DAOU Vineyards Takes Over TAO Los Angeles for a Lavish Soul of a Lion Celebration

DAOU Vineyards didn’t simply host a dinner in Hollywood — the acclaimed Paso Robles winery effectively took over TAO Los Angeles for a lavish, wine-soaked celebration of its newly released 2023 Soul of a Lion cabernet sauvignon.

For one night only, the iconic dining and nightlife destination became an extension of DAOU Mountain itself, transformed into an immersive showcase of California luxury, hospitality, and world-class winemaking.

The evening of April 23 marked the Los Angeles stop of DAOU’s “Soul of a City” tour, a multi-city experiential series inspired by the winery’s flagship wine and designed to bring the spirit of Paso Robles into America’s cultural capitals.

In LA, that meant dramatic lighting, flowing cabernet, exceptional cuisine designed to complement the wines, and a guest list packed with media, tastemakers, collectors, and hospitality insiders — all gathering under TAO’s soaring ceilings for a night centered entirely around the artistry of DAOU.

The event featured curated tastings of the new vintage alongside rare library selections, with a special media tasting led by Senior Winemaker José Alberto Moreira dos Santos and wine expert Devin Reed (aka Dev the Somm).

“As the crown jewel of the portfolio, Soul of a Lion represents the pinnacle of our winemaking and is a true reflection of DAOU Mountain’s power and elegance,” said Moreira dos Santos. “2023 was an exceptional year with long hang times and moderate temperatures, allowing us to achieve notable phenolic maturity while preserving freshness and natural acidity. It is a vintage showcasing both the technical precision and the artistry that defines Soul of a Lion.”

Guests were encouraged to venture upstairs into TAO’s intimate “Library” private dining room, where coveted 2017, 2018, and 2019 vintages of Soul of a Lion were displayed and poured, offering attendees a rare opportunity to explore the evolution and aging potential of DAOU’s flagship cabernet sauvignon across multiple standout years.

The evening continued with a welcome toast from Reed and DAOU brand ambassador Laura Reynolds, setting the tone for a dynamic celebration of wine, culture, and elevated hospitality.

Throughout the night, service operated with remarkable precision — glasses refreshed almost before they were empty, dishes arriving in seamless rhythm, and staff moving through the room with the polished choreography of fine dining at the highest level.

And while the wine was unquestionably the star, TAO’s culinary team delivered an indulgent spread worthy of the occasion.

Attendees enjoyed endless selections of pristine sushi rolls and sashimi from TAO’s signature menu alongside stations with delicate dumplings, tender filet mignon, wok-fired noodle dishes, and an array of decadent desserts that seemed to appear endlessly throughout the evening.

The interplay between the richly layered cabernet and the restaurant’s bold, umami-forward flavors made the night feel less like a tasting and more like a luxurious culinary journey.

At the center of the takeover was the 2023 Soul of a Lion itself, a wine DAOU describes as the pinnacle expression of DAOU Mountain.

Aged 22 months in 100% new French oak, the 2023 blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet Franc, and petit verdot delivered decadent layers of blueberry, blackberry, plum, toasted oak, dark chocolate, smoked meat, and crème brûlée. Rich and commanding yet remarkably balanced, the wine unfolded slowly across the palate with polished tannins and a finish that lingered long after each sip.

The evening also highlighted DAOU’s growing stature not simply as a winery, but as one of California wine country’s premier tourism destinations.

Perched atop the Adelaida District in Paso Robles, DAOU Mountain has become known for sweeping vineyard views, luxury hospitality, and immersive tasting experiences that draw travelers from around the world.

The estate’s dramatic hilltop setting — once described by legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff as “a jewel of ecological elements” — has helped position DAOU as both a benchmark producer of collectible cabernet sauvignon and a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts seeking a more intimate alternative to Napa Valley.

That sense of place was woven throughout the Los Angeles experience. Every detail of the evening reflected the sophistication and warmth that have become synonymous with the DAOU name.

“Named in tribute to founders Georges and Daniel Daou’s father, Soul of a Lion honors the passion, perseverance, and enduring conviction to craft world-class cabernet sauvignon from Paso Robles,” the winery shared in press materials surrounding the release.

As the night unfolded inside TAO, it became clear this was far more than a traditional wine launch. DAOU transformed one of Hollywood’s most recognizable venues into a living expression of its brand — where exceptional wine, elevated hospitality, and California glamour merged into one unforgettable evening.