Darioush

Darioush Khaledi was raised in Iran and emigrated to the United States in 1976, building a grocery business in Southern California before turning to wine. He and his wife Shahpar founded the winery in 1997, choosing southern Napa Valley sites at a time when that decision ran counter to prevailing Cabernet country wisdom. The 22,000 square foot Persepolis-inspired hospitality center opened in 2004, with travertine stones quarried near Shiraz in Iran and shipped to Napa, blending Old World cultural identity with New World winemaking ambition. Khaledi received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2008 in recognition of his contributions as an immigrant entrepreneur.

• Winery established in 1997 by Darioush and Shahpar Khaledi
• Darioush Khaledi emigrated from Iran to the United States in 1976
• Persepolis-inspired 22,000 square foot hospitality center opened in 2004 with stones quarried near Shiraz, Iran
• Darioush Khaledi received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2008

The estate totals 130 acres across multiple Napa Valley appellations with approximately 65 acres under vine. The main estate site on Silverado Trail covers 33 acres including the winery and hospitality buildings. The 50 acre Sage Vineyard on Mount Veeder, the largest single block, sits between 1,850 and 2,080 feet with volcanic soils and cooler mountain temperatures that shape concentration in the fruit. Additional holdings include the Ashley Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District, the Coombsville Vineyard near the city of Napa, and the 21 acre Devitt Vineyard in Yountville (formerly known as Grigsby). Darioush blends by site as much as by varietal, drawing on the distinct character each location contributes.

• 130 total acres in Napa Valley with roughly 65 acres planted
• Sage Vineyard on Mount Veeder (50 acres) sits at 1,850 to 2,080 feet with volcanic soils
• Holdings span Oak Knoll (Ashley Vineyard), Coombsville, and Yountville (Devitt Vineyard, 21 acres)
• Blending philosophy prioritizes site-driven complexity over varietal-driven structure

Darioush produces Bordeaux-style blended wines alongside single-varietal expressions, working with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Pinot Noir among others. Steve Devitt served as founding winemaker from 1998 to 2018. Hope Goldie joined as Enologist and Assistant Winemaker in 2005 and rose through the ranks to VP of Winemaking after Devitt's departure, leading the program until her own departure in early 2025. On January 16, 2025, Trevor Durling was appointed VP of Winemaking and Viticulture, bringing more than 20 years of Napa and Sonoma experience including his previous role as General Manager and Senior Winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyard. Michel Rolland consulted from 2013, and the Darius II flagship Bordeaux-style blend received 99 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW in Wine Advocate (October 29, 2018) for the 2016 vintage.

• Trevor Durling appointed VP of Winemaking and Viticulture on January 16, 2025
• Steve Devitt served as founding winemaker from 1998 to 2018; Hope Goldie led winemaking after Devitt's departure until her own departure in early 2025
• Michel Rolland consulted from 2013
• Darius II 2016 received 99 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW in Wine Advocate (October 29, 2018)

All estate vineyards are organically farmed, with sustainability practices that extend beyond the vine row. Darioush holds Bee Friendly Farming and Fish Friendly Farming certifications, reflecting a commitment to broader ecological stewardship around pollinator health and watershed protection. The estate's southern Napa location, where fog coverage and cooler microclimates already moderate vine stress, complements these practices and supports the winery's focus on balance and refinement in the glass.

• Organically farmed estate vineyards across all Darioush holdings
• Certified Bee Friendly Farming, supporting pollinator habitat
• Certified Fish Friendly Farming, addressing watershed and habitat health
• Cool southern Napa microclimates complement low-impact farming choices

Darioush is one of Napa Valley's most distinctive estates, both for the immigrant story behind its founding and for the architectural statement of its Persepolis-inspired hospitality center. Its commitment to mature vine sourcing, site-driven blending, and organic farming places it within the modern Napa luxury Cabernet category while preserving a singular identity rooted in Persian heritage. The 2025 appointment of Trevor Durling marks the third era of winemaking leadership in the estate's history, building on the foundation set by founding winemaker Steve Devitt and continued by Hope Goldie, with Michel Rolland having provided continuity as consulting winemaker from 2013.

• One of Napa's most architecturally distinctive estates, with Persepolis quarry stones shipped from Iran
• Trevor Durling's January 2025 appointment marks the third era of winemaking leadership after Steve Devitt and Hope Goldie
• Mature-vine sourcing for Signature wines and site-driven blending define the house style
• Organic and certified Bee/Fish Friendly farming combined with Bordeaux varietal focus