Soul of a Lion: A Standout 2023 Daou Vintage and the Story Behind It
DAOU Vineyards is celebrating the release of its 2023 vintage and early reviews suggest it may be one of the most exceptional yet.
I was invited to Miami for the launch of Soul of a City, an immersive experience bringing together wine, food, and culture to introduce this new vintage. It’s a bold way to debut a wine that, according to those closest to it, reflects near-perfect growing conditions.
“We had an influx of rain, almost double the amount, and probably the most gradual, even ripening summer,” said Laura Reynolds, DAOU’s Brand Ambassador, when she joined me on The Paige Kornblue Show.
The result?
“The balance in the wines are gorgeous It was one of the best vintages we’ve ever seen.”
But as much as this release is about what’s in the bottle, it’s also about what surrounds it.
“I think wine as a whole is something that brings us all together,” Reynolds told me.
From harvest to table, she describes wine as a full-circle experience, one where “you get to see all of your hard work in a glass and… watch everybody enjoy it.”
At the center of DAOU’s portfolio is Soul of a Lion, a wine rooted in family history.
The Daou brothers built their American dream after surviving the Lebanese civil war, inspired by their father’s resilience. The name itself comes from his reflection on a life shaped by both hardship and gratitude. It’s a story that gives the wine its meaning and its name.
With Soul of a City, DAOU is extending that story beyond Paso Robles, creating experiences in places like Miami - and soon Los Angeles - that reflect energy, ambition, and connection.
“There’s so much excitement and opportunity in Miami. We really felt that both of our brand and the city just go hand in hand.”
With the 2023 vintage debuting and Soul of a City expanding nationwide, DAOU is marking a milestone moment for both the brand and its reach.
The 2023 DAOU Estate Soul of a Lion will be available starting this month (with a suggested retail price of $150) at select retailers including Palm Beach Liquors, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, and Total Wine.
