Daou Vineyards has developed a strategy to invest in vineyards in various regions of the world that have a recognized climate and ideal soil type. The Daou brothers are focused on producing high quality wines that are carefully crafted to meet the standard of the most sophisiticated palates.

The French have used the word “Terroir” to describe the “taste of the soil,” specifically when referring to the earthy flavor of the wines; Terroir not only includes the reference to the type of the soil, but also to the geographic factors that might influence the quality of the finished wine.  It is similar to the word microclimate when talking about a vineyard’s characteristics.  In order to produce a great wine, the Daou brothers believe that Terroir is very important as all great wines start by having the best vineyard.

As such, it is important that certain management philosophies be applied in order to produce the best harvest possible.  One such technique is to focus on low yields for grapes per acre and to naturally stress the vineyards through limited watering.  When planting new vineyards a 6 x 3 configuration for planting all the vines is favored—meaning that the vines are three feet apart and the rows are six feet apart.  This configuration allows for natural competition and stress on the vines which naturally yields smaller and more concentrated berries.

Daou Vineyards has spent the last two years searching for the perfect site to build the Daou Vineyards Winery in the western hills of Paso Robles. The property is a 100 acre parcel of rich limestone-based soil at a 2,200 feet elevation. Approximately 70 acres of vineyards are being planted in the next three years and a winery is targeted to be built by 2010. This property has a south-facing orientation, limestone-based soil and enjoys good warmth in the summer days with very cool nights contributing to wines with an incredible balance, purity and strength.

Daou Vineyard’s investment in Paralelo located in the Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico, provides access to 400 acres of vines planted over 50 years ago on average.  The vineyard management directed by Hugo D’Acosta leads to very concentrated grapes that allow the winery to produce quality wines.  A partnership with both Paralelo and Casa De Piedra allows access to vineyards in the South of France which have over 80 acres of old vines.

Having relationships with different producers in various regions allows Daou Vineyards to have access to great Terroirs which in turn allows the creation of the best wines.  The wines in Lodi come from very old and established vineyards that in some cases have been around for 90 years. The vines in these vineyards lead to tremendously concentrated fruit that are intense and balanced.

We invite you to try our wines and taste the intensity and character that all of our wines enjoy.