After over 30 years in business, it would be easy to forgive Michael’s on East for sticking to a set formula and riding it into the sunset. They have the feel of an institution at this point, a place that is too ubiquitous to fail, a business that could almost just stop trying. And, in a way, the restaurant, catering outfit and wine Mecca have, in fact, stuck to a formula. But that formula is all about finding something new.

Last week, Michael Klauber regaled guests at an intimate candle-lit wine dinner with stories of his travels and helped present one of the latest additions to the wine offerings in the cellar. DAOU Family Estates vineyards out of Paso Robles, California produces some of the most celebrated and collectible wines of the region. Situated on one of the first estates to produce wine in California—the former Hoffman Mountain Ranch property established by Andre Tschelistcheff and Dr. Stanley Hoffman—DAOU vineyards embody the way Michael’s on East traffics in stories as much as it does in wine.

The founders, Lebanese brothers Georges and Daniel Daou, fled their war-torn home country as children, became the model of the American dream and then turned their hustle and talent to wine. The result is a 26-acre vineyard in which all of the grapes—even those destined for modestly-priced wines—are handpicked. “DAOU mountain is a truly magical place with an incredible story,” says Klauber, “and we’re really excited to be one of their exclusive partners.” 

Distribution of DAOU wines into Florida is so new, in fact, that many of the wines at the tasting were not yet even in stock for purchase, though guests were given first dibs on orders by its host, Jordan O'Mara from DAOU Vineyards. Of the exclusive wines, the 2019 “Sequentis” merlot, a balanced, dark and fruity affair with a clean finish was one of them. Other noteworthy reds included the 2019 Reserve cabernet sauvignon, a Bordeaux-style wine with a dark berry bouquet that gives way to spice and a lengthy finish.

Michael's On East, 1212 S East Ave., Sarasota, 941-366-0007, michaelsathome.com