Darioush

Darioush Khaledi was born and raised in Shiraz, Iran, and emigrated to the United States in 1976. He and his wife Shahpar founded the winery in 1997, choosing southern Napa Valley sites in the 1990s when that decision was unconventional. The 22,000-square-foot winery building draws direct inspiration from Persepolis, the ancient Persian capital, blending Old World cultural identity with New World winemaking ambition. Khaledi later received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in recognition of his contributions as an immigrant entrepreneur.

• Winery established in 1997 by Darioush and Shahpar Khaledi
• Darioush Khaledi emigrated from Shiraz, Iran to the U.S. in 1976
• Architecture modeled on Persepolis, the ancient capital of Persia
• Southern Napa Valley site selection was an unconventional choice at the time of founding

The estate spans 120 acres across multiple Napa Valley appellations, including Mount Veeder and the Oak Knoll AVA, with approximately 65 acres currently under vine. Mount Veeder's Sage Vineyard sits at elevations between 1,800 and 2,200 feet, where volcanic soils and cooler mountain temperatures shape concentration in the fruit. Lower valley blocks feature forward loam with Hambright in places, and some blocks show Goldridge soil, a sandy loam derived from ancient marine sediments. Southeastern sun exposure and fog coverage across the southern Napa sites create cooler microclimates that contribute to the estate's focus on balance and refinement. Darioush blends complexity by site rather than by varietal, drawing on the distinct character each location contributes.

• Mount Veeder Sage Vineyard sits at 1,800 to 2,200 feet elevation with volcanic soils
• Goldridge sandy loam from ancient marine sediments present in select blocks
• Fog coverage and southeastern exposure define the cool southern Napa microclimate
• 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, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Pinot Noir. Steve Devitt served as founding winemaker from 1998 to 2018, and Hope Goldie has held the director of winemaking role since 2005. Michel Rolland joined as consulting winemaker in 2013. Signature wines require grapes sourced only from vines that have reached 7 to 12 years of age, a decision that prioritizes depth and vine maturity over volume. Early vintages of the Signature Cabernet Sauvignon appeared on Wine Spectator's Top 100 list.

• Produces Bordeaux-style blends plus single-varietal wines across nine grape varieties
• Signature wines require 7 to 12 year old vines as a minimum sourcing standard
• Michel Rolland has consulted since 2013; Hope Goldie has led winemaking since 2005
• Early Signature Cabernet Sauvignon vintages appeared on Wine Spectator's Top 100 list

All estate vineyards are organically farmed and carry regenerative certification. Darioush also holds Bee Friendly Farming and Fish Friendly Farming certifications, reflecting a commitment to broader ecological stewardship beyond the vineyard block itself.

• Organically farmed estate vineyards with regenerative certification
• Certified Bee Friendly Farming across estate holdings
• Certified Fish Friendly Farming, addressing watershed and habitat health