Georges J. Daou is the proprietor of Paso Robles-based DAOU Family Estates and PATRIMONY, both leaders within the luxury wine segment. “Our secret to what we do — making great wines — is rooted in precision, passion, extreme viticulture and the relentless pursuit of farming for flavor.” Learn about Georges J. Daou…
Hometown: Paso Robles, CA
First job: Design engineer at Wavetek, San Diego
Favorite ways to spend your free time in CA: Golf, cycling and polo.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Saving my parents from a very undesirable outcome. If they hadn’t come to the United States with the very little they had, which my brother Daniel (and co-proprietor at DAOU and PATRIMONY) used to realize the promises that come along with being in this lovely country. I got my start in graduate school at 24 years old. My parents took me up on my offer to immigrate to the United States for a new beginning and a better life. They had a $100,000 saved, and they so generously agreed to give me $50,000 of it to build a company and immigrate them. That’s all they had left, and that’s the moment I felt the pressure to create a business that drives value for consumers while creating value for my family as a result of our accomplishments.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Myself. I believe that we are our own enemy and that humans have an incredible capacity to change, but very often are not awakened.
Someone who inspires you and why: My parents, who were selfless in all they did. I will forever be grateful for the life and love lessons they taught me. Today, I use these with everyone I meet. It makes for a truly beautiful life. Prior to founding DAOU, my brother and I experienced a massive emotional letdown when we lost three people in our family — our mother, father and sister — in one year. We were searching for Life 2.0 and had always dreamt of living in the countryside as it reminded us of our heritage and childhood. We loved wine. My father loved wine. It was always a part of our family and home life and what inspired my brother and myself to take the big gamble that today is DAOU Family Estates.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Be authentic and have faith in yourself and your product. And, keep focused on your consumer and your passion. Finally, find your dream, dig very deep, and don’t give up.
Favorite quote: “If it’s in the way, it is the way.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I am not financially driven whatsoever, but I am purpose driven. Of course, I care about the finances, as you should, but the drive and passion is to be impactful to humanity and especially to the humanity around me. If you are in the business for the money, you will fail. If you are in the business because you love it, you will find your place in the sun.
What makes someone fabulous: Their authenticity, special signature and individuality.