MEET DEZILU: DOMINIQUE DACRUZ AND LAUREN DACRUZ AT A TABLE FOR TWO WHERE SHE SITS FORWARD, AND HE SITS BACK.
DOMINIQUE
We started years ago… on different continents. Me in France with Portuguese roots and Lauren in New Mexico.
LAUREN
But I’m convinced I have French roots in here. (taps her heart).
DOMINIQUE
The important thing is that our story began together.
YOUR VOICE: HOW DID YOU GET TOGETHER?
DOMINIQUE
My parents made wine for themselves because wine was a necessity. I grew up among the vines and stomped grapes with my bare feet. Lauren has had her share of grape stomping and cellar work in Portugal with my mom. At a very young age I put myself through formal oenology school and sommelier studies in France.
LAUREN
He’s too modest to say, but he’s had over 30 years’ experience in the world of wine. He received the Grand Award from the Wine Spectator Magazine twice along with a James Beard nomination for his wine programs. Over two decades as Wine Director at The Post Ranch Inn – awarded one of the top resorts in the world. He worked with several California winemakers producing wine.
DOMINIQUE
(bashful smile) I’m just handy with a cork. You asked when we met—it was at Post Ranch. Lauren had her hands in pastries, events and recipe creations for the wine, a renaissance woman; her passion and imagination sparked mine. Our love—for all things French, for wine, for each other… I believe that love shines through everything we do.
LAUREN
(smiles back) You can’t talk about love without food and wine. Those are our primal needs. They intertwine at our core.
DOMINIQUE
Living in Big Sur our house was always filled with people. Watching our friends taste and discover— that’s our delight! When they eat and drink… they’re happy… we’re happy.
YOUR VOICE: WHAT MADE YOU START DEZILU?
LAUREN
We wanted to share this feeling with as many as we could—more people than we could ever host at home. The idea is to give respite. Build memories. Dominique has taught me that wine is meant to be enjoyed—and enjoyed often, with your loved ones.
DOMINIQUE
It’s how we do life!
YOUR VOICE: NICE. SO… WHICH ARE YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCERS?
DOMINIQUE
Well-accredited producers from all parts of the world, producers who have invited us into their homes to share a meal and into their vineyards. This may sound strange, but I don’t like to acquire a wine so that I can tell a story. I search for the wine that tells a story to me.
YOUR VOICE: THESE PEOPLE YOU ACQUIRE THE WINE FOR, YOU CLAIM TO PERSONALIZE THE WINE ACCORDING TO INDIVIDUAL PREFERENCE. HOW CAN YOU KNOW WHAT EACH OF THEM WILL LIKE?
DOMINIQUE
We listen to them.
LAUREN
We’re glad you’re here. It’s time for a glass. It’s time we listen to you.
Dominique pours YOU a glass
LAUREN
The truth is that wine education doesn’t matter if you can’t pour your heart into the experience–unrefined and unfiltered.
DOMINIQUE
We do this over and over and with love. We see the wine, taste it, touch it and smell it. We even hear the wine. That’s why you raise your glass for a toast.
SANTE!
