Sponsored Content
Darioush Khaledi, founder of his namesake winery in Napa Valley has no shortage of courage or commitment.
Courage, commitment, an entrepreneurial spirit and a healthy measure of graciousness best describe Darioush Khaledi, who founded his namesake winery in Napa Valley in 1997. When asked to reflect on his dual vision to make world class wines from Southern Napa Valley and to elevate the standard of winery guest experience he says ‘well, I chose the path less travelled and hope to have made a lot of people happy along the journey.’
Indeed, Darioush’s path was the one less travelled. In the late 1990’s, while the focus was on northern Napa Valley, Darioush and his winemaker Steve Devitt focused intently on site selection and cooler, maritime-influenced microclimates of Southern Napa Valley and atop Mount Veeder. Together, they saw the potential of Bordeaux varieties grown from these unique, more temperate sites in crafting balanced wines with deep character, grace, complexity and poise.
Early vintages of their flagship release, Darioush Signature Cabernet Sauvignon were applauded by critics, capturing a coveted spot on Wine Spectator’s top 100 list and Decanter’s highest recommendations list and continue to garner praise for their style and distinction. The 2013 vintage will be their 17th together, the portfolio has expanded to include small lots of Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.
As world travellers themselves, Darioush and Shahpar Khaledi’s vision is echoed in a deep commitment to hospitality at the winery estate off of Napa’s Silverado Trail. Together, they have carried out their ideals of taking each guest on a journey. Taking cues from their Persian heritage, a visit to the winery calls on centuries-old traditions of going beyond one’s means to make guests feel more at home than home itself. Culturally curious explorers, those preferring the road less travelled will be enlightened by the Culture of Wine Lunch, an exploration of winecraft through the millennia hosted by the resident Wine Historian.
Now well into the second decade since the winery’s founding, Darioush is synonymous with wines and experiences worthy of the world stage. Darioush’s carefully crafted wines possess gravitas, and they are the standard bearer for winery hospitality in the Napa Valley.
Darioush is a destination, with a variety of tasting experiences designed to share their worldly perspective. We recommend reserving in advance by visiting darioush.com, or call to speak with one of their Concierges at +1 707 257 2345.
More wineries to visit
Château Soutard, Grand Cru Classé Saint-Emilion
A visit to Château Soutard is a historical journey and an opportunity to share a very French art of living.
Visit Marqués de Riscal
In the heart of the Marqués de Riscal wine cellars, a colossal project has been brought to life...
Montes Wines
Montes Way, an unforgettable experience
Visit Château Siaurac
Welcome in a wonderful historic XIXth century house, classified historic monument...
Robert Mondavi Winery
Robert Mondavi established his namesake winery in 1966...
Bodega DiamAndes, a perfect place to enjoy the Argentine way of life…
Bodega DiamAndes is a stunning winery at 1,000 metres high in the Andes foothills...
Bodegas Torres
Visit our winery and fall in love with our land, wine, gastronomy and Mediterranean culture.
Visit Vignamaggio, Tuscany, Italy
A working farm since 1404, Vignamaggio has been cultivating the vines and producing wine for over 600 years...
Bodega Zuccardi Valle de Uco, Argentina
Through each of their wines, Zuccardi expresses the essence of the wines origin...
Get our daily fine wine reviews, latest wine ratings, news and travel guides delivered straight to your inbox.

Content written and compiled by the Decanter Team
-
Explore paradise one wine at a time...Sponsored Content Set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is a tropical haven for wine lovers, offering a curated wine programme that elevates every stay.
-
Behind the hill: Affordable Burgundy from Monthélie, Auxey-Duresses & St-RomainThree villages bubbling with excitement....
-
Explore paradise one wine at a time...Sponsored Content Set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is a tropical haven for wine lovers, offering a curated wine programme that elevates every stay.
-
Protos: Defining the wines of the futureSponsored Content Winemaker Marilena Bonilla has overseen many changes during two decades at Protos, one of Spain’s most famous wineries. She reflects on the history and legacy of the iconic Ribera del Duero brand, and how she is adapting the wines for the future.
-
Selvanella: A Chianti Classico pioneerSponsored Content In 1969, when Chianti Classico was still dominated by blends and bulk production, one estate put the name of its vineyard on the label. It was an act of conviction that still defines it today.
-
Gavi: Piedmont’s hidden gemSponsored Content Set between the Apennines and the Ligurian coast, Gavi combines medieval charm, distinctive gastronomy and one of Italy’s finest wines.
-
Cuatro Rayas: Past-proofing the futureSponsored Content Responsible for the largest area under vine in Rueda, this forward-thinking wine cooperative has embraced its role as the custodian of an invaluable natural and cultural heritage.
-
Cantina Tollo: Business not as usualSponsored Content In the heart of Abruzzo, Cantina Tollo is proving that cooperatives are becoming a key source of quality wine. The benchmark producer shows how a long-term vision can balance tradition and innovation to create a truly sustainable business – and some very serious wines.
-
Two different faces of Tuscany: Castello di Radda and Cantina Fabio MottaSponsored Content For 50 years the Agricole Gussalli Beretta group has been dedicated to producing wines of the highest quality in Italy’s most prestigious wine-growing regions.
-
Tenuta Il Finale – Shining a spotlight on Piedmont’s land and grapesSponsored Content A friendship forged through the world of business led three wine lovers to the steep hills of Piedmont, where they are championing the region’s local varieties.