start over. That’s where their wine curiosity began. Daou reminisces about tasting from a bottle of cheval blanc as a young teen that his father had gotten “a great deal” on. “I still can taste the wine, which is crazy,” he says. “I have this thing where if I drink a great wine, I never forget it. I can remember the taste 20, 30, even 40 years later.”

Though Daou fell swiftly in love with wine, he never imagined he’d get to be part of the creative process of winemaking. As so many immigrant stories go, he came to the States at 18 to study something sensible. And while Daou graduated with an engineering degree and thrived in the tech world this is an understatement, since he retired as a multimillionaire in his 30s his heart eventually brought him back to wine.

Throughout his tech career, Daou said, he’d talk about pivoting. “Everybody thought, ‘Oh, Danny’s having one of his dreams again.’ I’m a dreamer. I dream a lot.”

Daniel Daou and his brother Georges were both born in Beirut. COURTESY OF DANIEL DAOU

"I’m a dreamer. I dream a lot," says Daniel Daou about wanting to become a winemaker.

COURTESY OF DANIEL DAOU

When reflecting on whether the industry felt open to immigrant winemakers and winemakers of color, Daou says, “Let’s put it this way. I’ve been a winemaker for 20 years. And I think I finally started seeing some movement in the [last] five to seven years. Before that, honestly, no.”

When Daou Family Estates launched in Paso Robles in 2007, the industry was not racially diverse and it still isn’t. Wine educator Julia Coney has been one of the most powerful voices in bringing attention to the lack of diversity in the wine world. Because of her experiences being discriminated against as a Black, female wine professional, she began advocating for more racial and gender inclusion in 2020. Because of Coney and other frustrated professionals of color, the industry is finally beginning to reckon with its insularity.

Daou said that when he and his brother started their winery, people would visit and ask, “You’re Lebanese how come you’re making wine?”

“I used to joke that when Jesus wanted to have his bar mitzvah, where do you think he got his wine from?” he says, grinning. “Lebanon is known for wine. There’s a big industry for wine in Lebanon but nobody knows about it.”

Ultimately, the Daou brothers’ success in the wine world is fueled by their status as both insiders and outsiders. At the vineyard, a reverence for the foundational tenets of winemaking is palpable from where the grapes are planted, harvested and processed to the meticulousness of the blends. Yet tweaks in irrigation mindfully reduce the vineyard’s carbon footprint and that’s crucial, given California’s ongoing water crisis. The winery’s ability to preserve what’s sacred while innovating along the way led to its recent acquisition by Treasury Wine Estates, with Daou remaining on as chief winemaker.

The Daou brothers’ success in the wine world is fueled by their status as both insiders and outsiders.

Daou’s selection is robust, but it zeroes in on what this region of California is best known for because of its soil and climate: cabernet sauvignons and Bordeaux blends. These wines are rich, full of life and yet gloriously accessible.

Lebanese culture is reflected in both the regally rustic aesthetic of the tasting room and the hospitality of the kitchen. Food pairings inspired by the Daou family’s background from spicy lamb meatballs to pita salad, hummus and yogurt dips punctuate the tasting experience. On special occasions, there’s hookah, Lebanese music and performances by belly dancers.

While these moments of flair are fun and entertaining to the patrons, they represent a small but spectacular shift in American vineyard culture. In some ways, injecting Lebanese influences into this Eurocentric space feels like a form of decolonization they are cracks of light in a formerly impenetrable wall blocking so many people from enjoying wine culture. This shift is especially crucial to young wine consumers of color who want to participate in a more intentional, more inclusive space.

“I think there’s a little bit of an awakening in terms of allowing people who, maybe, don’t fit the traditional mold to come in and actually bring that diversified approach,” Daou says, emphasizing the changes he’s begun to see in the industry.

Evolution is crucial, even when it comes to an institution as rigid as the wine industry. And there’s a reason some of us simply prefer a blend over a varietal everything’s more fun when we add a different flavor.

PATRICK ANG PHOTOGRAPHY FOR DAOU FAMILY ESTATES

August 20, 2024

Circulation: 424,859,525

Online/Digital

If You Think This Cabernet Sauvignon Hits Different, Wait Until You Meet The Winemaker

“The Lebanese culture that I grew up with is very generous," says winemaker Daniel Daou. "Hospitality and generosity are very much part of our identity." Rajul Punjabi

“I think there’s a little bit of an awakening in terms of allowing people who, maybe, don’t fit the traditional mold to come in and actually bring that diversified approach,” says Daou.

CAMERON INGALLS FOR DAOU FAMILY ESTATES

He is also not necessarily who you’d imagine if you know who the American wine industry is composed of. Daou was not born into this world; he fell into it, one taste at a time.

Daniel Daou and his brother Georges were both born in Beirut.

COURTESY OF DANIEL DAOU

Throughout his tech career, Daou said, he’d talk about pivoting. “Everybody thought, ‘Oh, Danny’s having one of his dreams again.’ I’m a dreamer. I dream a lot.”

"I’m a dreamer. I dream a lot," says Daniel Daou about wanting to become a winemaker.

COURTESY

Daou said that when he and his brother started their winery, people would visit and ask, “You’re Lebanese how come you’re making wine?”

OF DANIEL DAOU

The Daou brothers’ success in the wine world is fueled by their status as both insiders and outsiders.

PATRICK ANG PHOTOGRAPHY FOR DAOU FAMILY ESTATES

Finding quality: US grocery and big-box stores

August 5, 2024

Circulation: 363,194 Magazine

Decanter takes a look at how wines made for national distribution may provide quality options for consumers anywhere in the country. Plus 15 wines to try.

Brianne Cohen

In the US wine industry, premium wine from boutique producers reigns supreme. Whether implicitly or explicitly stated, these wines garner respect and esteem from wine enthusiasts. Correspondingly, their high point scores and critic reviews positively impact bottom-line sales. In contrast, the vast majority of American consumers purchase their wines (and alcohol in general), most commonly at grocery stores and big-box wine retailers.

Producers of fine wines will often craft wines from broader appellations – rather than sub appellation or single vineyard offerings – as a way to build their brand beyond their tasting room and wine collector audiences.

Fifteen fantastic finds in national distribution

Daou, Bodyguard, Paso Robles, Paso Robles, California, USA 2022

From the Lebanese-born Daou brothers, this dark-complected red blend holds nothing back. On the nose, the pronounced dark fruit aromas of plums, cherries, and blackberry compote move to vanilla and sweet spice. The palate serves up tannins on a platter, plus a similar dark and concentrated fruit character. Full-bodied, ripe,... Poi

8 of the best wines to buy at Costco, from a sommelier

August 8, 2024

Circulation: 54,250,309

Don't overlook the wine section at Costco. Brianne Cohen

1. I'm a certified sommelier, and I love shopping for wine at Costco.

2. I actually recommend the Kirkland Signature Champagne, and it's only $21 a bottle.

3. The bulk store also has great chardonnay, rosé, zinfandel, and sauvignon blanc options. and Woodinville, Washington)

I don't recall what drove me to get a Costco membership in 2020, but I strolled in one day and signed up. Since the wholesale store has topped the American Customer Satisfaction Index study for the past seven years, I know it wasn't an original siren call.

Brianne Cohen

I'm in a household of two (just me, my husband Aaron, and our two fur babies), so I wasn't sure if I'd get to take full advantage of the bulk retailer. But boy, was I wrong.

Every time I go, I seem to discover something new. And as a certified sommelier, I'm always looking for great wine deals.

In many ways, shopping at Costco helps me be a better sommelier and get people closer to discovering wines that knock their socks off.

Here are some of my favorite bottles at Costco.

I love the DAOU sauvignon blanc.

Brothers Georges and Daniel Daou, originally from Beirut, fell in love with wine after fleeing to France in the 1970s during the Lebanese Civil War before opening their own winery in California.

DAOU produces incredible wines at varying prices, and the brand's $15 sauvignon blanc at Costco is a sleeper hit.

The wine is the perfect summer sipper. It gives all the "rooty tooty" fresh and fruity vibes and has excellent acidity.

The DAOU winery has some affordable wines, including its 2022 sauvignon blanc. Brianne Cohen

8 of the best wines to buy at Costco, from a sommelier

August 8, 2024

Circulation: 424,859,525

Online/Digital

Don't overlook the wine section at Costco.

1. I'm a certified sommelier, and I love shopping for wine at Costco.

2. I actually recommend the Kirkland Signature Champagne, and it's only $21 a bottle.

3. The bulk store also has great chardonnay, rosé, zinfandel, and sauvignon blanc options. and Woodinville, Washington)

Brianne Cohen

I'm in a household of two (just me, my husband Aaron, and our two fur babies), so I wasn't sure if I'd get to take full advantage of the bulk retailer. But boy, was I wrong.

Every time I go, I seem to discover something new. And as a certified sommelier, I'm always looking for great wine deals.

In many ways, shopping at Costco helps me be a better sommelier and get people closer to discovering wines that knock their socks off.

Here are some of my favorite bottles at Costco.

I love the DAOU sauvignon blanc.

Brothers Georges and Daniel Daou, originally from Beirut, fell in love with wine after fleeing to France in the 1970s during the Lebanese Civil War before opening their own winery in California.

DAOU produces incredible wines at varying prices, and the brand's $15 sauvignon blanc at Costco is a sleeper hit.

The wine is the perfect summer sipper. It gives all the "rooty tooty" fresh and fruity vibes and has excellent acidity.

The DAOU winery has some affordable wines, including its 2022 sauvignon blanc. Brianne Cohen

Become a wine connoisseur with the top 10 wine clubs of 2024

Unleash your inner sommelier Best Wine Club (2024)

July 31, 2024

Circulation: 68,216,472 Newspaper

Our editors and readers independently select what you see on 10Best. When you buy through a link on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Wine subscription services have made it easy to sample new wines from across the country and around the world often without even having to leave home. To find the best ones, we asked a panel of experts to nominate their favorite wine clubs, then readers voted for their top picks. Here are the 10 best wine clubs of 2024.

DAOU Vineyards

This Paso Robles-based winery offers a customizable wine club that begins before you even join. The sign-up page at DAOU Vineyards will prompt you to choose your preferred style of wine, desired number of bottles per shipment, as well as desired number of deliveries per year to ensure you’re completely comfortable with your new club membership.

Photo courtesy of DAOU Vineyards No. 4:

Cheers to the best: Top 10 wine tasting rooms you need to visit Tasting rooms worth traveling for Best Wine Tasting Room (2024)

July 31, 2024

Circulation: 68,216,472 Newspaper

Our editors and readers independently select what you see on 10Best. When you buy through a link on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

A comfortable, elegant tasting room with a knowledgeable staff can elevate the entire wine tasting experience. To find the best spots for sipping, we asked a panel of wine industry experts to nominate their top tasting rooms in the United States. Then, our readers voted for their favorites.

Here are the 10 best wine tasting rooms across the country.

No. 6: DAOU Vineyards - Paso Robles, California

Founded by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou, the DAOU Vineyards mountain property has a reputation for being one of the best spots to absorb the Central Coast of California's wine country beauty. A standout tasting experience is their Patrimony Immersion, which offers custom food pairings and DAOU's own caviar. You also sample wines straight from the barrel, making for one unrivaled oenophile experience. When complete, pull up an Adirondack chair and admire the sweeping vistas of the estate.

Photo courtesy of DAOU Vineyards

August 2, 2024

Circulation: 432,976,146 Online/Digital

Finger Lakes ranked seventh best wine region in U.S. by USA Today

Victoria E. Freile, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

The Finger Lakes were named the seventh best wine region in the nation in the 2024 USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, and a popular Keuka Lake winery was highlighted to have the best winery tour and a favorite among tasting rooms.

The Readers' Choice Awards highlight the very best in travel, food and drink and lifestyle. Every week, USA TODAY 10Best invites a panel of industry experts to nominate their favorite points of interest and attractions across a wide range of categories.lla Walla and Woodinville, Washington)

The Finger Lakes landed seventh on the list of the Best Wine Region. The listicle noted that the region is home to three distinct American Viticultural areas: The Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake. There are more than 130 wineries in the region - many of which specialize in Riesling.

USA Today's 10Best Tasting Rooms

1. Willamette Valley Vineyards (Turner, Oregon)

2. Los Milics Vineyards (Elgin and Scottsdale, Arizona)

3. Stoller Family Estate (Dayton, Oregon)

4. Durant Vineyards (Dayton, Oregon)

5. Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (Hammondsport, New York)

6. DAOU Vineyards (Paso Robles, California)

7. Vienza at Europa Village (Temecula, California)

8. Corner 103 (Sonoma, California)

9. Caymus-Suisun Winery (Fairfield, California)

10. Long Shadows Vintners (Walla Walla and Woodinville, Washington)

July 31, 2024

Circulation: 432,976,146

Online/Digital

These California wineries were winners in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Ema Sasic

California knows a thing or two about wine, and it shows: The Golden State claimed several wins in the wine categories for the 2024 USA Today's 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Wineries in Temecula, Paso Robles, Napa, and Sonoma, among others, were named some of the country's best in several categories, including best wine country hotel, wine region, and winery tours.

Here is the full list of California winners.

Best Wine Tasting Room

Four California spots scored honors for their wine tasting rooms. Those include DAOU Vineyards in Paso Robles (sixth place); Vienza at Europa Village in Temecula (seventh place); Corner 103 in Sonoma (eighth place); and Caymus-Suisun Winery in Fairfield (ninth place).

The full list includes:

1. Willamette Valley Vineyards (Turner, Oregon)

2. Los Milics Vineyards (Elgin and Scottsdale, Arizona)

3. Stoller Family Estate (Dayton, Oregon)

4. Durant Vineyards (Dayton, Oregon)

5. Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (Hammondsport, New York)

6. DAOU Vineyards (Paso Robles, California)

7. Vienza at Europa Village (Temecula, California)

8. Corner 103 (Sonoma, California)

9. Caymus-Suisun Winery (Fairfield, California)

10. Long Shadows Vintners (Walla Walla and Woodinville, Washington)

August 2, 2024

Circulation: 432,976,146 Online/Digital

Finger Lakes ranked seventh best wine region in U.S. by USA Today

Victoria

E. Freile, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

USA Today's 10Best Tasting Rooms

1. Willamette Valley Vineyards (Turner, Oregon)

2. Los Milics Vineyards (Elgin and Scottsdale, Arizona)

3. Stoller Family Estate (Dayton, Oregon)

4. Durant Vineyards (Dayton, Oregon)

5. Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (Hammondsport, New York)

6. DAOU Vineyards (Paso Robles, California)

7. Vienza at Europa Village (Temecula, California)

8. Corner 103 (Sonoma, California)

9. Caymus-Suisun Winery (Fairfield, California)

10. Long Shadows Vintners (Walla Walla and Woodinville, Washington)

July 31, 2024

Circulation: 572,878 Newspaper

These California wineries were winners in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Ema Sasic

California knows a thing or two about wine, and it shows: The Golden State claimed several wins in the wine categories for the 2024 USA Today's 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Wineries in Temecula, Paso Robles, Napa, and Sonoma, among others, were named some of the country's best in several categories, including best wine country hotel, wine region, and winery tours.

Here is the full list of California winners.

Best Wine Tasting Room

The full list includes:

1. Willamette Valley Vineyards (Turner, Oregon)

2. Los Milics Vineyards (Elgin and Scottsdale, Arizona)

3. Stoller Family Estate (Dayton, Oregon)

4. Durant Vineyards (Dayton, Oregon)

5. Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (Hammondsport, New York)

6. DAOU Vineyards (Paso Robles, California)

7. Vienza at Europa Village (Temecula, California)

8. Corner 103 (Sonoma, California)

9. Caymus-Suisun Winery (Fairfield, California)

10. Long Shadows Vintners (Walla Walla and Woodinville, Washington)

12 California Wines for National White Wine Day

Alison Bailin Batz

July 30, 2024

Circulation: 10,000

Online/Digital

Summer and white wine go together like peanut butter and jelly. It should be no surprise, then, that National White Wine Day is Aug. 4. Here are some great California wines to raise a glass in celebration.

DAOU Reserve Chardonnay 2022

A Paso Robles triumph, this reserve offering has a bouquet of jasmine and tropical fruit, and perhaps even a touch of caramel. It is exceptionally rounded on the finish with a lovely hit of acid, not to mention ever-so-slight notes of almond and vanilla. $52

THE DAILY SUMMER’S AUGUST ISSUE IS HERE!

Aaron Royce

July 25, 2024

Circulation: 177,000 Magazine/Digital

Extra! Extra! Midsummer is in full swing and to mark the occasion, the latest issue of The Daily Summer has officially arrived. The gorgeous new issue focuses on highlights from Fall 2024’s top fashion collections, complete with the top colors and details to love right now. The latest in haute couture also takes center stage where we delve into the most whimsical and viral designs fresh from Paris Fashion Week.

→ Continue reading at The Daily Front Row

THE DAILY SUMMER’S AUGUST ISSUE IS HERE!

July 25, 2024

Circulation: 177,000

Magazine/Digital

More on our Hamptons Most Stylish party, Couture Week, and colorful fashion to love, below Aaron Royce

Inside we take a look at The Daily Summer‘s annual Hamptons Most Stylish party and art dinner. We also look at LAGOS’ dreamy jewelry designs, Daou Vineyards’ new Patrimony red wine collection, Max Mara’s elegant Resort 2025 show in Venice, Nemacolin’s star-studded celebration for The Chateau’s reopening, and our Manhattan events with Halara and Moleskine. Plus! What’s the latest goss in the Hamptons? Read on!

You can pick up your own copy at spots all over the Hamptons or check out the full issue below:

July 18, 2024

Circulation: 177,000

Magazine/Digital

INSIDE THE DAILY SUMMER’S ELEGANT ART DINNER AT SUNSET HARBOR

The event featured Brandusa Niro's 'Models' series of paintings Aaron Royce

The worlds of art and fashion combined for The Daily Summer‘s art dinner out East. Held at waterfront restaurant Sunset Harbor, the chic affair was hosted by editor-in-chief Brandusa Niro, Avant Gallery, and the Daily Summer‘s new cover girl, Brooks Nader

During the event, guests were surrounded by the colorful gazes of Niro’s model series of paintings. The artwork display, on loan from Miami’s Avant Gallery, also overlapped with the weekend’s popular Hamptons Fine Art Fair which featured a range of new art from creatives across the country. Attendees included Rebecca Minkoff, Kelly Bensimom, Alejandra Alonso Rojas, Sophie Elgort, Fern Mallis, Jeffrey Banks, Dmitry Prut, Courtney Daniels, and The Daily Summer‘s own Monica Forman, Elizabeth Kurpis, Nandini Vaid, and Aaron Royce.

DAOU Vineyards’ reserve rosé, reserve chardonnay, and Soul of Lion cabernet kept guests refreshed and with full glasses throughout the evening. Casamigos’ spicy margaritas also delivered a zesty kick to the affair.

DAOU Vineyards wine (Caroline Fiss)

The Daily Summer’s Art Dinner (Caroline Fiss)

DAOU Vineyards wine (Caroline Fiss)

July 24, 2024

Circulation: 10,000

Online/Digital

DESTINATION PASO ROBLES: BLENDING EXQUISITE WINE, FOOD, AND LODGING

Don Sonderling

My first trip to Paso Robles was in the late 1960s, assigned to Camp Roberts for my first (of many) US Army Reserve twoweek “summer camp” training sessions. The days were hot and exhausting. Given the evenings off, we were told if we wanted to go into town for a few hours, just “don’t get into trouble.”

One evening a few of us ventured into Paso. We found a beer bar (opposite the park), sat at a corner table, enjoying a beer, and some cowboys came in. As the bar filled up, voices rose, and a fistfight broke out. We left fast. I vowed never to come back to Paso Robles again: Don’t ever say never. There may have been a tasting room or two back then, but this certainly wasn’t a wine town, it was a place to pass through.

Today, Paso Robles, with over 200 wine-tasting rooms, is a major wine and food destination, boasting world-class wines, elegant lodging, and restaurants serving up fare from burgers to gourmet cuisine in Michelin-rated establishments. Paso Robles retains the charm of a small town, and if you haven’t visited Paso lately, you must. Here are some thoughts on planning a special getaway to experience the best of Paso Robles wine, food, and lodging.

WHERE TO WINE

Whatever type of wine experience you are looking for, you’ll find it in Paso Robles. Here are three, all different, each presenting a sense of “place,” both in terms of the wine and their “place” in Paso Robles.

DAOU VINEYARDS

Photo Credit: Daou Family Estates

DAOU Vineyards is one of those destinations where you could sit all day simply staring out at a hypnotic vista. Watching birds soaring and the amazing view is magical, bringing one a sense of peace and relaxation. Combined with the wine and food this is a gastronomic Shangri-la.

First off, it’s important to know that Daniel Daou had a vision and passion for Bordeaux varietals, being a driving force in forming The Paso Robles Cab Collective (Cabernet And Bordeaux):

“The grass-roots nonprofit organization was formed with the belief that the best red Bordeaux varieties in the world are produced in Paso Robles.”

When my wife and I first met Daniel (around 2009), he shared his vision. His passion for Cabernet & Bordeaux was infectious, and he said that one day Paso Robles would be recognized as a world-class Cabernet producer that would stand shoulder to shoulder with any other California wine-producing area.

In 2011 brothers Daniel and Georges Daou opened their Italian-styled tasting room and have welcomed wine and Bordeaux lovers ever since. Producing several different blends and varietals, the focus was always to create highly sought-after, superior Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux Blends.

Early in Daou’s journey, The Connoisseur Guide to Wine (April 2015) wrote: “A growing number of Paso Robles vintners are proving that world-class Cabernet is not exclusive to Napa Valley, and this bottling from DAOU emphatically makes the point.”

Less than a decade after opening their tasting room, the Bordeaux recognition Daniel envisioned happened: Daou’s Soul of a Lion achieved a position as the #2 luxury-selling brand Cabernet Sauvignon behind Opus 1. Additionally, several of Daou’s luxury wines have received coveted 100-point ratings: (2017 & 2018 Patrimony Cabernet Franc, 2018 & 2021 Caves des Lions), plus several 98+ ratings that may well end up as 100-point scores.

Daniel (left) and Georges (right). Photo Credit: Daou Family Estates

Daou also has a first-class kitchen. Chef Spencer Johnson turns out deliciously flavored, elegantly presented dishes to accompany your tasting. Whether it’s duck confit, scallops, salads, or charcuterie board, they combine with vista and the wines. The menu changes seasonally, so there will always be new, exciting surprises to look forward to.

Daou Vineyards is one of many Paso Robles Bordeaux producers reshaping California’s wine country. (Note: By reservation only).

Photo Credit: Daou Family Estates

How to Start a Wine Collection on Any Budget

Vicki Denig

June 24, 2024

Circulation: 13,734,891 Online/Digital

If you think you don't have the funds to start collecting wine, think again.

For many wine lovers, the fear of not having enough money is the main reason to hold off on starting a collection. But many industry professionals say that it doesn’t take a huge budget to create a robust at-home wine cellar.

So where to begin? Follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to the best at-home cellar in no time.

Hidden gem bottles, according to the pros

While obvious marquee regions like Burgundy and Bordeaux can come with a hefty price tag, there are plenty of gems to be found in underrepresented wine regions.

“One can start collecting wines that cost less than $50, and I think the range of $20–50 is a good place to start,” says Malhotra. She points out that establishing a relationship with a reliable retailer is a great first step to finding high-quality wines at lower price points. “If you trust the staff and they can guide you based on your emerging palate, you can have access to wines that might be from younger producers or producers who just gained distribution in your region,” she says.

Beyond producers, Johnson proposes looking to lesser-known regions within well-known appellations to find great deals. Here are three high-value, budget-friendly regions to explore, according to the pros.

California: Paso Robles, as an alternative to Napa Valley

Although Napa Valley tends to be the go-to region for full-bodied California Cabernet Sauvignon, many of the region’s wines have skyrocketed in price over the past two decades.

Enter Paso Robles, the Golden State’s southerly alternative for fans of bold Cabs. Situated between San Francisco and Los Angeles in San Luis Obispo county, this sun-drenched region is putting out some of the estate’s most flavor-packed reds, including those produced using Cabernet Sauvignon.

Daou and Austin Hope are two of the region’s most prominent producers of the style, as is 1858, which is produced by the Wagner family, the brains behind Napa-based Caymus.

Discover What’s New in the Texas Wine Scene This Summer

July 12, 2024

Circulation: 18,120

What’s popping in the Texas Wine World this summer? Keep reading to learn about a new winery that opened in Fredericksburg; how Daou is partnering with a supper club; and our recommendations for some Texas Fine Wines that you need to try.

Analise Flatt

It’s summer which means it’s time to bust out those cold bottles of white & rose, but if you are like me, your love of red wine will stay steadfast. A lot is happening in the wine world so let’s pop the bottle and get into it.

The Supper Club + Daou Wines Collab

The Supper Club is a members-only community that curates exquisite dining experiences in beautiful settings throughout the world and Austin is the proud home to a few of these events each year. In May, there was a springtime soiree hosted in the beautiful rolling hills of Tarrytown in Austin.

The mission of The Supper Club is to bring people together in a space to delight and be delighted in. Something that really stood out to me at this event is how you can walk into the room knowing no one, yet be welcomed in like an old friend. The whole concept is built around creating an environment where you can foster authentic relationships while sharing a meal curated by a specialty chef.

The Supper Club collaborates with leading chefs, artists and brands, such as Daou Wines. Daou partnered with the Austin Springtime Soiree which meant that each course was perfectly paired with different acclaimed wines such as Soul of a Lion and Patrimony.

15,

INSIDE THE DAILY SUMMER’S HAMPTONS MOST STYLISH PARTY AT SUNSET HARBOR

The sunset soirée brought fashion insiders together out East Aaron Royce

The Daily Summer’s annual Hamptons Most Stylish party returned to East Hampton this weekend with a crew of chicsters, including The Daily Summer‘s covergirl Brooks Nader, in attendance. Hosted on the waterfront of Sunset Harbor, the event was presented by Lagos.

DAOU Vineyards were on-site for the evening, with a wine station to top up attendees all night. Among the smooth selections? The vineyard’s staple chardonnay, rosé, and cabernet sauvignon perfect for sipping while strolling through the grounds and admiring the glistening views of the Three Mile Harbor waterfront.

2023 Deal Of The Year DAOU Vineyards

Drew Beard

July 16, 2024

Circulation: 16,926 Magazine

BIG DEAL. DAOU Vineyards, founded in 2007 by brothers Daniel and Georges Daou, sold in December 2023 to the Australian wine giant Treasury Wine Estates for $900 million plus an earn-out of up to $100 million.

The US wine industry saw a handful of notable vineyard sales and investment partnerships last year, but none was quite as impressive as the acquisition of DAOU Vineyards by -Treasury Wine Estates. The California winery, founded in 2007 by -brothers Georges and Daniel Daou, sold in December to the Australian wine giant for $900 million plus an earn-out of up to $100 million. How did two brothers go from making wine in their garage to a billion-dollar deal in less than two decades? A dream and a mountain.

The Dream

The dream of making wine started early for the Daous. After fleeing Beirut with their family at the beginning of the Lebanese Civil War, Georges and Daniel spent their formative years in the south of France savoring the exceptional food and wine of that gastronomic paradise.

They brought this acquired taste to California in the early 1980s. But wine was not their first calling. They were students at UC San Diego. After graduating with engineering degrees, they founded Daou Systems, a networking-technology company, which they sold in 2005.

As Daou Systems grew more profitable, Daniel evolved into the -consummate oenophile, collecting select vintages, reading classic works, and even producing a wine in his garage from a one-acre parcel of -Cabernet Sauvignon that he personally tended.

While the dream of DAOU Vineyards was shared by both brothers, Daniel made it a reality. After innumerable field trips into the California countryside, he discovered a perfect piece of land in what was then an unlikely spot for growing his beloved Cabernet Sauvignon.

Daniel recalls telling his father, “I’m going to buy this property in Paso, and I want to become a winemaker, and I think I can make one of the best wines in the world.”

The Mountain

In 2007, the brothers purchased their first Paso Robles vineyard. A second, much larger purchase followed in 2012: Hoffman Mountain Ranch, which would be rechristened DAOU Mountain.

Thanks to Dr. Stanley Hoffman, -Hoffman Mountain Ranch is considered the birthplace of modern winemaking in Paso Robles. He constructed the first commercial-scale winery on its steep slopes in the 1960s. He did so under the guidance of André Tchelistcheff, who praised the mountain as “a jewel of -ecological elements.”

“How is a great wine made? The first thing you need is great terroir. Great wines are made in the vineyards,” says Daniel. “I can vividly remember the first moment I laid eyes on this mountain, because I had already seen it in my mind. I had been searching for a terroir exactly like this the soil, the slopes, elevation.”

Hoffman Mountain’s terrain is covered in a rare, calcareous clay soil that is also found in the world-famous grape-growing regions of Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion. It is ideal for growing the Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals that Georges and Daniel dreamed of cultivating.

Perched at 2,200 feet and steeply sloped, it is the highest winery on California’s Central Coast and offers unparalleled views and an ideal climate that is cooled by breezes off the Pacific Ocean just 14 miles away.

“We have, arguably, the most perfect climate in the world to ripen Bordeaux varieties and Cabernet Sauvignon,” -Daniel says.

The sale included 400 acres of vineyards in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles plus DAOU’s award-winning, mountaintop tasting room.

The Wine

The terroir may have been perfect, but there was still plenty of investment required before the brothers could begin to make wine. “We didn’t buy a winery,” says Georges. “We bought dirt; no wells, no vines, no buildings, no power, no tasting room. Just dirt. But we did bring passion, imagination, hard work, and energy to unlock the potential that was there to begin with.”

It didn’t take long for Daniel’s exacting standards to transform steep, rocky cliffs into a world-renowned vineyard. He brought exceptional Cabernet clones from Bordeaux and Napa to Paso Robles. When the brothers arrived, the area was known best for its Zinfandel and Rhone varietals. Today, it consistently produces world-class Cabernet. Using a proprietary vine-planting structure, Daniel achieved impressive yields by growing more than 3,500 vines per acre on the mountain’s steep slopes.

Daniel’s approach to winemaking was similarly rigorous. After cultivating hundreds of native yeasts, he isolated one from DAOU Mountain that could thrive in higher temperature fermentations while also offering exceptional color stabilization. It was so impressive that vintners in more than 30 different countries use it today.

Phenolics, the chemical -structure that helps to determine a wine’s age--ability, also distinguishes Daniel’s wines. “DAOU Mountain is blessed with arguably some of the highest phenolics the world has ever seen for Bordeaux varieties, allowing us to deliver wines that have texture while maintaining the elegance, classiness, and balance that you often don’t find in California wines,” Daniel says.

The Terroir

For his barrels, Daniel is equally meticulous. He uses only the finest French oak, including a proprietary bois rosé barrel that is crafted from a rare pink wood which is air-dried for five years before being custom-toasted.

“My purpose is to create a pure expression of this terroir to allow this mountain to speak through the wines that come from it,” says Daniel.

His wines quickly found their voice. Only three years into winemaking at their new vineyard, the inaugural bottling of Soul of a Lion Cabernet -Sauvignon received 96 points from -Robert Parker. The rating was especially meaningful because Soul of a Lion honors their father. This recognition set the brothers on an upward trajectory that saw DAOU become the fastestgrowing luxury wine brand in the US at the time of its acquisition in October 2023.

The Deal

Treasury Wine Estates has had a presence in Paso Robles for decades. The company recognized the potential of DAOU as a prestigious American brand that was accessible to a large number of wine consumers. “This is a transformative acquisition that will accelerate the growth of our luxury portfolio,” says Treasury CEO Tim Ford.

While DAOU’s Soul of a Lion and PATRIMONY range will no doubt strengthen Treasury’s luxury tier, the winery’s many quality offerings priced at the super-premium level of $20 to $40 will also “fill a key portfolio opportunity,” according to Missy Waldrop, senior vice president of marketing at DAOU.

The transaction also includes 400 acres of vineyard in the prized Adelaida District of Paso Robles that are crowned by DAOU’s award-winning, mountaintop tasting room.

“DAOU has done an incredible job with regards to the experience at DAOU Mountain, as well as engaging with younger wine consumers across the country,” says Treasury President Ben Dollard. “We see very significant opportunity to take that experience global.”

“The last frontier has always been international, and as part of the -Treasury Wine Estates portfolio, we have unlocked the potential to be among the highest-end wines for consumers to enjoy globally,” says Daniel.

The brothers, ever the restless entrepreneurs, have already broken ground on a new winery in Tuscany, but they remain devoted to their original dream in Paso Robles. Daniel will remain chief winemaker at DAOU.

“In Treasury Wine Estates, we have found a partner that not only understands the value of our brand and the premium assets we have cultivated but also the importance of ensuring that we maintain a relentless focus on quality and craftsmanship as we step into our future,” says Daniel.

The Ultimate Paso Robles Getaway

Rebecca Horrigan

July 2, 2024 Circulation: 100,491

Driving through open roads and green rolling hills, I see the fog break through to sunnier skies, and worries seem to dissipate right along with the June gloom. This feeling of peace and release surrounds any trip to Paso Robles – and that’s even before a sip of wine hits your lips.

Quickly becoming a favorite SB getaway destination, Paso is home to over 200 wineries and gourmet restaurants, yet somehow retains the small town charm that makes it such a relaxing place for a mini vacation.

Below are my favorite spots to hit for the ultimate Paso getaway.

DAOU

Perched high atop DAOU Mountain, surrounded by the ocean, clouds, vineyards and vines, this regal estate holds a story worthy of those epic views. Brothers Daniel and Georges Daou fled Lebanon with their parents during the Lebanese Civil War, finding safety and a passion for winemaking in the south of France. After careers in Engineering, the brothers followed their dream of opening a winery and this leader in regional Bordeaux wines was born. Growing up in a family of wine, food, and hospitality lovers, the brothers have imbued this sense of conviviality in their tasting experience. Every drop of their delicious wines, such as the Cabernet Sauvignon-based Soul of a Lion, which pays tribute to their father’s resilience, has a deeper meaning. Create your own chapter in the Daou family story by ordering a bite from their delectable food menu (I recommend the extravagant charcuterie board), sipping something tasty, and learning the rich history behind it.

A Wine-Lover’s Guide to Paso Robles: 11 Appellations to Know

Matt Kettmann

July 18, 2022

Circulation: 897,759 Magazine

Everything is big in Paso Robles pickup trucks, cowboy hats, bold red blends but especially the more than 610,000-acre grapegrowing appellation itself. At three times the size of Napa Valley, Paso reigned as the largest undivided appellation in California for over 30 years. That changed in 2014, when the Central Coast region was divided into 11 subappellations, with the intention of giving both producers and consumers a better handle on the enological expanse.

Eight years in, winemakers are still evaluating how differing soils, microclimates and topographies delineate each district, from the limestone substrate of Adelaida and windblown rows of Templeton Gap to the rolling hills of Creston and sunny terraces of San Juan Creek. Debates remain on some specifics, as there’s plenty of viticultural variability within even the smallest of districts.

However, the consensus is that the breakdown effectively showcases the entire region’s maturation from a generic, bulkgrowing land into a dynamic, distinguished home for premium wines. Bordeaux and Rhône grapes are now coveted as quality leaders, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah leading the charge.

Austin Hope, whose family planted wine grapes in Paso in 1978, believes this geographic diversity is the key to success. “I don’t think there’s any region in the world that can compare,” says Hope of being able to grow gamy, Côte-Rôtie-style Syrah in Willow Creek but jammy, Australian-style Shiraz in the Highlands District.

Hope Family Wines does produce district-specific wines. But like many prominent wineries in the region, its flagship bottlings combine numerous subappellations into a final wine. “We are able to take from each one of these particular districts and blend them together to make what we think is the perfect wine,” explains Hope.

The same is true for Scott Shirley, the winemaker at Justin Winery, whose founder, Justin Baldwin, almost singlehandedly elevated Paso as a premium region for Bordelaise grapes four decades ago. “I like having the flexibility to use whichever fruit performs the best given the growing conditions of that vintage,” says Shirley, who currently sources from 10 of the 11 districts but does not make a single subappellation designate. “Both Justin and I are avid proponents of blends. To do that, we have to source from all sites.”

To better understand what makes each appellation different, we turn to those Paso vintners who source from multiple subappellations. Opinions vary, but one truth is evident, best described by Andrew Jones, vice president of wine grape sales for Sunridge Nurseries and winemaker for Field Recordings Winery: “There are ‘honeyholes’ in all of the areas.”

This appellation is home to historically critical brands such as Tablas Creek and Justin. Adelaida is a 53,000-acre landscape of ruggedly steep hillsides covered by mossy oaks and undercut by limestone soils and is the wettest and highest region of Paso Robles. It’s situated on the northwest flank up against the Santa Lucia Mountains, where the limestone soils are tough on vines, leading to highly tannic wines.

Winemakers collectively agree Adelaida is the place to find a backbone for blends. “Adelaida wines are the most structured in our bunch,” said Steve Peck of J. Lohr, which sources from five subappellations.

The calcareous soils help in dry years, according to Kevin Willenborg of Vina Robles, which owns Terra Bella and Bear Valley vineyards in Adelaida. “In a drought, the vines kind of lick water out of the rocks,” he says. As a result, “You get that rich, concentrated fruit. That’s what makes these wines very ageworthy, with stable color, creamy tannins and acidity.”

But Daniel Daou of Daou Vineyards believes it’s the layer of clay on top of those white rocks that is this subappellation’s saving grace. “There’s enough organic material to build a full canopy,” he says. “The roots find their ways in there. It allows for dry farming.

Adelaida District

Photo Courtesy of Daou Vineyards

Why cats are a vintner’s best friend

Kathleen Willcox

June 17, 2024

Circulation: 3,044,197 Magazine

For many vintners, cats have become their favorite unsung but essential partners in pest control and free PR

The internet has been good for cats. “Cute cat videos” dominated early YouTube and continue to be default Instagram Reels and YouTube Short recommendations. Some influencer cats like Grumpy Cat and Karl Lagerfeld’s heir Choupette hog the headlines, con earn many famous human influencers. There are cats significantly richer than you, whose selfies pay their owner’s mortgage. Taylor Swift’s cat Olivia Benson has a net worth

It seems odd. But then again, cats have worked for and been worshipped by humans for thousands of years, be they the feline goddesses Bastet, Sekhmet and Mafdet, or your humble farm cat, destroying rats, mice and gophers in exchange for goodies and rubs behind their ears and under their chins. One genetic assessment of close to a thousand domestic cats and their wild progenitors indicate that cats were first domesticated in the Near East, most likely in an agricultural development in the Fertile Crescent. Another DNA analysis indicates that populations of Felis silvestris lybica in the Near East (during the Neolithic period about 9,000 years ago) and Egypt (during the Classical period, around 12,000 years ago) contributed to the gene pool of the modern housecat at different times.

And to this day, away from viral TikToks and influencer contracts, there are many hard-working, normal cats who keep the economy going. For many vintners, cats have become their favorite unsung but essential partners in pest control and free PR.

A lovely midnight-black cat, Pete was long past his hunting days.

“By the end of his life, he was deaf, blind and arthritic and had not caught a mouse for a few years,” says Allyson Bycraft, associate winemaker at Babcock Winery & Vineyards in Lompoc, California. But his being there was enough. Placing domestic predators in farms and rural homesteads creates a “landscape of fear,” where rodents know not to snack on juicy grapes, even if the predator is not capable of catching them.

“Just his presence and smell was enough to keep the varmints at bay,” Bycraft says. But within a month of his death in 2016, at twenty years old, “We were overrun by mice.”

Brian O’Donnell proprietor and winemaker at Belle Pente Vineyards in Carlton, Oregon had the same experience.

“When we found ourselves ‘cat-less’ several years ago, we noticed a dramatic increase in mouse activity in our office and winery, [but] we got some cats again, and the populations in and around the office, barns and winery returned to essentially zero.”

Belle Pente currently deploys two teams of two: Mork and Mindy handle the action around the winery; Cougar and Chippie combat vineyard pests. Though they only stray 250 meters or so from home base, a kitty outpost further afield would put them at risk from other predators, like coyotes.

Winegrowers face a seemingly endless list of foes. Mice, gophers, voles and moles can reproduce prolifically on a diet of vines and cover crops and cause havoc for a working vineyard, just as bats and snakes can in storage facilities, and all of them make other issues worse, from fungi on partly eaten produce to insect infestations. Alongside unexpected climatic events, heading to work amid the vines often entails suiting up for at least one Biblical plague. But cats help avoid less appealing alternatives.

“Using cats means we don’t have to use poisons or other methods to protect our vines and our winery,” says Kathleen Inman, owner and winemaker at Sonoma’s Inman Family Wines. Along with greeting guests and cheering staff, Inman says the three cats they’ve had over the years have become an essential component of their “integrated pest control.” Inman’s current head kitty, Vini a watchful gray and white, green-eyed hunter destroys gophers and snakes in the vines and mice around the cellar.

In turn, just as cats help the winemakers, vineyards can be perfect homes for cats who wouldn’t be happy in a studio apartment. Feral cats, for instance, are not fully domestic, don’t bond with humans as easily and are often too aggressive to live indoors. Homing them at all involves a month of semi-confinement until they bond with at least one person there, and with the place itself. But once they settle in, they can make perfect partners for a vineyard. This was the case for a fivemonth-old pair of black cats, who made their home at Babcock after the vineyard worked with the Santa Barbara nonprofit Catalyst for Cats (dedicated to helping feral cats find safe spaces). Felix checks the tasting room when Bycraft opens, and Reggie follows her to the warehouse, “clearing out any troublemakers.” Bycraft hasn’t had a mice problem since.

“One thing I’ve learned working with so many animals is that each animal is an individual,” says William Allen, who cofounded Two Shepherds Wine in Windsor, California with his life and business partner Karen Daenen. They had bought what he characterizes as a “dilapidated” farm teeming with mice and rats in 2008 and have spent the years since mending all the farm buildings, planting a small vineyard and transforming the infrastructure. Without cats, they say, it wouldn’t have been feasible. Allen’s appreciation for the cats is such that he has named lines of wine for them and featured their likenesses on bottles.

Like the team at Babcock, Allen and Daenen got all three of their cats as kittens, though only two actually earn their keep by hunting. Wiley, their “ten-pound panther,” regularly kills ferocious wild rabbits and as a kitten would bring live rodents to the house, then “went through a stage of bringing us gopher heads from the vineyard.” He only comes inside when the weather is particularly inhospitable. By contrast, Carignan is more a hybrid inside-outside cat, “a good hunter, but Carignan also likes to chill with us,” Allen says. “Now Max, on the other hand, is a complete lover, and definitely not a hunter.”

Though they don’t rake in the millions of professional influencer pets, vineyard cats are beloved among vineyard visitors, but it’s sometimes strikingly obvious that they aren’t fully domesticated. Benny a large, long-haired, yellow-eyed black beauty, and current CMO (chief mouse officer) at Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery in the Russian River Valley is very social with guests, but his show-and-tell can be somewhat confrontational.

“He is a voracious hunter, and he is not shy about it,” notes Theresa Heredia, winemaker at Gary Farrell. “Once, he killed a vole and brought it out in front of our customer-seating area and happily crunched through the bones in front of them. But at the same time, he is such a sweet cat. He’ll come running across vineyards and fields when I call him and bound into my arms like a long-lost lover.”

“One night about five years ago, we had a dinner and we were outside saying goodnight, and there was this little cat running around and coming up and loving on us,” recalls Maeve Pesquera, senior vice president of Daou Vineyards in Paso Robles.

“It’s very unusual to see cats up here” their tasting room is 2,200 feet above sea level, with coyotes, wild boar, mountain lions, bears and foxes skulking about “but she stuck around. We found out she was staying safe at night by sneaking into our belltower, which is why we named her Bell.”

“We were all completely in love with her, and posting photos of her on social media,” Pesquera explains, pointing to Bell’s Instagram account, which recounts some of her more palatable adventures.

“And then our neighbor called and said he wanted our cat back. Everyone was sobbing. George [Daou, the co-proprietor] happened to be there and he was so confused. He was like, ‘What can I do? I’ll buy you another cat. I’ll buy you two cats!’ But we wanted Bell.”

To keep the peace, they returned Bell to their neighbor, whom they were on good terms with. But Bell wasn’t having it she kept on escaping and returning to the vineyard despite almost losing her life to a hungry hawk.

“A hawk just swooped over and picked Bell up by the neck,” Pesquera recalls. “Everyone in the tasting room came running out, screaming. We must have spooked the hawk because it dropped Bell after like twelve feet. But she just shook herself off and looked at us, like, ‘Who cares? Relax, people.’”

Now, Pesquera explains, they have an excellent co-parenting relationship with their neighbor. And Bell more than earns her keep.

“By night, she is a fierce huntress,” Pesquera says. “By day she is a princess queen who loves to be adored and petted. Visitors come into our tasting room and take pictures with her and feed her prosciutto.”

Unlike other domesticated animals, when cats decided to co-exist with humans, they didn’t change their inherent spirit or personality. They know they’re lions. But they also know they deserve every last scrap of that prosciutto, so keep it coming.

This article was originally published in The Spectator’s July 2024 World edition.

June 12, 2024

June 9, 2024

Circulation: 60,039

Online/Digital

Review: 2021 Daou Soul of a Lion Cabernet Sauvignon Adelaida District

Christopher Null

While Daou‘s lineup is increasingly ubiquitous (we just bought a half bottle of Daou Chardonnay on a recent no-frills Allegiant Airlines flight), it’s still cranking out ultra high-end wines at the top end. Soul of a Lion is its most luxe offering, and we recently sampled the new 2021 vintage release.

Dense but soulful, this is a wine that takes its sweet time to find its footing. Decant or plan for ample time in glass, which eventually reveals a sultry chocolate-raspberry character against a backdrop of lush, subdued tannins. That said, the body is no joke. At 14.9% abv, you’d be forgiven for wondering if you were drinking a fortified wine, its ample sweetness providing a powerful backbone against which notes of currants, black cherries, and rhubarb all come to play. Notes of chewy anise and dark chocolate linger forever on the lasting finish, with an echo of blackberry coulis clinging to the experience.

A- / $150 / daouvineyards.com

COSTA TEQUILA

Costa Tequila Blanco is unaged before being bottled. This award winning tequila was Costa’s first creation. It’s silky texture and long smooth finish is built for sipping but also pairs well with any tequila based cocktail. It is the epitome of

that intentionally brings together the flavor profiles from 100% Blue Weber Agave sourced in two traditionally separate tequila-producing regions in Jalisco, Mexico: “Los Altos” (the Highlands) and “Valle de Tequila” (the Lowlands). Their unique blend marries the fruity, sweet, soft notes of tequila plants from the mountainous Highlands region with distinct peppery, earthy, spicy characteristics of Lowlands tequila varietals.

DAOU

Just in time for Father’s Day, DAOU is pleased to announce the highly anticipated vintage release of their critically acclaimed flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021 Estate Soul of a Lion. Named in tribute to DAOU Founders Georges and Daniel Daou’s father, Soul of a Lion is a testament to the enduring legacy of Joseph Daou and the resilience that defines their family legacy. Exclusively sourced from the DAOU Mountain Estate in the premier Adelaida District of Paso Robles, this full-bodied wine is a harmonious expression of its terroir, characterized by ideal soils, microclimate, and elevation. The 2021 vintage displays remarkable intensity with abundant fruit aromas. The mouthfeel is concentrated and elegant, with round, vibrant tannins that carry into a commanding finish. With ultra-high phenolic levels, the DAOU Estate Soul of a Lion is an incredible wine that rivals the best Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa and beyond.

DESOLAS MEZCAL

Desolas Mezcal is an artisanally crafted spirit that is thoughtfully produced from 100% Salmiana Agave found in the state of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The Salmiana agave, also known as the “green giant,” is cooked in above-ground ovens resulting in a mezcal with a fresh botanical aroma and gentle smoke. Its grassy, earthy and agave-forward character are a product of the arid and chalking soil of San Luis Potosi. The female-founded, award-winning mezcal brand can be found in New York, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Colorado and California and ships nationwide.

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2024

Texas Lifestyle

June 3, 2024

Circulation: 12,615 Magazine

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to find a gift that will make your dad grin from ear to ear! Our fun and fabulous gift guide has you covered with ideas that will knock his socks off.

2021 DAOU Estate Soul of a Lion Wine

DAOU Soul of a Lion is an homage to the founders George and Daniel Daou’s father and his legacy by providing a fullbodied wine that competes with the best. Exclusively sourced from DAOU Mountain in the premier Adelaida District of Paso Robles, the 2021 vintage is packed with intensity, fruity aromas and an elegant mouthfeel. Surprise him with this great bottle to enjoy on Father’s Day or when he wants to pull it out of the wine cellar. $150

16 California Wines for Father’s

Day

June 5, 2024

Circulation: 7,828 Online/Digital

Alison Bailin Batz

Father’s Day is having a “Sweet Sixteen” this year. Well, not exactly, but the holiday does fall on June 16. As such, here are 16 sensational California wines to help celebrate Dad on his special day.

2021 DAOU Estate Soul of a Lion

The name alone makes this one of the coolest wine gifts on the market. The story behind it, however, makes it even cooler. The full-bodied, bold wine is dedicated to the father of DAOU founders Georges and Daniel Daou. It is intense and strong but with a softer side and notes of fruit as it becomes better acquainted with the tastebuds. $150

May 8, 2024

Circulation: 12,615

Magazine/Digital

Wine Wednesday: Wining and Dining Mom on Her Day

Robin Barr Sussman

Spending time with Mom this Sunday, May 12? Surely there will be dining involved – maybe even dessert – and serving or gifting an elegant bottle of wine would be the icing on the cake. Uncork these fresh picks in all price ranges that marry superbly with spring fare. Cheers to all the marvelous moms this Mother’s Day!

If you want a special bottle for a special lady, look no further than DAOU in Paso Robles, CA. There is no expense spared crafting these wines. Honeysuckle, tropical fruit and creamy oak envelope the nose, and rich flavors of guava and quince surge the palate leaving a satiny finish. Worth the splurge!

DAOU Vineyards 2022 Estate Chardonnay

DAOU Vineyards Paso Robles portfolio. Courtesy photo.

Swinging for Opportunities

May 1, 2024 Circulation:

Online/Digital

Wine Partners Up with Baseball, Basketball Teams and Sports Associations to Reach New Consumers

Katherine Martine

PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY, baseball and Cracker Jacks, Valentine's Day and chocolate-some things just inherently go together. For a game, beer has been the de facto choice, but it is becoming more common to see a glass of wine in a stadium. With the recent creation of several winery/wine region partnerships with teams and/or stadiums, some producers and wine professionals are looking to the sports world to make wine less serious and more approachable-and bring in new consumers.

"I think, in general, if the wine producers do not get serious about how they're going to speak to a new demographic, then wine could be in trouble, and so we don't market to demographics: we market to a mindset," Neb Lukic, president of Paso Robles-based DAOU Family Estates, explained.

What is the mindset they market to? Finding more bang for the buck. According to Lukic, if you decide to spend a few dollars, you want quality, a friendly relationship with the brand, an experience behind it, or access. "We provide all of that," he said, adding that a game is the perfect place to equate wine with a shared experience.

Lukic believes there is a huge opportunity to reach younger consumers who typically grab RTDs when they attend a sporting event. Even though the stereotype for these fans is to have a beer in one hand and a hot dog in another, Lukic said they'd be willing to drink another beverage-so long as it meets their needs by being not as serious and easily accessible in the way it's served.

DAOU is showing its more playful side and targeting an oft forgotten group of drinkers through a new partnership with the Milwaukee Bucks, the basketball team that plays at Fiserv Forum in Wisconsin.

DAOU started talking with the team about working together in 2022, and in early 2023, the two entities executed a partnership. "Our goal was simply to bring the magic of DAOU Mountain to life," Lukic stated.

The partnership resulted in the creation of a DAOU Lounge, a private space located on the main concourse that groups can rent for a concert or for professional basketball or collegiate games. In addition to the lounge, DAOU wines are available for purchase by the glass across most of the concession stands throughout the arena, from a cart on the suite level, and in the arena's Potawatomi Club. Varieties served include Rose, Cabernet and Chardonnay, each for $15 a glass.

DAOU's partnership with the Milwaukee Bucks includes the creation of the DAOU Lounge, a private space that groups can rent for a concert or for professional basketball or collegiate games.

DAOU FAMILY ESTATES

Lukic recalled the first time he went to DAOU Mountain. He was driving down the road and felt inspired, like he was on top of the world. "This is the heartbeat of our brand, and we see incredible engagement when people come to visit us," he observed. DAOU wanted to bring that feeling to life remotely, to surprise and delight the consumer and engage them in a way they're not used to.

DAOU wines, including a Rose, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon (pictured here), are available for purchase by the glass at the arena.

DAOU FAMILY ESTATES

From the Milwaukee Bucks' standpoint, they were looking for ways to elevate the experience for their consumers. "It was perfectly aligned from day one," Lukic said of the partnership goals.

While this was DAOU's first formal partnership with a sports team, the brand has engaged in different activities and pop-up events in the athletic world, which led them to growing a comfortable understanding of what they wanted to achieve.

"If you look at the business of wine and business, in general, there's always a transaction at some point. . . so how you go about it is a great question here. You can choose to be transactional, or you can choose to be relational, and this is who we choose to be. We think that wine can be a little too serious at times, so we are really trying to tell the consumer this is who we are as a brand," he remarked.

And as a brand, DAOU is capable of being fun and perhaps just as competitive and dedicated as any Bucks fan.

"The Wisconsin market has been the fastest growing market for us the past two years. It's not the biggest, but it's the faste st growing. Moreover, it's a super passionate, loyal consumer," he said of the market. "We really appreciate that."

At the end of the day, Lukic explained that the brand has always wanted to connect with the consumer and create meaningful experiences that go "way beyond sales and resonate with the consumer long term. . . Those were our goals, and I think we've done that well," he said.

With this partnership they now have a slew of requests for other opportunities across the United States coming in. "I think people heard about it, they've seen it, they enjoyed it, and I think that when they go there [to a Bucks game at Fiserv Forum], they see that the experience is completely different than what you are used to when you go to a venue like this. You sort of expect a beer in a plastic cup, and you expect a spirit and a hot dog or whatnot, and so we wanted to elevate this experience and make wine approachable."

Not surprisingly, DAOU isn't the only winery that's been making connections with sports. In 2018, Francis Ford Coppola Winery became the official wine partner of the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), inking a three-year deal with the Major League Soccer team.

The multi-platform partnership included pre-game tailgating events in LAFC's Fan Zone featuring a Francis Ford Coppola Winery bar, and fans were also able to participate in a soccer-themed photo opp.

In November 2019, the Golden State Warriors-in conjunction with the Chase Center, Bon Appetit Management Company and Levy, a Chicago-based restaurant and hospitality group-unveiled details for the Center's wine program. Wine partners for the program include Silver Oak and Twomey Wines and Moet & Chandon, the Official Champagne of the Golden State Warriors and Chase Center. To feature even more local winemakers, the Warriors and the Chase Center announced a Taste Makers program with the following vintners: Gratta Wines, a women-owned winery; P. Harrell Wines, made from grapes grown in Dry Creek Valley; and Sans Wine Co, canned wine sourced from organically grown grapes from Napa, Mendocino and Lake counties.

And in November 2023, Barefoot, the official wine sponsor/partner of the National Football League, teamed up with Donna Kelce-mother of Kansas City Chiefs' tight end Travis Kelce and Philadelphia Eagles' center Jason Kelce-to help fans learn about and enjoy both wine and football. For this special offer one contest winner was given the chance to attend the Philadelphia versus Kansas City Super Bowl LVII rematch on Nov. 20, 2023 with Donna Kelce and Barefoot winemaker, Jen Wall. In June 2022, GALLO, Barefoot's parent company, entered a multi-year, multi-brand partnership with the NFL that has resulted in numerous activations, celebrity commercials and programming. On April 4, 2024, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Kendall-Jackson Winery announced a big multiyear partnership making Kendall-Jackson the official wine of the NBA and USA basketball and La Crema the offiicial wine of the Women's National Basketball Association.

Showcasing Wine Regions in the Stadium and on the Field

Not only are wineries and brands establishing relationships with sports and stadiums, but associations, like the Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), and wine professionals, including Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein, are as well, all in the name of exposing new audiences to the magic of wine.

DAOU FAMILY ESTATES

Looking ahead, Goldstein wants to look at incorporating not only younger audiences but different audiences.

"If you look at it from a socioeconomic demographic, I want to do events out in the 415s; I want to do events out in the bleachers. I want to do events that touch people who are not necessarily even going to the games," he said, adding, "We want to have the Giants' wine presence available to people outside the ballpark and going for people who could be younger, maybe older, but are perhaps led by being sports fans first and wine and beverage fans second-and take the opportunity to speak to them. Not that we're going to win over everybody, but you are going to win some."

Neb Lukic, president of DAOU & Maeve Pesquera, SVP of DAOU, celebrate DAOU's first-ever NBA partnership with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Evan Goldstein, the San Francisco Giants' master sommelier, interacts with fans during the Sluggers and Sommeliers event at FanFest 2023.

Goldstein's partnership with the San Francisco Giants, as the organization's sommelier (he's the very first master sommelier in professional sports), was announced by the team in a press release in September 2022, though his involvement with the team goes back years to the days of Candlestick Park.

Goldstein and the Giants' then-SVP of marketing, who was also a wine fan, were chatting about whether there was a way to bring wine to the forefront of the Giants since the team was the first baseball team to ever offer wine in a ballpark. (Instadium wine service was first introduced on Opening Day at Candlestick Park in 1977, according to the 2022 press release.) In those early days they did events for sponsors, team leadership and consumer events at the old ballpark called "Wine Tasting by the Bay."

Fast forward to 2022 and, as the team's master sommelier, Goldstein became involved in FanFest and other programs across different audiences. FanFest, held every February at Oracle Park, gives fans the opportunity to tour the dugout, check out the clubhouse and even meet some of the players and announcers. For the February 2023 FanFest, the Sonoma County Winegrowers was able to serve as the wine sponsor. For the "Sluggers and Sommeliers" event, fans were given a glass of wine by a winemaker. Brands featured at the event included Rodney Strong Vineyards, Rombauer and Kenwood Vineyards. Steve Sangiacomo of Sangiacomo Vineyards, Taylor Serres of Serres Ranch Wine, Mark Orsi of Orsi Family Vineyards and Joe Dutton of Dutton Estates also came to the event to showcase their offerings.

"No organization has incorporated it (wine) holistically the way the Giants have," Goldstein said.

Not only does he consult with the team's concessionaire to help with selection decisions, but the partnership holds several promotional events, such as fan appreciation days, tastings in Sonoma County and even events for players.

"We're looking at it at a much broader level than simply what wines are served at the ballpark," he explained.

It's a more holistic approach towards what wine means for Giants' fans, players and the organization. He added that they are "not looking at it exclusively as the domain of the rich. . . the people who pretty much live on the VIP suites level." He po inted out that this is part of the challenge that wine has.

"In this day and age where we're fighting for share of mouth with everything, from kombucha to RTDs in a can to whatever, wine needs to do its best job to put its best self in front of as many people as possible and, ideally, people who are not the traditional wine drinkers," Goldstein observed. "You don't want to be guilty of talking to the same people over and over again, which is one of our biggest problems."

Making Meaningful Market Connections in Texas

In November 2023, Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) announced a partnership with the Houston Rockets' basketball team that Karissa Kruse- SCW's CEO and President-said was inspired by their work with the Giants.

Through this new partnership, Sonoma County and its wines will be featured in the Toyota Center's exclusive lounges, restaurants and other locations during Rockets' games and other events throughout the year. These events will include Sonoma County wine tastings, winemaker dinners, regional and varietal highlights and local retail highlights. Kruse added they're also going to pour Sonoma County wines at related Toyota Center corporate events.

Their first winemaker dinner was Feb. 2, 2024. Each dinner features three different wine brands

Sonoma County Winegrowers was able to develop this work with the Rockets through its decade-plus partnership with Landry's Hospitality Company. The CEO of Landry's, Tilman Fertitta, happens to be the owner of the Rockets, so Kruse was able to have a conversation about the opportunity to connect with and talk to fans.

Like Goldstein, Kruse believes the field is such an ideal place to connect because she sees wine as part of a social experience, spending time with family and friends and sharing these special moments.

"The one common thing we have heard from the sports partners is that they are looking for opportunities to elevate their food and beverage experience, and wine can play a unique and important role in supporting that effort. It really is a win-win," Kruse noted.

The association is now in conversation with three other major league sports teams. "I think it has been something we are really excited about," she said.

Kruse thinks that from a retail perspective, there's a lot of value when it comes to going in as a region; the association is able to not just provide one brand or varietal but showcase the diversity of Sonoma County by bringing a selection of wines at varying price points to meet the needs of concessions and corporate suites.

Kruse said that with challenges in tourism and bringing people to the tasting rooms, these kinds of collaborations are good opportunities to meet people where they are, instead of relying on them to come to the region. She emphasized that if you look at the long-term viability of a wine brand or a region, it all comes down to building loyalty.

According to Kruse, going to a place where there are a lot of emotional connections is a nice place for wine to live.

She added that having wine at a game creates a low-risk opportunity for the consumer. They don't have to worry about getting an entire bottle and wonder whether they'll even like it once they open it. They can try something new with just one glass or sample different varieties. After that, Kruse said maybe they'll be open to trying more wine or home in on a certain producer or region, or maybe they'll simply realize they actually like wine.

sales & marketing

Swinging for Opportunities

Wine Partners Up with Baseball, Basketball Teams and Sports Associations to Reach New Consumers

Katherine Martine

Meet the Author: Katherine Martine is the assistant editor for WineBusiness Monthly. She joined the company in 2023 and is responsible for assisting the managing editor with production duties for the monthly trade magazine and website. Katherine has five years’ experience working for various weekly news publications in Sonoma and Marin counties, covering city government, education, natural disasters, local business, public safety, and agriculture and wine. Most recently she worked as a beat reporter with The Ark newspaper in Tiburon. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in journalism from San Francisco State University. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking Petaluma trails and reading.

, baseball and Cracker Jacks, Valentine’s Day and chocolate—some things just inherently go together. For a game, beer has been the de facto choice, but it is becoming more common to see a glass of wine in a stadium. With the recent creation of several winery/wine region partnerships with teams and/or stadiums, some producers and wine professionals are looking to the sports world to make wine less serious and more approachable—and bring in new consumers.

“I think, in general, if the wine producers do not get serious about how they’re going to speak to a new demographic, then wine could be in trouble, and so we don’t market to demographics: we market to a mindset,” Neb Lukic, president of Paso Robles-based DAOU Family Estates, explained.

What is the mindset they market to? Finding more bang for the buck. According to Lukic, if you decide to spend a few dollars, you want quality, a friendly relationship with the brand, an experience behind it, or access. “We provide all of that,” he said, adding that a game is the perfect place to equate wine with a shared experience.

Lukic believes there is a huge opportunity to reach younger consumers who typically grab RTDs when they attend a sporting event. Even though the stereotype for these fans is to have a beer in one hand and a hot dog in another, Lukic said they’d be willing to drink another beverage—so long as it meets their needs by being not as serious and easily accessible in the way it’s served.

DAOU is showing its more playful side and targeting an oft forgotten group of drinkers through a new partnership with the Milwaukee Bucks, the basketball team that plays at Fiserv Forum in Wisconsin.

DAOU started talking with the team about working together in 2022, and in early 2023, the two entities executed a partnership. “Our goal was simply to bring the magic of DAOU Mountain to life,” Lukic stated.

The partnership resulted in the creation of a DAOU Lounge, a private space located on the main concourse that groups can rent for a concert or for professional basketball or collegiate games. In addition to the lounge, DAOU wines are available for purchase by the glass across most of the concession stands throughout the arena, from a cart on the suite level, and in the arena’s Potawatomi Club. Varieties served include Rosé, Cabernet and Chardonnay, each for $15 a glass.

Lukic recalled the first time he went to DAOU Mountain. He was driving down the road and felt inspired, like he was on top of the world. “This is the heartbeat of our brand, and we see incredible engagement when people come to visit us,” he observed. DAOU wanted to bring that feeling to life

DAOU’s partnership with the Milwaukee Bucks includes the creation of the DAOU Lounge, a private space that groups can rent for a concert or for professional basketball or collegiate games.

Websites, shopping carts, and wine clubs. Point-of-sale, payments, and fulﬁllment. Only WineDirect helps you streamline operations, a ract more repeat customers, improve shipping eﬃ ciencies, and, ultimately, sell more wine. Aren’t you ready to have it all?

Discover all WineDirect can do for your winery at winedirect.com

remotely, to surprise and delight the consumer and engage them in a way they’re not used to.

From the Milwaukee Bucks’ standpoint, they were looking for ways to elevate the experience for their consumers. “It was perfectly aligned from day one,” Lukic said of the partnership goals.

While this was DAOU’s first formal partnership with a sports team, the brand has engaged in different activities and pop-up events in the athletic world, which led them to growing a comfortable understanding of what they wanted to achieve.

“If you look at the business of wine and business, in general, there’s always a transaction at some point. . . so how you go about it is a great question here. You can choose to be transactional, or you can choose to be relational, and this is who we choose to be. We think that wine can be a little too serious at times, so we are really trying to tell the consumer this is who we are as a brand,” he remarked.

And as a brand, DAOU is capable of being fun and perhaps just as competitive and dedicated as any Bucks fan.

“The Wisconsin market has been the fastest growing market for us the past two years. It’s not the biggest, but it’s the fastest growing. Moreover, it’s a super passionate, loyal consumer,” he said of the market. “We really appreciate that.”

At the end of the day, Lukic explained that the brand has always wanted to connect with the consumer and create meaningful experiences that go “way beyond sales and resonate with the consumer long term. . . Those were our goals, and I think we’ve done that well,” he said.

With this partnership they now have a slew of requests for other opportunities across the United States coming in. “I think people heard about it, they’ve seen it, they enjoyed it, and I think that when they go there [to a Bucks game at Fiserv Forum], they see that the experience is completely different than what you are used to when you go to a venue like this. You sort of expect a beer in a plastic cup, and you expect a spirit and a hot dog or whatnot, and so we wanted to elevate this experience and make wine approachable.”

Not surprisingly, DAOU isn’t the only winery that’s been making connections with sports. In 2018, Francis Ford Coppola Winery became the official wine partner of the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), inking a three-year deal with the Major League Soccer team.

The multi-platform partnership included pre-game tailgating events in LAFC’s Fan Zone featuring a Francis Ford Coppola Winery bar, and fans were also able to participate in a soccer-themed photo opp.

In November 2019, the Golden State Warriors—in conjunction with the Chase Center, Bon Appétit Management Company and Levy, a Chicago-based restaurant and hospitality group—unveiled details for the Center’s wine program. Wine partners for the program include Silver Oak and Twomey Wines and Moët & Chandon, the Official Champagne of the Golden State Warriors and Chase Center. To feature even more local winemakers, the Warriors and the Chase Center announced a Taste Makers program with the following vintners: Gratta Wines, a women-owned winery; P. Harrell Wines, made from grapes grown in Dry Creek Valley; and Sans Wine Co, canned wine sourced from organically grown grapes from Napa, Mendocino and Lake counties.

And in November 2023, Barefoot, the official wine sponsor/partner of the National Football League, teamed up with Donna Kelce—mother of Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce and Philadelphia Eagles’ center Jason Kelce—to help fans learn about and enjoy both wine and football. For this special offer one contest winner was given the chance to attend the Philadelphia versus Kansas City Super Bowl LVII rematch on Nov. 20, 2023 with Donna Kelce and Barefoot winemaker, Jen Wall. In June 2022, GALLO, Barefoot’s parent company, entered a multi-year, multi-brand partnership with the NFL that has resulted in numerous activations, celebrity commercials and programming. On April 4, 2024, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Kendall-Jackson Winery announced a big multiyear partnership making Kendall-Jackson the official wine of the NBA and USA basketball and La Crema the offiicial wine of the Women’s National Basketball Association.

Showcasing Wine Regions in the Stadium and on the Field

Neb Lukic, president of DAOU & Maeve Pesquera, SVP of DAOU, celebrate DAOU’s first-ever NBA partnership with the Milwaukee Bucks.

DAOU wines, including a Rosé, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon (pictured here), are available for purchase by the glass at the arena.

Goldstein’s partnership with the San Francisco Giants, as the organization’s sommelier (he’s the very first master sommelier in professional sports), was announced by the team in a press release in September 2022, though his involvement with the team goes back years to the days of Candlestick Park.

Goldstein and the Giants’ then-SVP of marketing, who was also a wine fan, were chatting about whether there was a way to bring wine to the forefront of the Giants since the team was the first baseball team to ever offer wine in a ballpark. (In-stadium wine service was first introduced on Opening Day at Candlestick Park in 1977, according to the 2022 press release.) In those early days they did events for sponsors, team leadership and consumer events at the old ballpark called “Wine Tasting by the Bay.”

Fast forward to 2022 and, as the team’s master sommelier, Goldstein became involved in FanFest and other programs across different audiences. FanFest, held every February at Oracle Park, gives fans the opportunity to tour the dugout, check out the clubhouse and even meet some of the players and announcers.

For the February 2023 FanFest, the Sonoma County Winegrowers was able to serve as the wine sponsor. For the “Sluggers and Sommeliers” event, fans were given a glass of wine by a winemaker. Brands featured at the event included Rodney Strong Vineyards, Rombauer and Kenwood Vineyards. Steve Sangiacomo of Sangiacomo Vineyards, Taylor Serres of Serres Ranch Wine, Mark Orsi of Orsi Family Vineyards and Joe Dutton of Dutton Estates also came to the event to showcase their offerings.

“No organization has incorporated it (wine) holistically the way the Giants have,” Goldstein said.

Not only does he consult with the team’s concessionaire to help with selection decisions, but the partnership holds several promotional events, such as fan appreciation days, tastings in Sonoma County and even events for players.

“We’re looking at it at a much broader level than simply what wines are served at the ballpark,” he explained.

It’s a more holistic approach towards what wine means for Giants’ fans, players and the organization. He added that they are “not looking at it exclusively as the domain of the rich. . . the people who pretty much live on the VIP suites level.” He pointed out that this is part of the challenge that wine has.

“In this day and age where we’re fighting for share of mouth with everything, from kombucha to RTDs in a can to whatever, wine needs to do its best job to put its best self in front of as many people as possible and, ideally, people who are not the traditional wine drinkers,” Goldstein observed. “You don’t want to be guilty of talking to the same people over and over again, which is one of our biggest problems.”

Looking ahead, Goldstein wants to look at incorporating not only younger audiences but different audiences.

“If you look at it from a socioeconomic demographic, I want to do events out in the 415s; I want to do events out in the bleachers. I want to do events that touch people who are not necessarily even going to the games,” he said, adding, “We want to have the Giants’ wine presence available to people outside the ballpark and going for people who could be younger, maybe older, but are perhaps led by being sports fans first and wine and beverage fans second—and take the opportunity to speak to them. Not that we’re going to win over everybody, but you are going to win some.”

Making Meaningful Market Connections in Texas

In November 2023, Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) announced a partnership with the Houston Rockets’ basketball team that Karissa Kruse— SCW’s CEO and President—said was inspired by their work with the Giants.

Through this new partnership, Sonoma County and its wines will be featured in the Toyota Center’s exclusive lounges, restaurants and other locations during Rockets’ games and other events throughout the year. These events will include Sonoma County wine tastings, winemaker dinners, regional and varietal highlights and local retail highlights. Kruse added they’re also going to pour Sonoma County wines at related Toyota Center corporate events. Their first winemaker dinner was Feb. 2, 2024. Each dinner features three different wine brands

Sonoma County Winegrowers was able to develop this work with the Rockets through its decade-plus partnership with Landry’s Hospitality Company. The CEO of Landry’s, Tilman Fertitta, happens to be the owner of the Rockets, so Kruse was able to have a conversation about the opportunity to connect with and talk to fans.

“The one common thing we have heard from the sports partners is that they are looking for opportunities to elevate their food and beverage experience, and wine can play a unique and important role in supporting that effort. It really is a win-win,” Kruse noted.

The association is now in conversation with three other major league sports teams. “I think it has been something we are really excited about,” she said.

Kruse thinks that from a retail perspective, there’s a lot of value when it comes to going in as a region; the association is able to not just provide one brand or varietal but showcase the diversity of Sonoma County by bringing a selection of wines at varying price points to meet the needs of concessions and corporate suites.

According to Kruse, going to a place where there are a lot of emotional connections is a nice place for wine to live.

She added that having wine at a game creates a low-risk opportunity for the consumer. They don’t have to worry about getting an entire bottle and wonder whether they’ll even like it once they open it. They can try something new with just one glass or sample different varieties. After that, Kruse said maybe they’ll be open to trying more wine or home in on a certain producer or region, or maybe they’ll simply realize they actually like wine. WBM

Evan Goldstein, the San Francisco Giants’ master sommelier, interacts with fans during the Sluggers and Sommeliers event at FanFest 2023.

© S.F. GIANTS

May 1, 2024

Circulation: 629,028

Online/Digital

This California Spot Is One Of America's Most Underrated Wine Regions, Per

Samantha Brown

Lauren Goldblum

It's no surprise that Los Angeles and San Diego are some of the most frequented cities in California. These top destinations in the Golden State have garnered a strong reputation among travelers, but have you been to Paso Robles? Secluded in the countryside of California's central coast, it's a city full of small-town charm and a fresh wind that ruffles the leaves of its plentiful olive groves. If you've never heard of Paso Robles, allow us to introduce you to one of the most underrated California wine regions, wedged in the heart of the state a mere three-hour drive from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Recognizable by its manicured foothills and sprawling vineyards dappled with wineries, this small-town treasure is a worthy road trip destination. Just over 30 minutes from the coast, locals have the wealth of California's diverse central region at their fingertips.

It's no wonder Paso Robles is one of travel expert Samantha Brown's top recommendations for wine connoisseurs thirsty for a glass from one of California's finest wine countries. Brown isn't the only one to have given this pocket of luxury a shoutout, either. Paso Robles has been quick to make headlines in several distinguished media outlets, including The Telegraph and the San Luis Obispo Tribune, for its quality artisan breweries, wine trails, and fertile soil. USA Today also named Paso Robles as the top wine destination in the state of California, even surpassing world-class wine regions like Sonoma County and Napa Valley.

Paso Robles is a unique, hidden gem wine region

According to Samantha Brown, Paso Robles is home to 40 varieties of grapes, making it a strong contender with the grape vines found in California's northern Napa Valley region. Cabernet sauvignon, merlot, zinfandel, syrah, and chardonnay are among some of the most popular varieties cultivated in these hills. While Paso Robles may not be on the radar for many wine tasters, it's a budget-friendly wine destination, recognized as "a great alternative to the pricey Napa area," according to the San Luis Obispo Tribune. The region's unique terroir lies at the center of what makes the wine here such a distinguished delicacy. A warm, dry climate coupled with weathered granite, serpentine, and limestone soil compositions allow for a diverse abundance of grape varieties to flourish on this patch of central coastline. The grapes harvested in Paso Robles account for an impressive 35% of California's total wine production (per Wine Tourism).

These exquisite red and white masterpieces aren't limited to the nearly 250 tasting rooms draped across the rolling acreage. With an abundance of artisanal culinary workshops hosted by local vintners and farmstead owners, it's easy to dive into what makes the flavors of Paso Robles so unique. Brown recommends visiting AronHill Vineyards for an al fresco lunch experience on their sun-drenched patio. This family-owned vineyard grew from a small grape-sized operation to a winery with an impressive annual vintage. Guests can sample their signature Primitivo wine, a relative of the European grape, Zinfandel, at AronHill Bistro alongside seasonal tasting plates.

Wine and dine in Paso Robles

Capitalizing on superior chardonnay and pinot noir grapes, it's hard to beat Justin Winery in your search for stellar wine in Paso Robles. According to Samantha Brown, this winery has been cultivating world-class Bordeaux-style wines since they first opened their doors in 1981. Nestled on a 26-acre farmstead, this captivating estate supports an on-site luxury inn, a scenic bike ride, and their one Michelin-star restaurant, Justin. Tastings are also complimentary at this upscale winery for members of The Wine Society and up to three guests!

When it comes to sipping wine with a view, Daou Vineyards takes the crown. With a Tuscan-style estate perched atop the hills in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles, this family-owned and operated vineyard offers a premier viticulture experience. Every season, the vines are blessed with a plentiful harvest of cabernet and Bordeaux varieties, aged in 100% French oak barrels. Guests are invited to reserve a tasting time to sample a flight of their premium wines alongside rotating seasonal shared plates.

It's not just winemakers who will be enthralled by a visit to Paso Robles it's also an excellent city for food lovers to add to their bucket lists. Downtown Paso Robles boasts several local farm-to-table restaurants delivering home-grown, local, organic plates. Il Cortile Ristorante is one of Brown's favorites! This Italian bistro brings a bit of the Italian countryside to California with homemade pasta and freshly caught seafood paired with a curated wine list sourced from local purveyors.

April 19, 2024

April 12, 2024

28 of Our Favorite Rosé Wines to Try This Summer

Lauren Hubbard

April 12, 2024 Circulation: 24,170,825

Pull out the glasses and pop the corks, because the most wonderful time of the wine-sipping year is upon us: rosé season

While rosé is far from new, the acclaim its gained in the last decade have seen more and more spectacular bottles hitting the market on a regular basis, meaning it's never been easier to drink pink. With its lighter, more fruit-forward flavor profiles that make it ideal to serve chilled and a natural freshness that makes it easy to enjoy all day long, rosé is a no-brainer to enjoy while the temperatures rise. After all, the drink of the summer may come and go, but rosé is forever.

Since we know you're constantly on the hunt for the most delicious, all-day rosé for your summer, we've rounded up our favorite blushing bottles to add to your must-drink list in honor of the season. From France to California and everywhere in between, these are the best rosé wines to drink now.

DAOU Rose

Made from 95% grenache noir and 5% sauvignon blanc, this rosé fills the palate with notes of stonefruit and a hint of crisp, clean melon that begs to be sipped while taking in the summer breeze.

Tasting notes: Stonefruit, melon, white flowers

28 of Our Favorite Rosé Wines to Try This Summer

Lauren Hubbard

April 12, 2024

Pull out the glasses and pop the corks, because the most wonderful time of the wine-sipping year is upon us: rosé season

DAOU Rose

Made from 95% grenache noir and 5% sauvignon blanc, this rosé fills the palate with notes of stonefruit and a hint of crisp, clean melon that begs to be sipped while taking in the summer breeze.

Tasting notes: Stonefruit, melon, white flowers

April 8, 2024

Circulation: 3,800

Digital

Exploring Paso Robles: A Wine Lover’s Guide to California’s Central Coast

Regine Rousseau

In recognition of the upcoming anniversary of the May 24, 1976 Judgment of Paris wine competition I am dedicating my next two TV segments to Great American Wines. This historic event, held in celebration of the American Bicentennial in Paris, pitted French wines against California counterparts in a blind tasting showdown. California Cabernets went head-tohead with red Bordeaux, while French white Burgundy faced off against California Chardonnays. Despite the prevailing favor for French wines, the 1976 competition yielded two surprising victors from Napa, California: the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 S.L.V. Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay. This unexpected triumph marked the beginning of Napa Valley’s ascent to global prominence in the world of wine, ultimately paving the way for California to earn the respect of the Global wine community.

As we approach this significant milestone, I encourage you to taste California wines. While tasting wines can offer insights into a region, there’s a unique dimension that only visiting can provide, so follow that bottle and book a trip. I’ve compiled two travel guides, the first “Shall We Wine in Paso Robles Guide” is based on my recent experiences from three visits to the region in the past five years. The second focused on Napa will be shared in May!

Where is Paso Robles, California?

Paso is located along California’s Central Coast, nestled between the Santa Lucia Coastal Mountain Range. Although the ride from San Luis Obispo airport isn’t poetic, the views through wine country are a novel! Each visit has led me to landscapes that prompt tears.

Why Should Wine Lovers Visit Paso?

Recognized as the Best Wine Region in the 2023 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest, Paso Robles is a bucket list experience for wine enthusiasts for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, the region is positioned to produce high-quality wines due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Mediterranean climate (characterized by warm days and cool nights), topography, and diverse soils. Secondly, the wineries of the region produce 60 different wine varieties making this area a tasting playground for wine lovers. According to Paso Robles Wine Alliance, “Cabernet Sauvignon takes center stage, followed closely by Merlot, Syrah, but you can find other red varieties like Grenache and Mourvèdre.” With 11 distinctive American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) and over “200 wineries sourcing fruit from 40,000 acres of vineyards,” there is so much to explore. Third, visiting Paso Robles feels like visiting your favorite auntie. It’s a place where you feel welcomed, taken care of and comfortable.

DAOU Vineyards

Established in 2007 by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou, DAOU Vineyards has swiftly ascended to prominence as a premier estate for Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties in Paso Robles’ Adelaida District. The vineyards adhere to organic farming practices, and the DAOU Mountain vineyard holds SIP certification (Sustainability in Practice). The scenes from DAOU Mountain are unparalleled, offering awe-inspiring views. Moreover, DAOU excels in hospitality, offering diverse tasting experiences and tempting food pairings inspired by the family’s Lebanese background. Once you experience DAOU, leaving becomes a challenge in itself.

DRINK THIS: 2020 DAOU Estate Soul of a Lion $150

DRINK THIS: 2020 DAOU Vineyard Soul of a Lion $150. The Soul of a Lion Cabernet Sauvignon is decadent with flavors of cherry, dark chocolate, cinamon, and nutmeg

Daytime Chicago | Great American Wine Regions: Paso Robles, CA

Regine Rousseau

Wine and spirits expert Regine T. Rousseau is introducing us to some “Great American Wine Regions” beginning with Paso Robles, California telling us all about the best places to stay and taste. She joined us in studio with the details

Nonprofit celebrates 12 years, welcomes new board members

Regine Rousseau

Local nonprofit Must! Charities celebrates its 12th anniversary while welcoming two new members, Lori Bickel and Maeve Pesquera, to its executive board.

Since its establishment, Must! Charities has been dedicated to revolutionizing philanthropy in the northern region of San Luis Obispo County, emphasizing collective giving and strategic investment in the community.

The addition of Lori Bickel and Maeve Pesquera to the board of directors strengthens Must! Charities’ capacity to effect positive change, according to the nonprofit.

Maeve Pesquera, new to the board, brings extensive experience in philanthropy and business strategy, aiming to further Must! Charities’ vision and impact.

March 20, 2024

Total Circulation: 20,230,000 Digital

Exclusive: Impact Reveals Latest List Of “Hot Brand” Wines

Juan Banaag

Shanken’s Impact Newsletter has unveiled its latest class of “Hot Brands” from the wine category. This year the list features 19 top-performing labels from across the domestic and import segments. The entire contingent of domestic wine Hot Brands hails from California this year, including still, sparkling, and also non-alcoholic labels. The import list, meanwhile, features Italian sparklers as well as entries from New Zealand and Australia.

To qualify as an Impact Hot Brand, a contender must have shown double-digit growth in each year from 2020-2022, or be an established player with at least 15% growth in 2022, or else be a top 10 brand with at least 5% growth in 2022 and 15% growth since 2019. The minimum volume requirement for spirits and imported wines is 200,000 cases, while domestic wines and RTDs must meet a threshold of 250,000 cases.

On the domestic side, 15 wine labels earned Hot Brand accolades this year. Fifteen winners from last year’s list failed to meet Hot Brand criteria and fell from the ranks, although nearly all of those managed to remain in positive growth, even after many of them battled tough comps following the booming volume gains of the last few years. Domestic wine Hot Brands above 500,000 cases include Josh Cellars, Decoy by Duckhorn, Bread & Butter, Bota Box Minis, Daou, Bota Box Breeze, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chloe, and Seaglass.

• DAOU Mountain's terroir is unique in part due to its high phenolic output resulting cabernet sauvignon wines sturdy tannin structure and enhanced color stability.

• The wine's complexity and diverse pairing options make it a favorite among wine enthusiasts.

• A visit to DAOU Mountain offers an immersive experience with curated tastings, vineyard picnics, and stunning sunset views over the vineyards.

Paso Robles Is One Of My Favorite Destinations For Fine California Wines

Whenever I'm in search of fine California wines, Paso Robles is my go-to destination due to its rich agricultural history, diverse viticultural areas, and an array of varietals and vintages.

While each of California's principal wine regions has its own unique personality, I feel like Paso is special since it sits right there in Central California. It is a region that, until recently, has escaped the "big money" that has transformed Napa, Temecula, and parts of Sonoma, too. However, like Sonoma it still remains a place where many owners are still actively involved in the winery operations and you can sometimes meet them in the tasting rooms and learn some inside secrets about how they produce some of the world's best wines.

One thing that does make Paso special though is that while you have a flat(ish) open area to the west that gets extremely hot during the summers, you also have a more mountainous region to the east that keeps things cooler. In between there you have some amazing rolling hills that are among the most picturesque vineyards found anywhere in the state. This middle ground area is where DAOU is located, alongside some of our favorite Paso Robles vineyards, including Opolo and Adelaida Vineyards.

Two Brothers From Lebanon founded DAOU

While there is nothing wrong if you simply enjoy a bottle of "California Red Blend" found on your grocery store shelf, for me , wine is as much about the artistic expression of the winemaker as it is merely about tasting good. This is something that a lot of new wine drinkers don't understand when they wonder why I would buy a $50, $100, or more expensive bottle or spend thousands of dollars to travel to experience a fine wine in person.

California is and continues to be a cultural melting pot that draws the best people in the world to come here and contribute their talents. This rings true for DAOU as well.

Move Over Napa - DAOU Vineyards Is Home To My New Favorite Cabernet Sauvignon Wines

James Hill

I am always on the lookout for unique wines from different regions of the country. In fact, this is somewhat of an obsession for me to the point where I would often pass an opportunity to try something that the "wine snobs" rave about to try something more unique from a lesser-known wine region. While I have a deep appreciation for classics from the world's renowned wine regions like Napa and Bordeaux, there's something truly exciting about discovering new expressions of wine in less traditional locales.

One of my absolute favorite places to visit for California wines is Paso Robles and while it is hardly a secret for Calfiornia wine enthusiasts ... it is still off the radar for many folks back east who only think of Napa when it comes to fine California wines. Well ... guess what ... I have a new favorite source for the best California cabs ... DAOU Vineyards' Cabernet Sauvignon has stolen my heart!

Key Takeaways

• DAOU Vineyards, founded by the Daou brothers George and Daniel, is known for producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon wines.

• Their unique production methods and sustainable practices contribute to the rich flavor profiles of the wine.

Georges and Daniel Daou emigrated from Lebanon and later lived in France where their dream of one day owning a vineyard was born. After a successful career revolutionizing healthcare infrastructure and taking DAOU Systems public, the brothers sold the company, moved to Paso and started to pursue their dream.

Today, their Lebanese heritage, steeped in the family legacy, is interwoven with their unassailable passion for winemaking. This personal story, along with the unique mountain terroir, has come together to create some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in California ... and frankly, among the best in the world based on our taste of a few bottles that they sent us to provide a taste of what makes them special.

Unique Phenolic Output Makes Uniquely Excellent Wines

DAOU Mountain is located in the Adelaida District, one of Paso's 11 different sub-appelations and is located along the coastal Santa Lucia Mountains at 2,200 feet above sea level - the perfect spot for growing Bordeaux varietals.

In the world of winemaking, it's the distinctive phenolic output that sets DAOU Vineyards' Cabernet Sauvignon apart, creating some of the finest wines you'll ever taste. The magic lies in the unique terroir expression, driven by high phenolic content. This impacts not just the wine quality but also its aging potential. Here's why:

1. Phenolic Impact: Higher phenolic levels mean more tannins, boosting structure, mouthfeel, and color stability.

2. Aging Potential: These wines age gracefully, thanks to their sturdy tannin structure.

3. Terroir Expression: The high phenolic output lets the vineyard's unique characteristics shine through.

These outcomes result from DAOU's scientific advancements in phenolic management. It's a reflection of their dedication to excellence, crafting wines that truly stand out.

Soul of a Lion 10th Anniversary

The 2020 vintage of their flagship wine celebrates a decade since the debut of Soul of a Lion, DAOU's unparalleled masterpiece. It stands as a testament to the brothers' unwavering commitment to crafting the finest Cabernet Sauvignon from DAOU Mountain's unique terroir. This tale unfolds with two brothers, their cherished father, a legacy of brave pursuit of innovation and quality ... all wrapped up in a bottle ... Soul of a Lion.

2021 Reserve Seventeen Forty

Winemaker's Notes:

The 2020 vintage unveils a captivating blend of black cherry, mulberry, and Oregon blackberry scents, complemented by nuances of leather, cigar box, and dark chocolate. Accents of desert sage and crème de menthe enhance the opulent fruit profile. On the palate, it is smooth and lush, brimming with flavors of currant, cassis, black raspberry, and ripe cherry, alongside fig and baking spice hints, all grounded by earthy notes of dates and truffle. Mature, well-developed tannins contribute to a dense, velvety texture that's harmoniously balanced with limestone minerality and refined oak. The prolonged finish offers enduring flavors of blackberry, plum, and espresso, finished with a hint of white pepper. This wine is built to last, promising a graceful evolution over the years.

Varietals Composition:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: 81%

• Cabernet Franc: 13%

• Petit Verdot: 6%

Aging Process:

• 22 months in 100% new French oak barrels

Alcohol Content:

• 15.2%

Honors:

• 97 points from Wine Enthusiast

• 95 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

The 2021 DAOU Reserve Seventeen Forty, inspired by Saint-Émilion classics, leads with Cabernet Franc, balanced by Merlot. It boasts an opaque ruby-purple color, signaling depth. Its bouquet mingles violets, blueberry, dried sage, and bay leaf with earthy truffle, woodsmoke, and charcuterie nuances. The palate is greeted with a rich burst of black currant, chocolate, cigar box, and oak, supported by vivid tannins and acidity, culminating in a long, well-defined finish.

The 2021 vintage is the result of meticulous vineyard management by winemaker Daniel Daou, utilizing both DAOU Mountain and select Paso Robles AVAs. The year began with a dry winter, interrupted by a significant February storm, and a brief, beneficial July rain. Despite summer heat waves, cooler temperatures from mid-August through harvest ensured optimal ripening, leading to low yields of small, concentrated berries, indicative of potent, longlasting wines.

Conclusion

The Lebanese brothers behind this hidden gem have crafted some of California's most intriguing Cabernet Sauvignon. With as quickly as Paso Robles continues to gain notoriety, now is the time to visit the area for a wine-tasting tour. On the other hand, you can also find DAOU wines online through their wine shop, which is distributed nationally. This is absolutely a fabulous example of a wine that brings everything to that table that we love about California and I know you'll love it as much as we have.

X Post promoted dedicated DAOU article "Move Over

Napa: DAOU Vineyards

Review: 2021 Daou Seventeen Forty Reserve Paso Robles

Christopher Null

March 9, 2024

Circulation: 84,661

Digital

This wine from Daou — now seemingly everywhere — is a blend of 64% cabernet franc, 36% merlot. That’s quite an unusual composition, and I would have guessed this was a lighter style cabernet sauvignon based on its presentation of gentler tones of cherry, blackberry, and blueberry notes. The lattermost of these is particularly enduring, tempered with notes of vanilla and layers of gingerbread. Quite food-friendly, with a slight balsamic element on the finish that brightens up the proceedings with some acidity.

IG Post from promoting review of DAOU Reserve Seventeen Forty

Where to Find California’s Most Underrated Vineyards

Britney Eschelman

March 6, 2024

Want to explore California’s wine country but are not interested in the buzziness (and expense) of Napa Valley? Consider traveling to these overlooked viticultural gems across the Golden State.

Paso Robles

Between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Paso Robles provides an agricultural haven with sweeping views of rolling vineyards and the Pacific Ocean coastline. Indulge in the luxury of sipping Rhône grape varieties at Booker Vineyard and Winery’s posh tasting rooms, or ensure your reservation far in advance to savor the flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon at DAOU Vineyards, arguably the most renowned estate in the region.

Bella Hadid Always Looks Good as Gold When She Wears Missoma’s Eco-Friendly Jewelry (Exclusive)

Miranda Siwak

Credit: daouvineyards.com

Daou

Wine down! Doja Cat enjoys the fretting 2022 Reserving Rosé, made with decadent Grenache fruit and boasting floral and vanilla notes. ($40, daouvineyards.com)

HEALING THE HUDSON FAMILY RIFT

of the Kelce Brothers — From Their Mom!

Forgiving Dad

After years of estrangement, Kate and Oliver Hudson are warming up to their dad, Bill. Us has exclusive details on the family’s turbulent history and how they came back together

THE

BUZZZ Z-O-METER

What Hollywood is buzzing about this week

DAOU

Wine down! Doja Cat enjoys the refreshing 2022 Reserve Rosé, made with decadent Grenache fruit and boasting floral and vanilla notes. ($40, daouvineyards.com)

SERIOUS SKINCARE

US )

The brand teamed up with plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Pinsky on the Trace + Erase Concentrated Wrinkle Serum. This treatment delivers cross-linked hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed collagen to the skin for a temporary smooth, plump and revitalized appearance. (qvc.com

MISSOMA

As good as gold: Bella Hadid is a big fan of the jewelry line behind the eco-friendly Hera Oversized Dome Ridge Stud Earrings. ($195, us.missoma.com)

CHAPPELL ROAN

The rising star — who opened for Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts World Tour — recently released her latest single, “Good Luck, Babe!” which has quickly become a must-listen. (instagram.com/ chappellroan)

TAKEYA

Kylie Jenner keeps hydrated with the revolutionary leakproof Actives Water Bottle with Straw Lid that stays sweatfree and keeps drinks ice cold. ($33, takeyausa.com)

April 29, 2024

Circulation: 104,561

Digital

THE FASHION LOS ANGELES AWARDS MOST HEARTWARMING MOMENTS

The FLAs were presented by LAGOS, Moroccanoil, Cinq à Sept, DAOU Vineyards, FIJI Water, Anastasia Beverly Hills and Casamigos. Aaron Royce

Brett Alan Nelson, Doja Cat, Law Roach, Bob Mackie, Fashion Los Angeles Awards, speeches, red carpetBrett Alan Nelson and Doja Cat, Law Roach and Bob Mackie (Caroline Fiss)

Also featured in:

April 29, 2024

Circulation: 29,446,237

Digital/Magazine

Doja Cat, Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar and More: Inside the Fashion Los Angeles Awards (PHOTOS)

Marc Malkin

Amelia Gray may have been named model of the year at The Daily Front Row’s eighth annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards on Sunday, but she’s certainly thinking beyond the catwalk.

Gray tells me she’ll probably try following in the acting footsteps of her parents, Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin… eventually

“It is in my blood, but I have a lot more boxes to check,” she said on the red carpet. “I’m a firm believer in, focus on one thing, finish that and then start the next book once you finish the first one. We’re not even halfway done finishing the first book. We’ve got a lot more to do.”

The evening, which was hosted by comedian Celeste Barber at the Beverly Hills Hotel, also honored Adir Abergel (Hair Stylist of the Year), Anastasia Soare (Beauty Innovator of the Year), Brett Alan Nelson (Music Stylist of the Year), Bob Mackie (Lifetime Achievement Award), Elsa Hosk (Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year), Erin Walsh (Style Curator of the Year), Jerry Lorenzo of Fear of God (Designer of the Year), Maer Roshan (Editor of the Year) and Rachel Goodwin (Makeup Artist of the Year).

Presenters included Doja Cat, Ryan Murphy, Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kris Jenner, Law Roach and Rachel Zoe. The event was sponsored by LAGOS, Moroccanoil, Cinq à Sept, DAOU Vineyards, FIJI Water, Anastasia Beverly Hills and Casamigos.

Check out photos from the Fashion Los Angeles Awards below.

Photo : Gilbert Flores for Variety

Doja Cat

Doja Cat at the 8th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards.

Photo : Gilbert Flores for Variety

Elsa Hosk

Elsa Hosk at the 8th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards.

April 29, 2024

Circulation: 17,866,324

Doja Cat Carries a Suitcase and Holds Glass of Red Wine on Daily Front Row Awards Red Carpet

Robyn Merrett

Doja Cat made a case for unconventional red carpet accessories at the Daily Front Row’s 8th annual Fashion Awards in Los Angeles.

Doja, 28, graced the Sunday, April 28, carpet carrying a suitcase and a glass of DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. She sipped on the beverage while holding the luggage that appeared old and beat up with items of clothing spilling out.

Michael Kovac/Getty Images for DAOU Vineyards

Hot Pics

StyleIcon

Doja Cat attended the DAOU Vineyards at the Daily Front Row Fashion Los Angeles Awards 2024 in Los Angeles, California, on Sunday, April 28.

April 30, 2024

Circulation: 17,866,324 Digital

Credit: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for DAOU Vineyards

April 27, 2024

Circulation: 2,758,967

Doja Cat celebrates music stylist of the year Brett Alan Nelson with DAOU Vineyards at The Daily Front Row’s 8th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards.

Doja Cat: See Photos Of The ‘Kiss Me More’ Singer & Rapper

Elissa Anderson

Doja Cat At The Daily Front Row’s 8th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards

Michael Kovack, Getty Images for DAOU Vineyards

April 29, 2024

Circulation: 24,170,825

Doja Cat Carries a Suitcase and Holds Glass of Red Wine on Daily Front Row Awards Red Carpet

Robyn Merrett

Angeles.

Doja Cat made a case for unconventional red carpet accessories at the Daily Front Row’s 8th annual Fashion Awards in Los

Doja, 28, graced the Sunday, April 28, carpet carrying a suitcase and a glass of red wine. She sipped on the beverage while holding the luggage that appeared old and beat up with items of clothing spilling out.

Michael Kovac/Getty Images for DAOU Vineyards

April 22, 2024

Circulation: 104,561

Digital/Magazine

THE DAILY’S FASHION LA AWARDS TO TAKE PLACE THIS WEEKEND: WHO IS BEING HONORED THIS YEAR?

The Daily Front Row

The Daily Front Row announced today that our Eighth Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards (the FLAs) will take place on Sunday, April 28 in Beverly Hills. This year’s event will honor Jerry Lorenzo of Fear of God (Designer of the Year), Erin Walsh (Style Curator of the Year), Anastasia Soare (Beauty Innovator of the Year), Amelia Gray (Model of the Year), Elsa Hosk (Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year), Brett Alan Nelson (Music Stylist of the Year), Adir Abergel (Hair Stylist of the Year), Rachel Goodwin (Makeup Artist of the Year), and Maer Roshan (Editor of the Year). Presenters will include Doja Cat, Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Murphy, Rachel Zoe, Lisa Rinna, Dani Michelle, Katie Grand and more to be announced. The brilliant Celeste Barber will emcee the ceremony. At the 2023 FLAs, honorees and guests included Miley Cyrus, Kim Kardashian, Brie Larson, Chris Appleton, Elle Fanning, , Jeanne Yang, Kate and Laura Mulleavy, Keanu Reeves, Matt Bomer, Meghann Fahy, Sara Foster, Teyana Taylor, Warren Alfie Baker and more.

The event is presented by LAGOS, Moroccanoil, Cinq à Sept, DAOU Vineyards, FIJI Water, Anastasia Beverly Hills and Casamigos.

April 29, 2024

Circulation: 104,561

Digital

INSIDE THE DAILY’S STAR-STUDDED 8TH ANNUAL FASHION LOS ANGELES AWARDS

The FLAs were presented by Morroccanoil, LAGOS, Cinq à Sept, Casamigos, Fiji Water, DAOU Vineyards, and Anastasia Beverly Hills Aaron Royce

A night to remember! The Daily Front Row’s annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards (FLAs) returned to the West coast to celebrate the fashion industry’s nearest and dearest. This year, the brilliant Celeste Barber returned to the stage to host the awards, which honored the biggest names across style, beauty, modeling, and more.

After the carpet, guests mingled and chatted while cooling off with Casamigos watermelon margaritas as well as the brand’s collaborative drink with Mororcanoil, which could be ordered from pushing a special button on its interactive display. Glasses of wine were also passed throughout the evening, courtesy of DAOU Vineyards. And for those who simply needed a burst of hydration from the California sunshine, bottles of cold FIJI Water were on-hand naturally, complete with straws to prevent any lipstick smudging

April 29, 2024 Circulation: 104,561

INCREDIBLE MOMENTS FROM THE DAILY’S FASHION LOS ANGELES AWARDS

Heartwarming moments from Erin Walsh, Jerry Lorenzo, Brett Alan Nelson, and more gave 2024's festivities a deeper meaning.

Aaron Royce

In addition to meaningful words from true industry leader, guests also left the Beverly

which were packed with goodies from

Until next year, Los

Hills Hotel with chic gift bags,

Cinq á Sept, DAOU Vineyards, Moroccanoil, Anastasia Beverly Hills, FIJI Water, and Ellis Brooklyn.

Angeles!

April 30, 2024

Circulation: 104,561

Digital

WATCH! HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 8TH ANNUAL FASHION LOS ANGELES AWARDS

Doja! Jennifer Garner! Bob Mackie! Law Roach! Ryan Murphy! Eddie Roche

The Daily’s 8th annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards were held on Sunday at the iconic Beverly Hills and celebrated some of the most important names in fashion and beauty today. This year’s show was hosted by the hilarious Celeste Barber and the evening’s honorees were Adir Abergel (Hair Stylist of the Year), Amelia Gray (Model of the Year), Anastasia Soare (Beauty Innovator of the Year), Brett Alan Nelson (Music Stylist of the Year), Bob Mackie (Lifetime Achievement Award), Elsa Hosk (Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year), Erin Walsh (Style Curator of the Year), Jerry Lorenzo of Fear of God (Designer of the Year), Maer Roshan (Editor of the Year), and Rachel Goodwin (Makeup Artist of the Year). Presenters included Doja Cat, Jennifer Garner, Katie Grand, Kris Jenner, Law Roach, Lisa Rinna, Rachel Zoe, Ryan Murphy, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Carlos Nazario, and Dani Michelle.

Watch highlights from the show!

April 29, 2024 Circulation: 15,059,044 Digital

Amelia Hamlin’s Red Carpet Style

Alyssa Morin

Free the Nipple

Attended The Daily Front Row's 8th annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards presented by DAOU Vineyards, LAGOS and Moroccanoil.

April 29, 2024

Circulation: 15,059,044 Digital

Amelia Gray Hamlin Frees the Nipple in Her Most Modest Look to Date

Amelia Gray Hamlin wowed in a nipple-baring look to celebrate her Model of the Year Award at The Daily Front Row's Fashion Los Angeles Awards April 28.

Amelia Gray Hamlin served model behavior with her latest look.

The 22-year-old made heads turn at The Daily Front Row's 8th annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif. While attending the ceremony on April 28, presented by DAOU Vineyards, Amelia freed the nipple in a skintight baby blue gown from Alaia.

The Big Picture: Today's Hot Photos

Doja Cat & Jennifer Garner

The "Rules" rapper and Yes Day actress are ready to paint the town red at the Daily Front Row Fashion Awards, celebrated with DAOU Vineyards and Casamigos.

April 30, 2024

Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Daily Front Row

April 29, 2024

Circulation: 17,714

Press Release

DAOU Vineyards at Daily Front Row's 8th Annual Fashion LA Awards

Sunday evening in Beverly Hills, DAOU Vineyards is proud to sponsor the Daily Front Rows' eighth annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards (FLA), hosted by comedian Celeste Barber at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel. Amid this star-studded evening, DAOU elevated the evenings' ambiance with its award-winning wines, celebrating the visionaries who make the intersection of fashion and Hollywood the most stylish place to be. As the fashionable crowd arrived at the charming Crystal Gardens, platters greeted guests with DAOU Ros made in the classic Provençal style and crafted from the finest vineyards in Paso Robles, California. Inside the awards show, celebrities gathered at the exclusive DAOU wine bar to toast this year's talented winners, including Doja Cat, who sipped DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon on the red carpet and throughout the evening.

This year, FLA honored Bob Mackie (Lifetime Achievement), Jerry Lorenzo of Fear of God (Designer of the Year), Erin Walsh (Style Curator of the Year), Anastasia Soare (Beauty Innovator of the Year) , Amelia Gray (Model of the Year), Elsa Hosk (Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year), Brett Alan Nelson (Music Stylist of the Year), Adir Abergel (Hairstylist of the Year), Rachel Goodwin (Makeup Artist of the Year), 'year) and Maer Roshan (Editor of the Year). Presenters included Doja Cat, Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kris Jenner, Rachel Zoe, Lisa Rinna, Ryan Murphy and Dani Michelle. Céleste Barber hosted the ceremony.

Photo credit: Michael Kovack, Getty Images for DAOU Vineyards

April 29, 2024

HOT PICS! Janet Jackson performs sold out concert at Atlantis Paradise Island, Doja Cat, Jennifer Garner & more at LA Fashion Awards! Jaclyn Roth

Source: MICHAEL KOVACK, GETTY IMAGES FOR DAOU VINEYARDS

Lisa Rinna, Amelia Gray Hamlin and Delilah Belle Hamlin celebrated with DAOU Vineyards at The Daily Front Row’s 8th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards.

April 29, 2024 tion: 72,838,214 Digital

Lisa Rinna Says Daughter Amelia Gray Will Shut Down Her Fashion Choices: 'She Will Say, 'Mom, No'' (Exclusive) Rinna stepped out to support her daughter, who was honored as model of the year at the 8th Annual Daily Front Row Fashion LA Awards Rachel DeSantis and Catherine Santino

Gray and Lisa

Lisa Rinna says her daughter Amelia Gray is not afraid to call her out on her fashion choices. The duo stepped out for the 8th Annual Daily Front Row Fashion LA Awards in Los Angeles to support Gray, 22, who was honored as model of the year.

The proud parents also gushed about Gray’s achievement and work ethic at the event, which was sponsored in part by DAOU Vineyards.

Amelia

Rinna. PHOTO: GILBERT FLORES/VARIETY VIA GETTY

April 29, 2024

Circulation: 29,446,237

Digital/Magazine

Doja Cat, Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar and More: Inside the Fashion Los Angeles Awards (PHOTOS)

Marc Malkin

Amelia Gray may have been named model of the year at The Daily Front Row’s eighth annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards on Sunday, but she’s certainly thinking beyond the catwalk.

Gray tells me she’ll probably try following in the acting footsteps of her parents, Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin… eventually

Check out photos from the Fashion Los Angeles Awards below.

Photo : Gilbert Flores for Variety

Doja Cat Doja Cat at the 8th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards.

Photo : Gilbert Flores for Variety

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar at the 8th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards.

Photo : Gilbert Flores for Variety

Elsa Hosk

Elsa Hosk at the 8th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards.

Photo : Gilbert Flores for Variety

Rachel Zoe

Rachel Zoe at the 8th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards.

Photo : Gilbert Flores for Variety

Nolan Gerard Funk

Nolan Gerard Funk at the 8th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards.

Photo : Gilbert Flores for Variety

Amelia Gray

Amelia Gray at the 8th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards.

Photo : Getty Images for Daily Front Row

Kris Jenner

Kris Jenner attends the Daily Front Row’s Fashion Los Angeles Awards.

DAOU Vineyards at the Daily Front Row’s 8th Annual Fashion LA Awards

Press Release

Sunday night in Beverly Hills, DAOU Vineyards proudly sponsored The Daily Front Row’s Eighth Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards (the FLAs) hosted by comedian Celeste Barber at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel. Amidst the star-studded affair, DAOU elevated the evening’s ambiance with its award-winning wines, celebrating the visionaries who make the intersection between fashion and Hollywood the most stylish place to be. As the fashionable crowd arrived within the enchanting Crystal Gardens, tray passers greeted guests with DAOU Rosé made in the classic Provençale style and crafted from the best vineyards in Paso Robles, California. Inside the awards, celebs flocked to the exclusive DAOU Wine Bar to toast to this year’s talented honorees, including Doja Cat, who sipped DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon on the red carpet and throughout the evening.

This year’s FLAs honored Bob Mackie (Lifetime Achievement), Jerry Lorenzo of Fear of God (Designer of the Year), Erin Walsh (Style Curator of the Year), Anastasia Soare (Beauty Innovator of the Year), Amelia Gray (Model of the Year), Elsa Hosk (Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year), Brett Alan Nelson (Music Stylist of the Year), Adir Abergel (Hair Stylist of the Year), Rachel Goodwin (Makeup Artist of the Year), and Maer Roshan (Editor of the Year). Presenters included Doja Cat, Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kris Jenner, Rachel Zoe, Lisa Rinna, Ryan Murphy, and Dani Michelle. Celeste Barber hosted the ceremony.

Photo Credit: Michael Kovack, Getty Images for DAOU Vineyards

April 29, 2024

April 28, 2024

April 29, 2024

April 28, 2024

Doja Cat drinks glass of wine on Fashion Los Angeles Awards carpet

Celebrities stepped onto the carpet at the Eighth Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards Amy Becker

Doja Cat drinks glass of wine on Fashion Los Angeles Awards carpet

April 29, 2024

Doja Cat, Kris Jenner, Jennifer Garner and more walk the Eighth Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards red carpet.

Doja Cat, Kris Jenner, Jennifer Garner and more walk the Eighth Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards red carpet. LOS ANGELES The Eighth Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards, hosted by The Daily Front Row, honored some of the hottest names in the fashion industry over the weekend at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

The event strives to celebrate creatives in the intersection between fashion and Hollywood.

Never one to shy away from a bold red carpet look, rapper Doja Cat took to the carpet in a fur coat paired with a glass of red wine. She presented her stylist, Brett Alan Nelson, with the Music Stylist of the Year award.

Kris Jenner ("The Kardashians"), Jennifer Garner, Law Roach and more also presented, honoring iconic stylists and fashion moguls throughout the night.

Honorees included Adir Abergel (Hair Stylist of the Year), Amelia Gray (Model of the Year), Anastasia Soare (Beauty Innovator of the Year), Bob Mackie (Lifetime Achievement Award), Elsa Hosk (Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year), Erin Walsh (Style Curator of the Year), Jerry Lorenzo of Fear of God (Designer of the Year), Maer Roshan (Editor of the Year) and Rachel Goodwin (Makeup Artist of the Year).

May 1, 2024

Circulation: 46,810,789

Television

Lisa Rinna, Harry Hamlin gave model daughter this warning about life in the spotlight

Amelia Hamlin was honored with the model of the year award at The Daily Front Row Eighth Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards

Elizabeth Stanton, Larry Fink

Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin have been in the spotlight for decades, and they've shared some simple advice with their daughters as they navigate life and Hollywood.

"We have a few things in our house that we talk about. We talk about being nice to everybody, being kind to everyone no matter who they are, what position they have," Hamlin told Fox News Digital at The Daily Front Row Eighth Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards.

"We also have a saying, that, whatever anybody else thinks of you is none of your business. So, that keeps people from looking at the comments."

Rinna noted, "It’s easier said than done, but it helps."

Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin tell their daughters how important it is to be "kind to everyone no matter who they are, what position they have." (Michael Tran/AFP via Getty Images)

"Be kind to everyone, and don't complain," Hamlin added, and Rinna agreed.

Their daughter, Amelia Gray Hamlin, confirmed her parents’ advice as she prepared to receive the honor of model of the year at the event. She also shared the warning they gave her about the fickle nature of fame

Hamlin said he and Rinna try to steer Amelia Gray and her sister away from reading comments because "whatever anybody else thinks of you is none of your business." (Getty Images)

"I learned a lot about being present … but it always goes back to kindness," she told Fox News Digital. "You know, I have this thing my dad always says that sort of replays in my mind: ‘Make sure you’re nice to everyone on the way up, because you’ll be seeing them on the way down.’

WATCH: LISA RINNA AND HARRY HAMLIN REVEAL THE ADVICE THEY GAVE THEIR MODEL DAUGHTER

"And all these little things that they just really instilled in my mind about being a human being. … I think it’s as simple a s that. Don’t let ego get in the way, be yourself, be grateful, be kind and just love your life. You’ll never work a day in your life if you love what you do."

The advice has paid off, and her parents are "beyond" proud, as Rinna put it.

"Amelia, the way she carries herself, the way she has studied modeling, she’s been working on this for years, and she worked really hard. Her work ethic is a total inspiration to me," her father said.

"I’ve never worked that hard in my life." Rinna teased him with a laugh, saying, "Well, I have, you haven’t had to!"

The "Clash of the Titans" star said both Amelia and her sister, Delilah Belle "are inspirations to me."

Amelia felt a sense of well-earned pride, earning model of the year at The Daily Front Row Eighth Annual Fashion Los

Angeles Awards, saying the award "means so much, I actually can't even articulate those words yet."

"This was the first-ever event I attended in fashion when I was 15, about 8 years ago. So, to not only be honored with the award of model of the year, but to do it here as my first-ever award is pretty insane. Pinch-me, full-circle dreams really do come true, like oh my god. It means everything. … And to have my friends, my family, my mom and dad, everyone that I love here means everything. I’m really blessed," she said.

The 22-year-old also reiterated her mom and dad’s advice.

WATCH: LISA RINNA AND HARRY HAMLIN’S DAUGHTER SHARES WHAT SHE’S LEARNED FROM HER FAMOUS PARENTS

"Be kind. It's really important to be a kind person. I think that I’ve led with that, and it’s honestly what’s gotten me so far. Work hard, but more importantly, you can achieve anything you want as long as you just do it.

"Listen, I know that there’s a lot of opinions in that, but I really do think it’s true," she added, referencing the recent "nepo baby" conversation in the entertainment industry. "Apply yourself and anyone can kinda pretty much do anything. Sorry if you don’t agree. I do. I’m a firm believer you can have and do whatever you want, and I am the walking, the dang proof." A strong work ethic runs in the family, with parents Hamlin and Rinna both boasting long Hollywood careers. One of Rinna’s most famous credits, "Melrose Place," has a reported reboot in the works, something she finds understandable.

"You know, people love ‘Melrose Place.' … They love it and if it were to materialize and it were good, I think it’d be great, " she said.

"I’m never surprised about anything in this business to be honest with you. Never".

As for Hamlin, he’s enjoying the chef life with his AMC series "In the Kitchen with Harry Hamlin."

The 72-year-old joked about why he's doing the show, saying, "Don’t ask me why because I don’t know." But it’s clear it comes from his genuine love of food.

"I love to eat, and I like to eat what I like to eat and not what somebody else wants me to eat. That’s why I cook for myself and the kids," he explained.

April 29, 2024

Circulation: 16,844,886 Digital/Magazine

Jennifer Garner Makes Rare Red-Carpet Appearance in a Two-Tone Dress

The Rosie Assoulin design featured contrasting tones of icy blue and rich maroon Joel Calfee

As a mother of three, Hollywood veteran, philanthropist, fitness queen, and lovable, amateur chef, Jennifer Garner keeps pretty busy so, it’s understandable that the Yes Day star doesn’t hit as many red carpets. But when she does, she always knocks it out of the park

On Sunday night, Garner made a rare red-carpet appearance at The Daily Front Row’s eighth annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards. For the event, the actor chose a two-tone, off-the-shoulder dress from Rosie Assoulin’s Spring/Summer 2024 ready to wear collection.

The color-block design featured an icy-blue top half, which hugged Garner’s body like a tube top, except for one long strip of fabric that wrapped around her shoulders and connected in the front like an ouroboros of material. The skirt was composed of a contrasting burgundy fabric, which hung mostly like a pencil skirt except for a little draping effect at the top.

To match the skirt, Garner’s stylist, Jordan Johnson Chung, paired the piece with strappy sandal heels and a rectangular clasp clutch, both in a similar wine color. Finally, Garner accessorized with a chunky silver bracelet and round diamond drop earrings, courtesy of Briony Raymond.

Garner’s latest cool-meets-warm ensemble may bring back 13 Going on 30 memories after all, who could forget her iconic Versace dress from the film, which featured stripes of lime green and sky blue alongside bands of maroon and fuchsia? It turns out that just like Jenna Rink, Garner knows how to get playful with color.

April 29, 2024

Circulation: 4,875,857

Digital/Blog

Doja Cat Brings Glass of Wine & Suitcase to Daily Front Row Fashion Awards, Honors Stylist Brett Alan Nelson

Doja Cat wears lingerie and a fur coat while hitting the red carpet at the 2024 Daily Front Row’s Fashion Los Angeles Awards held at The Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunday (April 28) in Beverly Hills, Calif.

The 28-year-old rapper was on hand to help honor her stylist Brett Alan Nelson as Music Stylist of the Year, and he matched her energy by lugging a suitcase and a glass of wine on the carpet. Brett even added an eye mask to his look!

There were many other stars in attendance, including presenters Jennifer Garner, Kris Jenner, Law Roach, Rachel Zoe, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Lisa Rinna, who helped honor her daughter Amelia Gray as Model of the Year.

The annual awards show helps celebrate “the visionaries who make the intersection between fashion and Hollywood the most stylish place to be.”

Casamigos served three specialty cocktails curated just for the event: Spicy Watermelon Basil Margaritas, Ginger Mint Palomas and Casa Lavender cocktails.

Keep scrolling below to see all of the celebs in attendance at the Daily Front Row Fashion Los Angeles Awards…

Jennifer Garner

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Paige DeSorbo

Zane Phillips

Kara Del Toro

Nolan Gerard Funk

Emma Brooks

Chloe Lukasiak

Doja Cat Makes a Bold Statement in Skin-Baring Lingerie Look for Fashion Los Angeles Awards Red Carpet

The rapper presented her stylist Brett Alan Nelson with the music stylist of the year award at the ceremony Michelle Lee and Hedy Phillips

Doja Cat Is Doing Award Show Dressing Her Way

Hannah Jackson

April 29, 2024

Circulation: 12,373,514

Digital

MICHAEL TRAN/Getty Images

Doja Cat has never been one to play by the rules, and that more than applies to her fashion. Think back to the 2024 Grammys, when the artist bared her areolae and (temporarily) tattooed designer Dilara Findikoglu’s name on her forehead. Or the 2023 Met Gala when she offered a rather literal interpretation of Karl Lagerfeld’s cat, Choupette. All that to say, the only thing to expect from Doja Cat is the unexpected.

The Daily Front Row Awards last night proved no exception to Doja’s singular personal style. The rapper and singer eschewed awards show staples for an equally fabulous option. She wore a floor-dusting reclaimed fur coat from Markgong’s fall 2024 collection over a bra and panty set from GCDS. Still, while she didn’t wear a quotidian gown, her look styled by Brett Alan Nelson offered an offbeat touch of glamour.

Doja Cat’s accessories were just as wild as her fur coat and lingerie combo. She took styling cues from the Markgong runway in Shanghai and carried the brand’s overflowing brown leather trunk (in the grand tradition of the haphazard Miu Miu and Bottega Veneta bags). She also added a pair of pink satin pointy-toed mules from Jean Paul Gaultier couture by Simone Rocha, and finished off the look with a pair of oversized glasses and a few layered necklaces. The entire thing was reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw’s trek through the snow in a fur coat, pajamas, sequined hat, and heels save for the fact that Carrie didn’t trudge over with a glass of red wine in hand.

April 29, 2024

Circulation: 72,838,214

Digital

Fashion Los Angeles Awards 2024 Red Carpet Arrivals: Doja Cat, Amelia Gray, Bob Mackie and More Celebrity Style [PHOTOS]

By CHARLIE CARBALLO

Doja Cat at the 8th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards held at The Beverly Hills Hotel on April 28, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. GILBERT FLORES FOR VARIETY

The Fashion Los Angeles Awards celebrates the year’s biggest achievements and personalities in the fashion industry. The 2024 annual ceremony, held at The Beverly Hills Hotel, honored stylists Erin Walsh and Brett Alan Nelson, as well as designer Bob Mackie and model Amelia Gray. The event featured a cocktail party by Casamigos followed by an award ceremony, which honored Anastasia Soare for Beauty Innovator award, Amelia Gray for Model of the Year award, Elsa Hosk for Fashion Entrepreneur award, Bob Mackie for Life Time Achievement award and more.

Presenters included Doja Cat, Miley Cyrus, Rachel Zoe, Lisa Rinna, Jennifer Garner, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Guests including Kris Jenner, Harry Hamlin, Cole Sprouse, Ari Fournier, Molly Sims, Law Roach, Jasmine Tookes, Paige DeSorbo, Stella Maxwell, Chloé Lukasiak, Cameron Silver, Matthew Postlethwaite and more.

Here, see the red carpet arrivals.

Image Credit : Gilbert Flores for Variety

8th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards – Arrivals

Doja Cat at the 8th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards held at The Beverly Hills Hotel on April 28, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.

Image Credit : Gilbert Flores for Variety

8th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards – Arrivals

Amelia Gray and Lisa Rinna at the 8th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards held at The Beverly Hills Hotel on April 28, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.

April 29, 2024

June 26, 2024

Circulation: 104,561

MANASVI MAMGAI SHARES HER INSPIRING CAREER JOURNEY, FROM PAGEANTS TO PRODUCTION

The film producer, influencer, and model discusses her transformative career, our jam-packed DAOU Vineyards trip, and what's coming next Aaron Royce

In the influencer world, Manasvi Mamgai is a transformative standout. Following her career beginnings as a model and winner of Miss India, Mamgai pivoted to acting and content creation and, now, has added film producer to her resume. We sat down with the chic tastemaker and multitasker to learn all about her varied career path, summer plans, and how she gets it all done. Take notes!

How’s your summer going so far? What have you been up to?

It’s funny that you ask I went skydiving yesterday. That’s crazy! Summer’s going great. I was in India the first three months and I just came back. I’m a former Miss India, actor, and a recently turned producer. When I came back, there’s a movie that I was working on as a producer for a few years, and that just took great shape we have Al Pacino and Katie Holmes attached to that film. We’re leaving to Italy next month for the location scout. So, so far, so good. Work, traveling, traveling with work, doing adventurous things. Talking about traveling we just did that DAOU trip with The Daily! Work, travel, fun, adventure. Summer’s going great.

How do you balance all of these exciting experiences? Is there lots of planning involved?

It is, and that is actually one of my challenges. I’m very Type A, very go-go-go-go-getter. Sometimes, I do have burnouts, and that’s the flip-side of having such a full life and being at it all the time. Doing this over the years, I’ve figured out how to balance it and how to find time for personal life and where to stop, because I can just keep going on and on. I sometimes have phases where I’m a workaholic, but also I think the beauty of our profession is that there are phases where it’s go-gogo, and then there’s phases that might be a lot of, “hurry up and wait.” You’re just waiting. I’m riding the wave right now. There’s lots happening and I’m very busy, but there have been pockets of time where I haven’t had much for a couple of months, so it comes and goes in waves. Right now, I’m just riding this wave and I’m busy. But as I’m growing older, I’m learning how to have that balance, personal life-work life balance, too.

Great! You got your start after winning the title of Miss India. What did that experience mean to you?

The story goes beyond that. The essence of it comes from being able to take risks, and I’ve always had a big appetite for risks. In India, I grew up as a performer I was dancing onstage very early on, when I was five, six years old. I grew up on the stage as a performer, and then things took a turn and I started modeling, which was also very risky at that time. I was very young when I started modeling in India. In India, people started modeling at 22 or after college, and I started when I was 16, 17. That was a huge risk that my mom took actually, not me. By the time I was 20, 21, I was already an established model. Right at 16, Elite Models had signed me, so I had a good five years successful run of modeling, but I realized my passion was actually acting and being in front of motion camera and performing, and that came from my love for

performance art. At that time, belonging to a non-film family was very tough, so I thought Miss India was a way. Traditionally, Miss India’s go on to becoming successful actresses. If you take Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai, they have the same exact titles that I won. Priyanka Chopra was Miss India World, the same title as me 10 years before me, so it’s a gateway into movies. I was a very established model, one of the top supermodels in India, and I had to risk that. Pageants are sometimes looked down upon by the fashion world, and I was a fashion model. I was like, Hey, I’m gonna risk [it]. It was a tricky situation, because I was like, Hey, if I don’t win, then I’m gonna embarrass myself and I can’t even go back to modeling. I took that risk. I was like, Hey, I’m going to take that chance, and that chance was successful but it was a huge risk at that time.

What do you remember about the moment when you won? It sounds so exciting!

In our country, at that time, it was like a bootcamp almost. We would be without our phones, away from our family. We were camped up in a hotel, away from media, away from everybody for about 40 days. It’s a long time. 22 girls, 40 days. It was a grooming camp, so they would train you. It doesn’t happen like that anymore nowadays, contests are much shorter, like a week, two weeks, and obviously it’s all about social media. At that time, we were in a hotel camped out for 40 days, undergoing training, various kinds of grooming experiences, which were amazing. There was so much discipline, workout, food, and that has shaped me into who I am today as well because I’m so disciplined in life. The end of that 40th day was the pageant, and we were so exhausted because we had 40 days of intense grooming sessions. It was a sigh of relief. I was like, Whoa, I can take some time off. That was the moment that my life honestly changed. Even though pageants are not as relevant today maybe they are relevant in a different sense, because now pageants have evolved and they’re very inclusive Miss Universe last year got rid of all their categories, [and] married women, old women, mothers can participate. Pageants are evolving, but they lost their traditional meaning. That moment did change my life. Even today, I will always be a Miss India. It was a life-changing moment, but that very moment and that very evening it was a sense of relief. I was like, Wow, all the hard work paid off, and it was such a relief and I was so happy and on top of the world. I’m an only child with a single mother, so a lot of my happiness was seeing her happy and seeing her sitting in the audience, and feeling her happiness for me more than my own happiness.

That’s so special! When you pivoted from fashion into film, what were some of your favorite projects to work on?

Right after Miss India, I did get a lot of offers, but my focus was the international pageant, and then I didn’t want to do something just for the sake of doing it. I wanted to wait for the right opportunity. After my Miss World [pageant], so a year, year and a half later, I went in the world of serious acting. I enrolled in a theater residency, and then I dabbled with theater, mainstream theater in India, like Indian Broadway just to give you a parallel of what that kind of theater meant. It’s mainstream theater, and the biggest theater stage in India. One of the plays was called Limbo, and that play was also screened in Paris and was very successful. I went into the serious acting world before I was like, Before I go on, this is how I want to shape my acting career. I did theater first and then I signed my first big studio movie in 2013. It was a Dream launch, so it was the most expensive movie of India in that year. Unfortunately, it didn’t do well it camped, badly. But it was one of those Dream launches, the superstars, the big studio, blockbuster movie. That’s how it happened. That’s how it started.

Today, you balance production with content creation. Which skills have you transferred from your modeling and acting background when creating social media content?

A lot! First of all, my early modeling days because India’s still a very not now, but at that time, a very conservative [country]. There was no too much exposure, and I didn’t grow up in the social media phase; that happened after I was already successful. At that time, traveling at such a young age and modeling internationally gave me so much perspective and exposure, and that only shaped my life. That confidence in, say, talking to people, being in new environments, that already gave me a head start on content. I was making content but not really to put out, because I was doing all these things and taping them and filming them for myself. Then, my various stages in entertainment, let it be theater, performance or being modeling, commercial modeling, TV, films all of this has given me so much insight on various things that helps the content creators. Whether it be talking to people or editing or music or exposure or having different perspectives, I think all of that has shaped me and that’s why I do best in the lifestyle speaking space. I’m being a storyteller, I’m telling a story, and that’s where I flourish the most in the content space.

You just went on our tastemaker trip to DAOU Vineyards. What were some of your top moments?

At this point, the Daily‘s like family to me. Eddie, Nandini, Brandusa I’ve met them so many times that it really is family. When I meet them, it’s not like a publication I’m working with it’s just people I’ve known for a few years that are getting together, having so much fun. Every time, I feel like Oh my God, nothing can top this trip, but the next trip is more amazing. That’s exactly what happened with DAOU [Vineyards]. First of all, the Daily somehow manages to put the perfect group together. Similar energies, people that really do get along. Most people on this trip, even though I was meeting them for the first time, I somehow knew these people through my social connections. It wasn’t a complete new person. I was like, Oh, I know you from so and so and so. They managed to put such a perfect group together, and the place, Paso Robles itself, is so beautiful. It was really informative because we drink all these wines always, but we never know what goes into making these wines and the people, our hosts, were so wonderful. The trip was so thoughtfully planned. There was not a dull moment. They had so many activities planned for us! I was like, I don’t even know what went into organizing this trip of this scale. It was an immersive experience, so immersive and also informative. We had hat making, we had rope swinging, then we had this dinner, a live performance. The next day, we were making our own wines, visiting the winery. There was wild animals, exotic animals. I was like, How do you top this? It was amazing. In the end, while we were coming back to LA, our bus broke down but the place our bus broke down was this Alice in Wonderland [themed] spot. We had more fun there! It’s like family that you have so much fun with under any circumstance, and then they put together trips which are so exotic. I have no words.

Are there any pieces from your early modeling days that you still have in your closet?

When I was modeling, there was a lot of Indian designers that I didn’t value so much back then because you’re working with them all the time. But now, I value those pieces so much more, especially when I’m living in the West. There’s this southern appreciation for Indian handicrafts and Indian embroideries and Indian artists and people from the east, or artists from the east in every form are doing so well now and getting the mainstream attention that they always should have. I actually value stuff from home so much more. One of the designers then [was] Tarun Tahiliani. I literally started with him as his muse at that time, I was only 16, 17. Sabyasachi is one of the early designers that I worked with in India he’s so incredible. I work a lot with Falguni Shane [Peacock]. I like to also promote designers from back home, or designers that are Indian, because I started with them and they’re responsible for my career. I also want to promote the culture as much as I can.

Wonderful. What are some of your must-have summer pieces that you can’t live without?

Summer will always remind me of sandals and summer dresses. I can sometimes be a very edgy, grungy, all-black person, but LA summer is so beautiful. It’s all about the beach, and the sundress, and the bikinis, and the sandals. All of that.

What are some pieces that are on your wish list right now?

I don’t know. I don’t think I have any. Fashion was such a big part of my life, but in the last two years, I’ve evolved so much more as an artist, as an actor, as a producer. The fashion thing has taken a bit of a sidestep.

Are there any pieces in your wardrobe that have a special story, or have a deeper meaning for you?

I always reward myself. My mother did that to me she always bought me something special when I had a significant milestone in my career or there was a special moment. I collect all of those things. Obviously they’re precious, mostly they’re jewelry. I started doing that to myself, 2016 onwards, every time there was something that I thought was incredible that I did. I gifted myself a Rolex watch, I gifted myself a Cartier watch. I remember the first time I bought myself a diamond ring. I do do that to myself a lot. Those pieces I treasure, not just because they’re precious, but also it signifies a moment in my life.

You’re busy producing and traveling right now. What’s next on the horizon in your future?

It took me a while to understand that I’m essentially a storyteller myself. When I make content, I tell stories, [and] I tell stories about brands. Speaking of, I have another video coming about the DAOU estate, about their story and how they’re special. I love telling stories which are informative and entertaining, whether it be content, whether it be through my own journey as an actor or creative, or now, I’m taking taking on a producer’s hat. There’s a story that I’m telling about the Getty kidnapping, which…I don’t even know how universe made it happen, but I have the biggest stars attached to that. Then I have a second movie in development, which is a Hollywood, Bollywood co-production, which actually has never happened but let’s see if I can make that happen. That’s in development, it’s being written as we speak. The future or my intention would be to just tell interesting stories and provide entertainment and information in these various different ways, different paths that I’ve taken on. I want to continue doing that. That gives me immense satisfaction, to be able to enable other people in telling these beautiful stories.

Last week, The Daily took a road trip to Paso Robles, California to check out the stunning Daou Vineyards for an unforgettable adventure. We left via luxury party bus from West Hollywood on Wednesday and brought along some of our favorite models, content creators, and wine lovers. Our special guests included Tessa Brooks, Blake Gray, Christina Caradona, Josie Canseco, Manasvi, Nick Champa, Darren Kennedy, Hunter Kohl, and Edward Antonyan.

The adventure began when we arrived at the Allegerto Vineyard Resort, a stunning spot located on 20-acres, which features Tuscan-style architecture and museum-caliber artwork. Our guests were given their first official taste of Daou and then escorted to a gifting suite where they received wine bottle baskets as well as goodies from Cinq à Sept, Mackage, Moleskine, Hobo Bags, Dae Hair, Ellis Brooklyn,CoffeeFace Halara, and Hiro Clark.

With wine in hand, the group got a private tour of Allegreto and learned about the level of detail that makes this spot feel like you’ve been transported to Europe. Situated amid fertile vineyards, the resort features sprawling gardens, bocce ball courts, a spa, poolside cabanas, and first-rate dining. The resort is also just minutes away from the Daou Vineyard.

The first excursion for the group was held at the Loading Chute Barn where our gang experienced a Country and Western themed night with a live band, line dancing, lasso lessons, and perhaps the biggest hit of the night, customized cowboy hats for all. The night included a sit-down dinner buffet and plenty of Daou.

The next morning the group hopped back on the party bus to head to the Daou Vineyards where the red (wine) carpet was rolled out for us. Maeve Pesquera, senior vice president, strategy & business development at Daou, welcomed everyone and told the the inspiring story of how brothers, George Daou and Daniel Daou, founded the brand. The siblings were born in Beirut, Lebanon and moved to France after a turbulent time and an almost near death experience as children in their country. Through their courage and tenacity, they built a trauma bond as brothers and developed a close relationship that is maintained today. While living in France, they (particularly Daniel Daou) were bit by the wine bug. The brothers eventually ended up in California to attend college and pursue careers in tech. Their family eventually asked them to move back to France due to financial issues but the brothers asked their family to move to the States to seek the American dream. The brothers had big success in technology but Daniel never gave up his dream of being a winemaker. After they sold the tech company, the family pursued their dream and finally started a wine business. Eventually they landed in the Western mountains of Paso Robles due to the proximity of the ocean, elevation, soil, and climate, which made it the perfect place to make a world class Cabernet and Bordeaux. And the rest is history… (We say thank you, thank you, thank you!)

Getting back to our adventure… The first activity of the day was the group siting down on a long table with charcuterie and oysters to make their own blends of wine. Members of the Daou team explained how different blends go together and can be experimented. The gang mixed cab sav and cab franc and merlot and malbec to make their own unique blends.

After a delicious lunch of steak and scallops, the group then got an exclusive visit to the Daou Family Estates barrel room. This is where the wine goes to mature and we were given tastes of wine that came straight from the barrels. Heaven!

A few hours later… Back at Daou Vineyards! A live band entertained our group during dinner and eventually fire performers showed up. The highlight of the night (beside a make your own S’mores bar) was a visit from local conservation ambassadors from Zoo to You. They brought along a baby kangaroo, laughing kookaburra, snake, frog, vulture, and armadillo.

On departure day, Daou held a pink themed rose’ brunch for the group at the Allegreto in their outdoor courtyard. Guests received bottles of Ellis Brooklyn perfume as a parting gift.

Perfect weather, perfect people, and perfect wine. No DAOU’bt about it!

Nandini Vaid

Hats off to the extraordinary team at

for cultivating a dream excursion!

Daou

In Photos: Jose Canseco's daughter Josie channels cowgirl vibes in denim shorts and red bandana at Daou Vineyards

Karan Tyagi

Oakland Athletics legend Jose Canseco is a loving father to his only daughter, Josie Canseco, who is a budding fashion supermodel. She loves to showcase her stylish dressing sense to all her fans and is observed avidly posting her latest outfits on her social media handles.

Josie went wine tasting and even created some of her own blends with friends at Daou Vineyards in California last week. She recently shared her outfit from the trip to the Californian vineyard on her Instagram account. Canseco could be seen channeling her inner cowgirl while wearing denim shorts and a red bandana.

Josie is the daughter of Cuban legend Jose Canseco and his ex-wife, Jessica Canseco. Jose married Jessica on August 27, 1996, after dating her for a brief period of time.

He had met Jessica when she was training to be a waitress at Hooter's. Less than three months after the wedding, Jessica gave birth to Josie on November 5, 1996.

Jose Canseco's wedding with Jessica didn't last long, as the couple parted ways in 1999. But both are loving parents to their daughter, as they supported all her endeavors in life despite going through a hard phase in their respective lives. Josie Canseco has headlined many events for some of the top luxury brands in America.

Most notably, she is a Victoria's Secret model, has been on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine, and has walked the ramp for many designers and fashion brands in New York, Miami, and Las Vegas. Apart from the fashion events, she shoots ad campaigns with various top brands with varying product portfolios.

Jose Canseco's daughter, Josie, attended a family brunch for a renowned fashion magazine

This past weekend, Josie Canseco kicked back and enjoyed her time at an estate to be a part of a brunch for the esteemed fashion magazine 'The Daily Row Front'. As always, she rocked a beautiful white chic dress for the luncheon. Take a look at the images here.

Her father, Jose Canseco, has been fairly quiet since hanging up his cleats in 2001 with the White Sox.

Jose Canseco is a two-time World Series champion, one with the Oakland A's in 1989 and the second with the Yankees in 2000. He lost the nod to etch his name into Cooperstown after a series of PED use bans and his rather notorious life off the field.

Week in pictures: 10 – 16 February

Sarah Neish

February 16, 2024

Circulation: 394,852

Digital

This week the world of drinks saw db‘s Master Winemaker 100 ceremony in Paris, DAOU sponsor a starstudded gala in Santa Barbara, and Duval-Leroy launch the Champagne it made in collaboration with some of France’s best sommeliers.

DAOU

Californian producer DAOU Vineyards was the official wine of the 39th Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The wines were served at the Hollywood actor-packed reception at Arlington Theatre featuring the likes of All of Us Strangers star Andrew Scott, Past Lives‘ Greta Lee, and Lily Gladstone, who is a nominee for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Killers of the Flower Moon

low-intervention winemaking by artisanal winemakers and growers who represent changing diversity and inclusivity in the industry.

THE BLUE STAR (La estrella azul)

4pm • Fiesta 5 #3 • Javier Macipe • 128 min • Spain, Argentina • Spanish and Latin American Cinema • Set in the nineties, THE BLUE STAR follows a Spanish rock and roll musician who, trying to reconnect with his vocation, travels across South America, where he meets an elderly musician going through hard times.

DIVING INTO DARKNESS

4:20pm • Fiesta 5 #4

THE TUNDRA WITHIN ME

5pm • Metro 4 #1

RUNNING FOR THE

Arlington Award honoring Annette Bening Fri, Feb 16th, 8pm, Arlington Theatre

MOUNTAINS

5:20pm • Metro 4 #2 • Babette Hogan, Julie Eisenberg • World Premiere • 78 min • United States • Social Justice Films• Doc • Shot from the frontlines of environmental devastation, this documentary untangles connections between the extractive industries and West Virginia’s politicians, spotlighting coal broker Senator Joe Manchin as he stalls America’s transition to greener energy.

SANTA BARBARA NARRATIVE SHORTS

5:40pm • Metro 4 #3

DISCONNECT ME 6pm • Metro 4 #4

ANARRATIVE SHORTS

2 - LOVE & CONNECTION (ROMANCE & HIGH STAKE DRAMAS)

7:20pm • Fiesta 5 #3

DAOU Vineyards is Ofcial Wine Partner of 39th SBIFF

DAOU VINEYARDS, RENOWNED FOR ITS HIGHLY ACCLAIMED OFFERINGS FROM PASO ROBLES, joins the Festival for the frst time as the Ofcial Wine Partner and will be exclusively poured throughout SBIFF events, including nightly happy hours and VIP afer-parties.

“We are thrilled to be able to ofer our guests DAOU’s exceptional wine portfolio,” shared SBIFF Managing Director Sean Pratt. “We are proud to offer wines of this caliber to our guests, including 2020 Estate Soul of a Lion, one of the most awarded wines in the country.”

Situated on a 212-acre hilltop estate in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles, DAOU was founded by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou, and produces collectible, world-class wines. Te family estate at Daou Mountain combines a remarkable geology, favorable microclimate, and high elevation.

“We’re delighted to participate in the 2024 Santa Barbara International Film Festival in our frst year as a sponsor and to support the incredible achievements of this year’s talented actors and flmmakers,” said Neb Lukic, President of DAOU Vineyards. “ Te art of wine and cinema brings joy to many, and we look forward to sharing our most ‘awarded’ vintage releases with the honorees and guests of this year’s festival.” www.daouvineyards.com

LIEN CONTACT

7:40pm • Fiesta 5 #4 • Rick Rosenthal • World Premiere • 51 min • United States • Santa Barbara Features• Doc • Do manta rays possess a higher intelligence? Inside their alien-shaped bodies, there is a brain that seems to be able to recognize individual divers.

VANGUARD

8pm • Arlington Theatre

I’M JUST HERE FOR THE RIOT

8pm • Metro 4 #1

TRANSMEXICO

8:20pm • Metro 4 #2 • Claudia Sanchez • 84 min • United States

• Documentary Competition • Doc • TRANSMEXICO unveils the resilient spirit of Latin American transwomen battling pervasive transphobia. This documentary showcases three transwomen and their triumphant journey to love, success, and empowerment amid high adversity, challenging societal norms and inspiring change against daunting odds.

SNOW LEOPARD

8:40pm • Metro 4 #3 •

Pema Tseden • 109 min • China • Jefrey C. Barbakow International Cinema • An unexpected incident of a snow leopard breaking into the pen of local herder and killing nine rams not only causes a stir in the family, but also attracts a television crew to their village on the Tibetan plateau.

PET SHOP DAYS

9pm • Metro 4 #4

Thursday, Feb. 15th

CRUSH: MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

8am • Metro 4 #1

ASHIMA

8:10am • Metro 4 #2

ONE LIFE

8:20am • Metro 4 #3

LA EXTORCION

8:30am • Metro 4 #4

MOURNING IN LOD

10am • Fiesta 5 #3 • Hilla Medalia • 73 min • United States • Reel Lives• Doc • MOURNING IN LOD follows the fates of three families intertwined in a vicious cycle of violence in the city of Lod, Israel, where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side.

NARRATIVE SHORTS 5UNCHARTED TERRITORIES (PSYCHOLOGICAL DRAMAS)

10:20am • Fiesta 5 #4

COUP!

11am • Arlington Theatre • Austin Stark, Joseph Schuman • 98 min

• United States • Festival Circuit Favorites • Set on a seaside estate during the 1918 Spanish Flu, a rebellious servant leads a revolt against his wealthy employer.

THE LAST MOVIE

11am • Metro 4 #1 BEFORE IT ENDS

11:20am • Metro 4 #2 • Anders Walter • 101 min • Denmark • Nordic Cinema • Inspired by true events, BEFORE IT ENDS depicts a small town that is ordered to accommodate hundreds of German refugees just prior to the country’s liberation. A family is pushed to their limits, knowing that helping will brand them as traitors. Meanwhile, their twelve-year-old son joins the Resistance.

BLAGA’S LESSONS (Urotcite na Blaga)

11:40am • Metro 4 #3 • Stephan Komandarev • 114 min • Bulgaria

• Eastern European Cinema • Retired teacher Blaga falls victim to a phone scam. In order to resurrect her lost ﬁnances, the once-honest woman sacriﬁces all of her principles and begins working for the scammers.

THE LAST DAUGHTER

12pm • Metro 4 #4

UNMOORED

1pm • Fiesta 5 #3 • Caroline Ingvarsson • 93 min • United Kingdom • Nordic Cinema • Maria’s life begins to unravel when accusations are made against her husband. After confronting him, she ﬂees to England, but she cannot escape the depths of her own paranoia, self-deception, and culpability in this psychological thriller.

THE OTHER SON

1:20pm • Fiesta 5 #4

FREE FILM: AMERICAN FICTION

Tursday, February 15th

2:00pm

Arlington Teatre

Courtesy of Orion Pictures

2pm • Arlington Theatre

THE REEDS

2pm • Metro 4 #1

DOCUMENTARY SHORTS 2

- FINDING JOY & HEALING (ART RELATED STORIES)

2:20pm • Metro 4 #2

A LOOK THROUGH HIS LENS

2:40pm • Metro 4 #3

LILI

3pm • Metro 4 #4

HOMECOMING

4pm • Fiesta 5 #3

NARRATIVE SHORTS

4 - OUTSIDE PRESSURES (ADVERSITY DRAMAS)

4:20pm • Fiesta 5 #4

THE MOVIE MAN

5pm • Metro 4 #1

SHOW HER THE MONEY

5:20pm • Metro 4 #2 • Ky Dickens • 86 min • United States • Reel Lives• Doc • Featuring rock-star female investors

SBIFF Free Films

IT’S 2PMIf you are on a budget, don’t lose heart. A number of screen free during SBIFF. Take a look below for some of the o just before 2pm. Admission is on a frst-served basis following pass holder admission. Tough, of course, the schedule is subject to change.

MAESTRO

Thursday, February 8 – 2pm – Arlington Theatre

OPPENHEIMER + Q&A with Cillian Murphy

Friday, February 9 – 2pm – Arlington Theatre

POOR THINGS

Sunday, February 11 – 2pm – Arlington Theatre

KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

Monday, February 12 – 2pm – Arlington Theatre

AMERICAN SYMPHONY + Q&A with Jon Batiste

Tuesday, February 13 – 2pm – Arlington Theatre

THE HOLDOVERS

Wednesday, February 14 – 2pm – Arlington Theatre

AMERICAN FICTION

Thursday, February 15 – 2pm – Arlington Theatre

NYAD

Friday, February 16 – 2pm – Arlington Theatre

YOUTH CINEMEDIA SHORTS

Saturday, February 17 – 10am – Fiesta 5 Theatre Aud #3

10-10-10 STUDENT SHORTS

Saturday, February 18 – 2pm – Arlington Theatre

who invest in diverse women entrepreneurs with innovations that will change the world, Show Her The Money reminds us that money is power and that women need it to achieve true equality.

DEAR JASSI

5:40pm • Metro 4 #3 • Tarsem Singh Dhandwar • 132 min • India • Jefrey C. Barbakow International Cinema • From visionary director Tarsem Singh comes a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, inspired by true events and told in a punjabi folk style.

JOIKA

6pm • Metro 4 #4 • James Napier Robertson • 110 min • New Zealand, Poland • Cinematic Overture/Performing Arts • JOIKA is based on the true story of Joy Womack, one of the very few Americans to ever penetrate the elite, and punishing, world of the Bolshoi Ballet.

RUNNING FOR THE MOUNTAINS

7:20pm • Fiesta 5 #3

PHOTOPHOBIA

7:40pm • Fiesta 5 #4

JEFFREY WRIGHT

8pm • Arlington Theatre

MEDIUM

8pm • Metro 4 #1

THE BALLAD OF A HUSTLER

8:20pm • Metro 4 #2 • Heitor Dhalia • 103 min • United States, Brazil • North American Independent Cinema • A Latino ex-con saddled with a six-yearold boy scours the underbelly of New York City, trying to ﬁnd the missing mother.

SANTA BARBARA NARRATIVE SHORTS

8:40pm • Metro 4 #3

ABROAD 9pm • Metro 4 #4

2. IN BLOOM

Known for its objet d’art ethos, couture brand Cult Gaia’s newest launch features bespoke fower arrangements, freshly cut and hand-painted to last two weeks or more. Available in two playful colorways for LA delivery, these whimsical bouquets are sure to liven any space with a hint of eccentricity.

SBLS SPOTLIGHT

BY Alexandra Lee

3. MOVIE MAGIC

We wined and dined with DAOU at SBIFF’s 16th annual Kirk Douglas Gala, which honored Ryan Gosling with an award for Excellence in Film and hosted stars such as Greta Gerwig and Steve Carell.

4. AFTERNOON TEA

Tea time just got better with the expansion of Versace’s Butterfy Garden collection, now including teapots, cups, and coup plates in its enchanting pastel butterfy motif. Now available at Coast 2 Coast Collection in La Arcada Courtyard! coast2coastcollection.com | 805-845-7888

Follow @sblifeandstyle for daily behind the scenes content, new restaurants, events, getaways, and more...

1.WHERE

THE WILD FLOURS ARE

This April 5-7, Cuyama Buckhorn is hosting its fourth annual Wild Flour weekend, centering around curated events to educate about the Central Valley’s wildfowers and grains. Enjoy a baking class with Loria Stern, afternoon tea, wildfower viewing, live music, and beyond!

PHOTO BY REBECCA

SAPP

February 16, 2024

Circulation: 3,803,611 Digital

Master Winemakers 2024: A Toast to Excellence, Tradition, and Innovation

Parallel to this, the wine world saw DAOU Vineyards sponsoring the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, where their exquisite wines were served at a star-studded reception. This collaboration underscored the growing synergy between the worlds of cinema and fine wine, highlighting the cultural influence of winemaking beyond the vineyards.

Safak Costu

February 14, 2024

Circulation: 3,803,611

Broadcast

DAOU Vineyards: A Toast to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival

A Tale of Vineyards and Silver Screens: DAOU Vineyards Graces the Santa Barbara International Film Festival

In an exquisite fusion of fine wine and cinematic brilliance, DAOU Vineyards from Paso Robles has become the official sponsor of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The opening night saw celebrities and filmmakers savoring DAOU wines at a special bar set up in a tent near the iconic Arlington Theatre, painting a picture of sophistication and artistry.

From Paso Robles to the Silver Screen DAOU Vineyards, renowned for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, is expanding its footprint beyond the vineyards and into the glamorous world of film. The brothers who founded DAOU have recently sold the vineyard for a staggering $1 billion, a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and the exceptional quali ty of their wines.

This partnership with the Santa Barbara International Film Festival marks a significant milestone for DAOU. It's not just about wine; it's about sharing a passion for craftsmanship and storytelling. As movie fans and wine enthusiasts gather to celebrate the art of filmmaking, they will also get a taste of DAOU's exquisite offerings.

"It's an honor to be part of such a prestigious event," said a representative from DAOU Vineyards. "Our wines are a labor of love, much like the films showcased here. We're thrilled to share our passion with the film industry's brightest stars."

Beyond its celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon, DAOU Vineyards also offers a delightful Chardonnay and other varietals, providing a diverse range of flavors to suit every palate.

Crafting Unforgettable Experiences

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is more than just a celebration of cinema; it's an experience that leaves a lasting impression. With DAOU Vineyards as an official sponsor, this year's festival promises to be even more memorable.

As the curtains close on another successful film festival, the echoes of laughter, applause, and clinking glasses remain. DAOU Vineyards, with its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, has added a new dimension to the festival, enriching the experience for both film buffs and wine connoisseurs alike.

In the dance of storytelling and the celebration of fine wine, DAOU Vineyards and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival have found a perfect partnership.

Safak Costu

Food Meets Film at Santa Barbara International Film Festival

February 22, 2024 Circulation: 8,181 Digital

DAOU Vineyards of Paso Robles joined the Festival for the first time as the Official Wine Partner.

Aja Goare

Fun Facts

Da’Vine Joy Randolph Is Proud of Her Work in ‘The Idol’ Despite Cancellation

The Oscar nominee opened up about dealing with setbacks while speaking about her role in HBO's critically panned series, which wasn't renewed for a second season.

Tatiana Tenreyro

Paul Giamatti Blows Us All Sideways with a Peek at Himself

Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Cinema Vanguard Award Fetes the Academy Award–Nominated Actor with Valentine’s Day Celebration of His Work

Leslie Dinaberg

February 9, 2024

Circulation: 76,783,299 Digital

Bradley Cooper Reveals Why He Was 'Terrified' to Film His TV Debut in Sex and the City Melody Chiu/Liza Esquibias

Bradley Cooper will never forget his on-screen debut as “Jake the downtown smoker” on Sex and the City

As the director and star of Maestro was awarded the top honor of outstanding performer of the year at the Santa Barbara Film Festival on Thursday, he also reflected on his career in a retrospective Q&A. Among the stories he told at the event sponsored by DAOU Vineyards, Cooper reminisced on his first-ever on-camera role as a fleeting flirtation for SATC heroine Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker).

February 9, 2024

Circulation: 76,783,299

Brad Pitt and Girlfriend Ines de Ramon Have Date Night at Santa Barbara Film Festival

Melody Chiu/Liza Esquibias

The couple stepped out together at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, where Pitt, 60, honored friend Bradley Cooper with the outstanding performer of the year award at an event sponsored by DAOU Vineyards.

February 9, 2024

Circulation: 76,783,299

Digital

Brad Pitt Presents 'the One and Only' Bradley Cooper with Award at 2024 Santa Barbara Film Festival

Melody Chiu/Liza Esquibias

Pitt then spoke about Cooper's 2018 directorial debut, A Star Is Born, which the actor also starred in and wrote the screenplay for.

"[It's] a film that's been made a few times, it's been made really well, so the bar is so high, and yet he's able to bring in his performance where he's able to play drunk when he breaks down and still keep an eye on the crew to see the time when to know that he's got the tape and you can move on."

"To do that really, really well is nothing short of perfect," added Pitt at the event, where guests sipped on DAOU Vineyards wine.

HOT PICS!

Jaclyn Roth

SOURCE: PRESLEY ANN SLACK, GETTY IMAGES FOR DAOU VINEYARDS

Bradley Cooper attends SBIFF's Outstanding Performer of The Year Award sponsored by DAOU Vineyards.

11, 2024

Jaclyn Roth

SOURCE: PRESLEY ANN SLACK/GETTY IMAGES FOR DAOU

America Ferrera was honored at SBIFF's Virtuosos Award sponsored by DAOU Vineyards.

9, 2024

Bradley Cooper Was ‘Terrified’ for TV Debut on ‘Sex and the City’ After Telling White Lie

Laura Rizzo

HOT PICS!

February 12, 2024

Circulation: 21,813,160 Digital

Award Night

America Ferrera was honored at SBIFF's Virtuosos Award sponsored by DAOU Vineyards.

Travis Cronin

Presley Ann Slack/Getty Images for DAOU

9, 2024

Bradley Cooper and co-star Carey Mulligan attend the Santa Barbara International Film Festival... as the actor is named Outstanding Performer of the Year for his work in Maestro Sam Joseph Semon

A Star-Filled Evening with Bradley Cooper, Carey Mulligan, and Brad Pitt

Leslie Dinaberg

DAOU Vineyard is new SBIFF sponsor

February 13, 2024 Circulation: 271,877 Broadcast

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-If movie fans are wondering what celebrities are drinking at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival it is likely to be a local wine.

DAOU Vineyards in Paso Robles is an official sponsor this year.

On opening night celebrities and filmmakers had a chance to try some at a DAOU bar set up in a tent by the Arlington Theatre.

DAOU Experiential Marketing Specialist Helina Cartagena was on hand to make sure everyone enjoyed as tasting or two.

"It's great to just be an hour and a half away and share our wine from Paso, it's really special, so we're really happy to be here and be sponsoring this"

DAOU is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, but it also makes Chardonnay and other wines.

The brothers who started it recently sold the vineyard for a reported $1 billion.

For more information visit https://www.daouvineyards.com

Tracy Lehr

Bradley Cooper Lied About Driving Stick Shift to Land a Guest Role on 'Sex and the City'

Jaelani Turner-Williams

VIDEO: SBIFF Virtuosos Award night

Staff Writer

February 11, 2024

Circulation: 20,556

Digital

Sponsors of the 39th SBIFF include: Manitou Fund, Black Market Spirits, DAOU Vineyards, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Panavision, Santa Barbara City, US Bank, Montecito Bank & Trust, Yardi, Kaleidoscope Productions, ADL Santa Barbara/Tri-Counties, American Society of Cinematographers, John C. Mithun Foundation, Audrey Hillman Fisher Foundation, Northern Trust, Netflix, Visit The Santa Ynez Valley, Bentson Foundation, Volentine Family Foundation, Toad&Co, Topa Topa Brewing Company, Boxed Water Is Better, Saige Private Wealth, El Encanto and many more generous supporters.

Mentioned DAOU Vineyards in event coverage & featured S&R Photo Virtuoso Awards

Robert Downey Jr. Honored With Modern Master Award at Santa Barbara Film Festival 2024

Jason Engle

TooFab's Week In Celebrity Photos: February 4 - February 10

Staff Writer

February 9, 2024 Circulation: 3,153,522 Digital

Bradley Cooper attends DAOU Vineyards At SBIFF's Outstanding Performer Of The Year Award Honoring Bradley Cooper at The Arlington Theatre on February 8, 2024 in Santa Barbara, California.

February 10, 2024

IG Post Featuring DAOU logo on Red Carpet S&R - RDJ Tribute

IG Post Featuring DAOU logo on Red Carpet S&R - Bradley Cooper Tribute February 10, 2024

IG Post Featuring DAOU logo on Red Carpet S&R - Virtuoso Awards February 10, 2024

Featured DAOU logo on red carpet S&R -- Bradley Cooper Tribute February 8, 2024

Mentioned

& mentioned

February

DAOU @ RDJ Tribute

DAOU @ Kirk Douglas Gala

10, 2024

DAOU x Three IG stories featuring DAOU at Kirk Douglas Gala January 14, 2024

Wine, etc.: Are wines made in an environmentally responsible manner worth the cost?

Tom Marquardt and Patrick Darr

April 23, 2024

Circulation: 186,483

Newspaper

Tom Croghan is a modern-day evangelist for healthy soils and carbon capture, and his church is the Vineyards at Dodon in Davidsonville, where he and his wife, Polly, make wine.

We first met Croghan eight years ago to tour the vineyard and taste their wine. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and came away better informed about the struggles Maryland winemakers must endure.

We recently revisited Croghan at his vineyards. His wife’s family has owned the property since the 18th century. A tobacco farm until the 1960s, it has been a vineyard for the past 15 years.

Since our last visit, Croghan, a medical doctor, has extensively studied microbiology and has gone “all in” to minimize chemical use and artificial fertilizers in the vineyard.

We discussed that traditional winemakers in the past had sought poor soils for grape growing. A soil consultant who Croghan has used once commented that there was more life in the Sahara Desert than in the soil of a high-profile Burgundy vineyard.

Nothing could be further from the truth in Croghan’s world view today, and Burgundian grape growers have adopted modern organic and even more advanced methods to encourage vineyard health.

Croghan explained about the Porto Protocols begun in 2018 whereby grape growers pulled a 180-degree turn from using chemicals in the vineyards. The Porto Protocols provide guidance and sustainable models for grape growers, wine producers and suppliers to minimize concerns about climate change.

Many winemakers today seek to enrich and bring as much complex life to their vineyard environment as possible, which eliminates tilling, artificial fertilizers and herbicides and minimizes insecticides, and fungicides.

Eight years ago, Croghan was tilling every other row to encourage biodiversity and soil health. Today, he doesn’t till at all between rows and has adopted a holistic approach that involves growing native grasses, encouraging beneficial insects and has even found a role for sheep in the vineyards.

A recent survey of a square meter in the vineyard yielded 20-30 different grasses and flowers as well as an upsurge of beneficial insects The upshot of this effort is that it uses 70% less insecticide than traditional agriculture and 30% less fungicide.

Croghan also endeavors to store carbon through his winemaking efforts. He estimates his collective efforts at Dodon mean they store 250 tons more carbon than they produce annually. He also shared that producing a bottle of wine offsets the carbon produced by a gallon of gas. We’ll drink to that!

Now, here’s the downside. Croghan estimates that making wine using his methods increase the cost of production of his wines by 50 to 70%. However, he also noted healthier soils at Dodon have resulted in an increase of vineyard yields, better flavors in the finished wine with more body and better phenolics as well as better natural grape acidity that gives a natural freshness to the finished wines.

So, it’s up to consumers to decide. Are wines made in an environmentally responsible manner worth the cost? We encourage our readers to try Dodon’s wines and see for yourself. You will note that the wines we sampled cost a bit more than mass-market brands, and their availability is limited. However, progress costs money.

Following are our tasting notes:

Dodon Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Reserve Anne Arundel County 2022 ($42). Dodon has struggled with late-season frosts, hindering white grape production during 2020-2022, although recently purchased wind machines should help with the frost problem. However, they produced a winner with this stylistically French-inflected mineral, citrus-driven sauvignon blanc that reflects the style of both the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. Aged in cigar shaped French oak barrels and frequently stirred

Dodon Vineyards Chardonnay Anne Arundel County 2020 ($34). Apple and citrus notes in a pleasant white wine.

Dodon Vineyards Rosé Anne Arundel County 2023 ($26). A saignee rosé from merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. Delightful bright cherry and strawberry notes would make this a terrific summer sipper.

Dodon Vineyards Oronoco 2019 ($89). This wine uses a classic blend of red Bordeaux grape varieties with 44% cabernet sauvignon, 24% merlot, 24% cabernet franc, as well as a dash of petite verdot. Cherry, cassis notes create a very young, pleasant European-style impression despite being in bottle for five years. Although pricey, this red blend is terrific and worthy of consideration for a special occasion wine.

Wine picks

Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($90). This is a colossal but approachable wine from the Schrader house. Aggressive black fruit and cassis aromas with plum and black cherry flavors, hints of tea, earth and vanilla.

Mount Langi Ghiran Billi Billi Shiraz 2021 ($16). From Victoria, the fruit for this shiraz produces lively and delicious black berry character with a hint of spice. Simple, yet delicious.

J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay 2021 ($14). One of the best buys in chardonnay, this wine draws from 10 clones of estate-grown chardonnay. The palate is creamy with Meyer lemon and vanilla. Aromas are of peach and spice.

DAOU Patrimony 2020 ($300). In our conversations with Daniel Daou, there was never a hesitation in declaring Paso Robles the best region to make wine from Bordeaux’s noble grape varieties.

Napa Valley producers disagree, but the Daou brothers are unrelenting with this most expensive luxury wine from Paso Robles. It has continued to score 95-plus scores from critics and old bottles are fetching more than $500 if you can find one. But let’s not call the 2020 a bargain. It is an excessive luxury few can afford.

Using cabernet sauvignon grapes from a few special rows on an exclusive mountain vineyard, the full-bodied wine is aged in custom French barrels to achieve a special richness and complexity. The brothers recently sold the winery to Treasury Wine Estates for $1 billion, but remain involved in the winemaking.

M. Chapoutier Belleruche Cotes Du Rhone Blanc 2021 ($15-18). This is crafted from a blend of classic white Rhone varieties such as roussanne, viognier and grenache blanc. Mineral and peach notes dominate in a very nice easy to drink white wine.

Bodega Renacer Punta Final Reserva Cabernet Franc Organic Argentina 2021 ($20-25). This 100% cabernet franc reminded us of a very well-made chinon from the Loire Valley. Ripe berry fruit with a hint of fresh herbs makes for a very interesting and quaffable package.

MAGIC IN A RAMEKIN

Lemon shines bright in easy pudding cakes

By Melissa Clark

The New York Times

A pudding cake is a magical dessert — not in a ﬂashy, soufé kind of way, but quainter.

What it lacks in billowing drama, a pudding cake makes up for in both coziness and ease, with one straightforward batter baking into two distinct layers. On top is an airy sponge cake that pufs ever so slightly in the oven’s heat. Right beneath it lies the pudding, a creamy custard that can be ﬂavored with anything — whether it’s chocolate, rose water or citrus.

As in much culinary magic, ﬂufy, beaten egg whites are at the root of it all. As the air trapped in the egg white foam heats, it expands and rises, causing the batter at the tops of the ramekins to lift. The bottoms of the ramekins, however, are immersed in a water bath. The water keeps the temperature down, so the batter at the bottom cooks more slowly, which in turn makes it runny and

custardy. The higher the water level on the sides of the ramekins, the more pudding you’ll end up with; keep the water level low, and you’ll get more cake. Being a lemon lover of the highest order — I’ll always choose lemon desserts over chocolate — I ﬂavored these pudding cakes with lemon juice and grated zest, for extra zing. Then, to make it

Tom Croghan is a modern-day evangelist for healthy soils and carbon capture, and his church is the Vineyards at Dodon in Davidsonville, where he and his wife, Polly, make wine. We ﬁrst met Croghan

even more bracing, I added an acidic dash of buttermilk. The pudding here ends up tasting like lemon curd, a balance of tart and sweet. You could sprinkle the tops with powdered sugar and call it a day. But I like the way scarlet raspberries macerated in a little sugar look against the pale yellow cakes. Use whatever ripe, juicy fruit you like here: Strawberries, blueberries, cherries and blackberries would be just as striking. And though they won’t ofer much color contrast, sliced peaches and apricots would be wonderfully succulent against the lemony acidity here. These cakes are at their most tender served within an hour of baking, but they’ll still be delicious when they’ve cooled to room temperature a few hours later. Or chill them overnight and serve them straight from the fridge. The cake part may not be quite as ﬂufy, but the zippy lemon ﬂavor will still shine bright.

eight years ago to tour the vineyard and taste their wine.

We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and came away better informed about the struggles Maryland winemakers must endure.

We recently revisited

LEMON PUDDING CAKES WITH SUGARED RASPBERRIES

Makes: 6 servings Total time: 1 hour, plus cooling

¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick), melted and cooled, plus more for greasing the ramekins

3 large eggs, separated

1 cup sugar, plus more as needed

¾ cup buttermilk (or use plain yogurt thinned with milk)

1 tablespoon ﬁnely grated lemon zest (from 1 to 2 lemons)

½ cup lemon juice (from 3 to 4 lemons)

¼ teaspoon ﬁne sea salt or table salt

⅓ cup all-purpose ﬂour

6 ounces raspberries

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter 6 (8-ounce) ramekins. Place them in any large baking pan where they can sit without touching one another, such as a 9-by-13-inch pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, egg yolks, ¾ cup sugar, buttermilk, lemon zest and juice, and salt until smooth. Whisk in the ﬂour until well combined.

3. Using an electric mixer (either handheld or a stand mixer ﬁtted with the whisk attachment), beat egg whites on medium speed until they are thick, white and very foamy, 2 to 4 minutes. Increase speed to high and gradually beat in remaining ¼ cup sugar, continuing to beat until stif and glossy peaks form, about 2 to 3 minutes longer.

Croghan at his vineyards. His wife’s family has owned the property since the 18th century.

A tobacco farm until the 1960s, it has been a vineyard for the past 15 years. Since our last visit, Croghan, a medical doctor,

has extensively studied microbiology and has gone “all in” to minimize chemical use and artiﬁcial fertilizers in the vineyard.

We discussed that traditional winemakers in the past had sought poor soils for grape growing. A soil

4. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold about a third of the egg whites into the lemon mixture, taking care not to deﬂate the whites. When no white streaks remain, fold in remaining whites, working carefully. Stop folding when most of the second batch of whites are mixed in, but a few white streaks remain.

5. Spoon the batter into the ramekins. Transfer the pan of ramekins to the oven. Carefully, so you don’t splash the cakes, pour enough very hot tap water into the pan to come about halfway up the sides of the ramekins. The higher the water level, the more pudding and less cake you’ll have.

6. Bake until the puddings are pufed and lightly browned on top, 35 to 40 minutes. Take care not to overbake, or there won’t be any pudding at the bottom of the ramekins. Carefully transfer the ramekins from the pan to a rack to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. (The combination of tongs or a spatula, plus oven mitts, works well for moving the cakes.)

7. As the cakes bake, mix the raspberries and a few pinches of sugar in a bowl, mashing the raspberries slightly to release their juices. Let the raspberries macerate until sugar melts, about 15 minutes. Then, taste and stir in more sugar if berries are very tart. 8. Serve the cakes warm or at room temperature, with the sugared berries and some of their syrup.

consultant who Croghan has used once commented that there was more life in the Sahara Desert than in the soil of a high-proﬁle

Ingredients for lemon pudding cakes with sugared raspberries,

Sweet and tangy, these easy desserts yield two textures — pufy and custardy — from one straightforward batter.

ANDREW PURCELL/THE NEW YORK TIMES PHOTOS

A turkey skillet you’ll make over and over

By Melissa Clark The New York Times

Bunches of fresh mint and piles of sugar snap peas are still weeks away from showing up at my local farmers market, but April’s lengthening days and warming temperatures already have me craving that classic spring pairing. Luckily, they can also be foraged right now at the supermarket down the street.

Usually, I toss my mint and sugar snaps into a big, ebullient salad, but I was more in the mood for something substantial that could be rounded out with a protein. So, I also picked up a package of ground turkey to turn everything into a satisfying and colorful skillet dinner.

Ground turkey is ideal for all manner of impromptu cooking. Not only is it economical and convenient, it’s also mild and adaptable, a chameleon-like ingredient that blends in wherever you use it. It can anchor almost any skillet meal when you sear it until golden and crisp, especially if you throw in enough vegetables and vivid seasonings to bring out its best.

Still, I wanted a pungent sauce to spark the sweetness of the peas and the easygoing turkey, blazing them out of their quiet complacency. For that, I borrowed some of the zesty, spicy ﬂavors of larb.

Popular in Thailand and Laos, larb is at once crunchy and soft, ﬁery and cooling. It’s a dish of thrilling contrasts that shift from bite to bite — just the thing to perk up a turkey and snap pea meal.

As the turkey sputtered and crisped in the pan, I mixed together a simple larb-inspired sauce of lime juice, ﬁsh sauce and chile ﬂakes, which I drizzled onto the meat once it was browned. Then I added the sugar snaps and covered

SERIOUSLY SIMPLE

the pan so they could steam in those savory juices. Not wanting to add a step to my dinner, I skipped toasting and grinding rice into a powder (which is typical of most larb recipes), and ﬁnished the dish instead with some chopped roasted nuts to add richness and crunch. Then I folded in the mint. In Thailand and Laos, larb is considered a hot-weather dish. But mint and sugar snap peas make this larb-inspired meal perfect for the chilly spring nights that herald their arrival.

SPICY SKILLET GROUND

AND SNAP PEAS

TURKEY

Inspired by the bold and zesty flavors of a Thai larb, this easy skillet meal pairs nuggets of golden ground turkey with sugar snap peas and a mound of fresh herbs. The sauce — a combination of fish sauce, lime juice and red pepper flakes — makes everything taste both bright and deep, while an optional sprinkling of chopped nuts adds richness and crunch. Serve over rice or rice noodles, or with flatbread.

Makes: 4 servings Total time: 35 minutes 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced into half-moons

Spice up your meatballs with peppery Korean gochujang

By Diane Rossen Worthington Tribune Content Agency

When I need to shake things up in the kitchen, meatballs with tomato sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a favorite of mine. I recently improvised and added spicy-sweet gochujang to the meatball mixture, along with juicy shredded carrots, sesame oil and ginger — a fragrant medley of Asian ingredients. I also added panko crumbs for

Wine from Page 1

from the truth in Croghan’s world view today, and Burgundian grape growers have adopted modern organic and even more advanced methods to encourage vineyard health.

Croghan explained about the Porto Protocols begun in 2018 whereby grape growers pulled a 180-degree turn from using chemicals in the vineyards.

The Porto Protocols provide guidance and sustainable models for grape growers, wine producers and suppliers to minimize concerns about climate change.

Many winemakers today seek to enrich and bring as much complex life to their vineyard environment as possible, which eliminates tilling, artiﬁcial fertilizers and herbicides and minimizes insecticides, and fungicides.

Eight years ago, Croghan was tilling every other row to encourage biodiversity and soil health.

Today, he doesn’t till at all between rows and has adopted a holistic approach that involves growing native grasses, encouraging beneﬁcial

DIANE ROSSEN WORTHINGTON/TNS

crispiness. Gochujang is a salty, slightly sweet fermented red pepper paste from Korea. Fermented soybean powder, fermented sweet

insects and has even found a role for sheep in the vineyards.

A recent survey of a square meter in the vineyard yielded 20-30 diferent grasses and ﬂowers as well as an upsurge of beneﬁcial insects.

The upshot of this efort is that it uses 70% less insecticide than traditional agriculture and 30% less fungicide.

Croghan also endeavors to store carbon through his winemaking eforts. He estimates his collective eforts at Dodon mean they store 250 tons more carbon than they produce annually.

He also shared that producing a bottle of wine ofsets the carbon produced by a gallon of gas. We’ll drink to that! Now, here’s the downside. Croghan estimates that making wine using his methods increase the cost of production of his wines by 50 to 70%.

However, he also noted healthier soils at Dodon have resulted in an increase of vineyard yields, better ﬂavors in the ﬁnished wine with more body and better phenolics as well as better natural grape acidity that gives a natural freshness to

rice and barley malt round out the mildly spicy paste’s intense umami ﬂavor.

My recommendation is to use a small ice cream scoop to measure out the meatballs to about 2 inches in diameter. That may sound big, but they shrink during baking. And if they are smaller, they run the risk of burning on the bottom.

The sauce, made of sweet apricot jam or orange marmalade, provides a bright contrast to the meat.

the ﬁnished wines.

So, it’s up to consumers to decide. Are wines made in an environmentally responsible manner worth the cost?

We encourage our readers to try Dodon’s wines and see for yourself. You will note that the wines we sampled cost a bit more than mass-market brands, and their availability is limited. However, progress costs money. Following are our tasting notes:

Dodon Vineyards

Sauvignon Blanc Reserve

Anne Arundel County 2022 ($42). Dodon has struggled with late-season frosts, hindering white grape production during 2020-2022, although recently purchased wind machines should help with the frost problem. However, they produced a winner with this stylistically Frenchinﬂected mineral, citrusdriven sauvignon blanc that reﬂects the style of both the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. Aged in cigar shaped French oak barrels and frequently stirred.

Dodon Vineyards Chardonnay Anne Arundel County 2020 ($34). Apple and

1 pound ground turkey Salt, as needed

¼ cup fresh lime juice (from 2 to 3 limes), more to taste 2 tablespoons ﬁsh sauce (or coconut aminos or soy sauce), more to taste

½ teaspoon red pepper ﬂakes ½ cup torn mint leaves, more for topping ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro or basil, more for topping

3 scallions, thinly sliced, dark green parts saved for topping

1 pound sugar snap peas, trimmed

2 tablespoons chopped roasted cashews or peanuts (optional)

1. Heat a large skillet over mediumhigh. Add the oil and red onion slices to the skillet and cook until soft and deeply brown, 7 to 10 minutes.

KOREAN MEATBALLS

Makes: about 25 meatballs

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium leek, ﬁnely chopped

1 medium carrot, peeled and ﬁnely shredded

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 pound ground turkey

½ pound ground beef

½ cup ﬁne dried panko

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger

2 tablespoons gochujang

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the sauce: ⅓ cup apricot jam or orange marmalade 1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon gochujang, or to taste 1 cup chicken stock

citrus notes in a pleasant white wine.

Dodon Vineyards Rosé

Anne Arundel County 2023 ($26). A saignee rosé from merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. Delightful bright cherry and strawberry notes would make this a terriﬁc summer sipper.

Dodon Vineyards

Oronoco 2019 ($89)

This wine uses a classic blend of red Bordeaux grape varieties with 44% cabernet sauvignon, 24% merlot, 24% cabernet franc, as well as a dash of petite verdot. Cherry, cassis notes create a very young, pleasant Europeanstyle impression despite being in bottle for ﬁve years. Although pricey, this red blend is terriﬁc and worthy of consideration for a special occasion wine.

Wine picks

For the garnish:

2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Crumble in the ground turkey and a pinch of salt, breaking up the meat. Cook until crisp and dark brown, about 8 minutes.

2. While the turkey is cooking, whisk together the lime juice, ﬁsh sauce, red pepper ﬂakes, torn mint leaves, cilantro and scallion whites and light green parts. Pour the sauce into the skillet and add the sugar snap peas. Toss until combined. Cover and let the snap peas steam until tender and cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes.

3. Taste and add more ﬁsh sauce, salt and lime juice as needed to make everything bright and savory. Stir in the chopped cashews or peanuts, if using. Top with more torn mint leaves, chopped cilantro and dark green scallion slices.

1. In a skillet over medium heat, heat the oil, add the leeks and saute for about

7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent. Add the shredded carrots and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for another minute. Let cool.

2. Transfer the cooked vegetables to a large mixing bowl and add remaining ingredients except for sauce components. Use a large spoon, potato masher or your hands to blend together. Heat a small nonstick skillet and cook 1 teaspoon of the mixture to test for ﬂavor. Taste and adjust seasonings, if desired.

3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. With your hands

Mount Langi Ghiran Billi Billi Shiraz 2021 ($16)

From Victoria, the fruit for this shiraz produces lively and delicious black berry character with a hint of spice. Simple, yet delicious.

J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay 2021 ($14)

One of the best buys in chardonnay, this wine draws from 10 clones of estate-grown chardonnay. The palate is creamy with Meyer lemon and vanilla. Aromas are of peach and spice.

DAOU Patrimony 2020 ($300). In our conversations with Daniel Daou, there was never a hesitation in declaring Paso Robles the best region to make wine from Bordeaux’s noble grape varieties. Napa Valley producers disagree, but the Daou brothers are unrelenting with this most expensive luxury wine from Paso Robles. It has continued to score 95-plus scores from critics and old bottles are fetching more than $500 — if you can ﬁnd one. But let’s not call the 2020 a bargain. It is an excessive luxury few can aford. Using cabernet sauvignon grapes from

or an ice cream scooper, gently roll the mixture into meatballs, about 2 inches in diameter. Place on a large parchment-lined sheet pan. Bake meatballs for 50 to 55 minutes, or until cooked through.

4. Meanwhile, make the sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine sauce ingredients over medium heat. Whisk until mixture has thickened and no lumps remain.

5. Arrange the meatballs in individual shallow serving bowls and spoon sauce on top. Garnish with green onions and serve.

Advance preparation: This dish can be prepared one day ahead through Step 3 and refrigerated. Reheat in a 350-degree oven for 20 minutes, occasionally basting with sauce.

a few special rows on an exclusive mountain vineyard, the full-bodied wine is aged in custom French barrels to achieve a special richness and complexity. The brothers recently sold the winery to Treasury Wine Estates for $1 billion, but remain involved in the winemaking.

Tom Marquardt and Patrick Darr have been writing a weekly, syndicated wine column since 1985. See their blog at moreaboutwine. com. They can be reached at marq1948@gmail.com.

This easy recipe, inspired by the zesty, pungent ﬂavors

How The Wine Industry Has Changed

Tom Marquardt and Patrick Darr

April 22, 2024

Circulation: 13,658

Digital

When we began writing this weekly wine column in the 1980s, France was the envy of the wine industry. Not only had their people been making wine longer than the United States, but they were making it better. And, the French coveted their wine like they coveted their cheese. Having a couple of glasses of wine at dinner was commonplace, partly because French tap water was so bad but mostly because wine was ensconced in French culture.

How times have changed. Americans – and winemakers from other European regions – are making great wine using the same grapes indigenous to France. Moreover, the shine has worn off wine consumption in France. It’s no longer de rigueur.

No longer is wine given to French kids in canteens as they go to school. Only one in 10 people in France drink a glass of wine every day – a far cry from the 1980s when half of France’s adult population drank wine daily. There are many reasons the French are no longer wedded to this custom and the reasons aren’t much different than those cited by Americans.

First, the medical community is reversing the conception that wine in moderation improves health. We now read that any consumption of alcohol increases health risks. French President Emmanuel Macron sought to reverse this image when he boasted on television that he drank two glasses of wine a day. He was supportive of one of his country’s most important economic engines, but French doctors and health advocates were appalled.

Now, 37 percent of the French do not drink wine. Sacre bleu!

Second, the cost of the best local wine has skyrocketed in France. With demand dropping at a time when production is increasing, producers are dumping grape juice in the streets or turning it into cleaning fluids as the government seeks to stabilize prices

Also influencing the decline in wine consumption is a generational change that looks more favorably on craft beer and cocktails – if anything at all. The same is the case in the United States when younger people are no longer enamored with getting drunk.

Wine marketers are trying to uplift the industry with confidence that this market trend will change. They are focused on projecting the industry as being environmentally sensitive – and it is. More and more producers have adopted biodynamic and sustainable farming. We are starting to see packaging change as well from the carbonsapping heavy glass bottles to cardboard and aluminum containers. Still, it’s an uphill struggle now to project wine as a safe, healthy and affordable daily quaff.

This brings us to the point that it may not matter for too much longer. Scientists are suggesting that 70 percent of the world’s vineyards may be unsustainable at the end of this century if climate warming continues on its trajectory. Maybe milk will make a comeback.

It’s the season for Pickleball, the trendiest, fastest-growing sport in America, and we’ve got two perfect wines to bring to the game (or après pickleball) and as gifts for the Pickleball-obsessed. Check them out below and please let me know if you’d like me to send samples :)

Shopping for wine

Friends and acquaintances often ask us for wine suggestions and we’re hard-pressed to answer. We sample wine constantly, dump a lot and find a few to recommend. Unfortunately, we have no idea whether some of our favorite wines are available in their local stores. Most of the gems we discover are not mass produced. So, we tend to recommend labels – Wente for chardonnay, Decoy for almost anything, La Crema for pinot noir, Bogle and J. Lohr for red, Columbia Crest for cabernet sauvignon. These wines are widely available in grocery stores and liquor outlets.

But we also try to steer people to regions, such as Paso Robles in California, Portugal, Spain, southern France, Sicily and parts of Italy. Even so, wines from even these bargain regions are priced more than $25 a bottle.

Finding a good wine in a sea of labels is a challenge that isn’t likely to change. But don’t despair; the journey is fun. Like champagne but can’t afford it? Try prosecco or a Spanish cava at a fraction of the cost. Mix it with Aperol if you aren’t satisfied with its taste. Like Prisoner and all of its spinoffs but can’t afford them? There are tons of zinfandels from Lodi that will slake your thirst for this jammy quaff. Don’t like to spend big money on prestigious wines but won’t settle for less quality? Drink less, but drink better.

Wine picks

Daou Patrimony 2020 (Daou Vineyards) ($300). In our conversations with Daniel Daou, there was never a hesitation in declaring Paso Robles the best region to make wine from Bordeaux’s noble grape varieties. Napa Valley producers disagree, but the Daou brothers are unrelenting with this most expensive luxury wine from Paso Robles. It has continued to score 95-plus scores from critics and old bottles are fetching more than $500 – if you can find one. But let’s not call the 2020 a bargain. It is an excessive luxury few can afford. Using cabernet sauvignon grapes from a few special rows on an exclusive mountain vineyard, the full-bodied wine is aged in custom French barrels to achieve a special richness and complexity. The brothers recently sold the winery to Treasury Wine Estates for $1 billion but remain involved in the winemaking.

February 27, 2024

Circulation: 81,472,794

Digital

How The Daou Brothers Crafted Patrimony, A $300 Luxury Wine From Paso Robles

Liz Thach, MW

The American dream is alive and well in California Wine Country. Just look at the Daou brothers, who immigrated to the U.S. from Lebanon and France in the early 1980’s with very little money in their pockets. Next they put themselves through college while working full-time jobs, and then started and sold two companies. The most recent sale was DAOU Vineyards, which was purchased by Treasury Wine Estates for just under $1 billion

But the Daou Brothers didn’t stop there. Defying conventional expectations, they created the first luxury wine from the Paso Robles wine region, called PATRIMONY Cabernet Sauvignon that averages around $300 per bottle. Older vintages, such as the 2014, can soar over $500 per bottle, according to Winesearcher.com. The wine consistently receives critic scores ranging from 96 to 100 points, with Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate awarding the 2016 PATRIMONY an impressive 98 points.

“They said we were crazy – that no one could create a world-class luxury wine from Paso Robles,” reported Daniel Daou (who still oversees all winemaking), in an email interview. “But we knew that the special soil with limestone, the moderate climate with cooling ocean breezes, and our hilltop position was a very special place to craft fine wine.”

Indeed, André Tchelistcheff, one of Napa Valley’s most famous winemakers, called the property, “a jewel of ecological elements”. It is currently the only vineyard in California located at 2,200 feet in elevation, situated 14 miles from the ocean, that can manage to grow world-class Bordeaux varieties, such as cabernet sauvignon. It is located in the Adelaida District AVA of the Paso Robles wine region.

The Secret Behind Crafting PATRIMONY Cabernet Sauvignon Wine

Though Daou Vineyards itself was established in 2007, the first PATRIMONY wine wasn’t released until 2013. This is because it took a number of years for the cabernet sauvignon grapes to reach maturity after planting, and then several more years before this special block within the vineyard proved itself as very unique.

“While in the vineyard on DAOU Mountain in 2013, my brother, Georges, and I noticed a few perfect rows of Cabernet Sauvignon that stood out to us,” reported Daniel Daou. “These vines were so special - the slope and aspect, the phenolics, they were like nothing I’d seen before - they called to me to do something different, something extraordinary.”

Today PATRIMONY cabernet sauvignon wine is not only made from these very special rows within DAOU Mountain vineyard, but also has its own separate winemaking facility within the larger Daou Vineyards organization. The vineyards are farmed using organic practices.

The wine is also crafted in a very special manor, as befits a luxury-priced wine. Once only the best bunches are handharvested from the vineyards, the grapes are gently destemmed and then passed through an optical sort so that only the highest-quality fruit with the correct phenolic measurements (300+ ppm phenolics) goes into tank. The grapes then undergo a 5-day soak, before fermentation starts, using a proprietary native yeast, isolated from their vineyard and produced purely in the dry form called D20 (Daou20).

After fermentation the wine is aged for 30 months in special new French oak barrels. Some of these barrels were crafted from rare, super fine-grain pink oak, that the brothers had custom-made as a proprietary DAOU barrel. “The barrels contribute to the wine's elegance and distinctive character,” explained Daniel.

So How Does PATRIMONY Cabernet Sauvignon Taste?

Recently I had the opportunity to taste the newly released 2020 PATRIMONY Cabernet Sauvignon. If only one word could be used to describe it, that word would be ‘hedonistic.’

The color is an inky black with a glowing purple rim. The aroma is a blend of blueberries, blackcurrant, sandalwood, vanilla, tobacco and sassafras. On the palate, it is rich and velvety, with cassis, blackberry, chocolate mocha, toast, allspice and a hint of black tea. It is well-balanced (even with 15.2% alcohol!) with crisp acidity, and a very long finish. The overall experience is hedonistic, decadent, and a true treat.

The wine is designed to age in bottle for more than 30 years, and ideally increase in value for older highly-rated vintages. Though the 2020 vintage in parts of California, such as Napa and Sonoma, was impacted by wildfires, in the Paso Robles wine region, smoke was not an issue.

“We did not have any fires in our area in 2020,” reported Daniel. In addition, they tested the different blocks to confirm that the 2020 grapes on DAOU Mountain were completely smoke taint free.

How to Successfully Sell a $300 Bottle of Wine

While Daniel Daou focused on the highest quality winemaking in crafting PATRIMONY, his brother, Georges Daou, is the wine marketing and sales magician. And he would need to be in order to propel a $300 bottle of Paso Robles cabernet sauvignon onto the fine wine world stage. However, he has managed to succeed brilliantly. In fact, the wine is even sold at Harrod’s in London for £350 per bottle.

“PATRIMONY is exceeding expectations in the market,” reported Georges Daou (who is still involved in marketing), in an online interview. “Our qualitative distribution rivals wines with much longer trajectories than ours.”

A key part of the success was Georges’s excellent relationships with trade partners and consumers over the years. With his love of travel, he is frequently on the road, and in launching the PATRIMONY wine brand, he traveled even more –especially internationally to help the brand gain recognition, and at the same time, put the Adeliada District AVA of Paso Robles on the global wine map.

“Our consumers and trade partners are thrilled to show their guests and friends something incredible from the Adelaida district, which is turning heads across the globe,” he stated.

Another important aspect of their sales strategy is that the number of bottles produced is very limited, due to the fact that only a few vineyard rows are used to produce it. Therefore many of the vintages are allocated, and consumers must join a waitlist in order to purchase some bottles. The wine is also available at a select number of high-end wine shops and restaurants.

What’s Next for the Daou Brothers?

With the sale of DAOU Vineyards, including the PATRIMONY brand, to Treasury Wine Estates, many wonder what the Daou brothers will do next. But part of the deal (as is common with many winery sales) is that the founders will stay on to assist with operations.

“PATRIMONY and DAOU are my passions. I will continue on as chief winemaker over all the wines," reported Daniel. It appears that, like many wine entrepreneurs, the call of the land and the vine is still very strong within them. It is also partially why they decided to name their greatest wine to date, PATRIMONY.

“For us creating this wine was about legacy, which is why PATRIMONY’s motto is Legatum Nostrum - “our legacy,” explained Daniel. “In the end, this land is not ours – it is an inheritance forged by faith, family, and heritage. We are called to be its shepherds, and to prepare it for those who come after.”

The Vintner Project Newsletter

Devin Par r

Write up sharing the Patrimony story + review of the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon including imagery January 17, 2024

Holiday Gifting Guide 2023: The Best Paso Robles Reds

Matthew

Kaner

December 11, 2023

Circulation: 417,929,816

Digital

Paso Robles has put itself on the map, not only on the Central Coast of California but on the world stage. It's not often a winery sells for $1,000,000,000 - and the region had a $1B sale just a few short weeks ago! The waves will ripple through the ether for a long while, and I trust many wineries in the region will benefit from the greater awareness the sale provides to the area. The wines have long been incredibly made and coveted by those in the know, now the world knows. Here are my picks for the best Paso Robles Reds to give as gifts in 2023:

Daou Patrimony Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (SRP: $275)

Deep ruby in color, this wine boasts aromas of cassis, blueberry, pomegranate, and currants. Notes of tobacco, chocolate, and toasted spices follow, bringing an immense depth to this wine. The palate is full-bodied and rich with ideal balance between concentrated fruit and freshness. From its mouthwatering acidity and flawlessly integrated oak, it finishes with notes of blackberry jam, cacao, and mocha complemented with herbaceous tones of fennel and thyme.

Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Barrel Aged: 30 months in Taransaud T5, PATRIMONY Custom Bois Rosé 5-year barrel, Berger with custom toast, ANA Jupille 3-year barrel, Vicard Energie

Matthew Kaner • 2nd

w,ne Correspondent for __ 1w • Edi ed • ( + Follow

Holid ay Gifting Guide 2023: The Best Paso Robles Reds

Give the gift that will have your recipient drinking like a Billionaire.

Halter Ranch I Hubba Wines I PAIX SUR TERRE I Tablas Creek Vineyard I Linne Calodo Cellars I Villa Creek Cellars I DAOU Emily HardinLombardi I Katherine Dolecki Payton Rachel Nugent I KLG Public Relations I Sean C. Weir I Cris Cherr y I Jason Haas Ryan Pease I Georges Daou

Mathew J. Kaner 0 @matthewjkaner

Holiday Gifting Guide 2023: The Best Paso Robles Reds

Holiday Gifing Guide 2023: The Best Paso Robles Reds

Matthew Kaner December 11 at 10:22 AM 0 Holiday Gifting Guide 2023: The Best Paso Robles Reds Give the

Give the gift that will have your recipient drinking like a Billionaire.

@MensJournal

Holiday Gifting Guide 2023: Th e Best Paso Robles Reds

Halter Ranch Vineyard Hubba Wines I Paix Sur Terre I Tablas Creek Vineyard I Linne Calodo Cellars I V lla Creek Cellars Daou Winer Paso Robles I Emily Hardin-Lombardi Rachel Nugent KLG Public Relations I Sean C. Weir Cris Cherr Jason Haas Ryan Pease

ADDITIONAL PLACEMENTS

February 9, 2024

Circulation: 22,221,038 Digital

20 of the Sweetest Food and Drink Gifts for Every Valentine & Galentine On Your List

Kelli Acciardo

Valentine's Day has a way of sneaking up on us every year, am I right? At the last minute, we're left wondering what to buy for our loved ones, but the good news is everyone loves food! So, consider giving your S.O., BFF, family member or coworker a little love in the form of an edible Valentine's Day present (or bottle of bubbly) on February 14th.

DAOU Be My Valentine Set

Nothing says I love you like a gorgeous bottle of DAOU Reserve Rosé and a bouquet of everlasting dried flowers. Transport your Valentine to the enchanting south of France with this Provincial-style wine that boasts tropical fruit and citrus notes.

Gifts for Wine Lovers

Martha Cincerneros

GIFTS FOR WINE LOVERS

February 6, 2024

Circulation: 18,400

Digital

Have you been searching for the perfect gift for the wine enthusiast in your life? Look no further than WineDivaa’s selection of wine gifts! Our collection offers an array of elegantly crafted wines and luxurious wine gift sets that will impress even the most discerning wine connoisseurs.

DAOU SOULMATES GIFT SET

Fall in Love with DAOU’s Valentine’s Day Gift Set DAOU Soulmates

Treat your soulmate to DAOU’s Soulmates Gift Set, featuring their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020 Soul of a Lion, and the 2020 Estate Mayote. The set comes in a luxury gift box. The 2020 Soul of a Lion has a silky and voluptuous palate with currant, cassis, black raspberry, and cherry flavors. The Mayote presents a sophisticated bouquet of dark berry preserves, black cherry, violets, and licorice, complemented by graphite and ash mineral notes.

Gift Set Items:

• 1 x 2020 Estate Soul of a Lion

• 1 x 2020 Estate Mayote

• Luxury Gift Box