Darioush – A Persian Paradise in Napa

A BIT OF HISTORY

Darioush Winery is a great example of what happens when you follow your passion and turn a dream into a reality. Darioush Khaledi grew up in the Shiraz region of Iran, where Syrah originated. As a young boy, he would sneak sips from the barrels of his father’s hobby wines. As a young man, he began collecting fine wines. Today he is recognized as one of the top wine collectors in the US. Darioush made quite a journey, both literally and figuratively, to achieve his dream of opening a winery and creating his own handcrafted wines.

In 1968, Darioush graduated from Tehran Polytechnic with a master’s degree in civil engineering.  In 1976, at the age of 30, he immigrated to Los Angeles with his family. He and his brother-in-law joined forces and opened a 14,000 square-foot grocery store, Top Valu Market. Today, they own one of the largest independent grocery store chains with 25 stores serving the Southern California market.

In 1997, Darioush Winery was founded on a 115-acre Napa Valley estate. In 2004, the winery opened its magnificent 22,000 square foot Visitor Center, modeled after the ancient capital city of Persepolis, a nod to Darioush’s Persian roots.

Darioush Winery produces 20,000 cases a year. The winery focuses on limited production “old world” style wines and features the Signature Cabernet Sauvignon as the cornerstone of their production. Darioush wines are sold direct to the consumer at the winery and online. Additionally, the wines are featured at a select number of restaurants and retailers.

THE EXPERIENCE

John and I visited Darioush on a Tuesday with our friend Garrett (another Sommelier classmate). We were helping Garrett move to Napa to begin his “vinternship” at The French Laundry and used the trip as an excuse to visit a few wineries along the way. 

Talk about a grand entrance – the long driveway led us through the gate, past the vineyards to the massive structure of Persian travertine, featuring sculpted columns and fountains. After taking a dozen (or more) photos, we made our way to the entrance of the Visitor Center. Walking into Darioush Winery, we were captivated by the large interior space. At the center was a large granite bar with four counters.  The front counter served as the hospitality area. The other three counters had high bar chairs for tasting. In the center of the bar was an island that featured a stunning arrangement of daffodils and greenery. Around the perimeter of the bar were alcoves of glass tables, couches and chairs to sit and enjoy the wines and the atmosphere in the Visitor Center. Behind the central bar were stairs and an elevator leading down to the Barrel Chai, where the red wines age in French oak barrels. Past the stairs is the Fermentation Tank Room featuring floor-to-ceiling glass to view the stainless steel tanks.

  

Ricardo welcomed us as we entered the Visitor Center. He gave us a tasting menu so that we could choose either the Signature Flight ($25 for a tasting of four Signature wines: 2008 Chardonnay, 2008 Cabernet Franc, 2007 Merlot, 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon) or the Amuse Flight ($12 for the 2008 Signature Chardonnay and the 2007 Duel, a Cabernet/Shiraz blend). They will waive each tasting fee with a two-bottle purchase.

The bar was a bit crowded so Ricardo directed us to one of the corner seating areas. These areas are typically reserved in advance for a tableside host-guided portfolio tasting. What’s nice about the tableside tasting is that there is no additional fee other than the standard tasting fee – and you get a host to pour at your table. Ricardo started us off with the 2009 Signature Viognier and a bowl of roasted pistachio nuts.  The Viognier had a bright, crisp flavor and paired well with the salty pistachios – it was a really nice way to start our tasting experience.  Darioush imports the pistachios from Persian producers and sells them by the bag at the Visitor Center and online.

The three of us decided to go for the Signature Flight. I whined a bit because I love blends and really wanted to try the 2007 Duel. Darioush Winery is one of those places where the tasting room hosts take pride in their wines and are willing to pour off of the tasting menu. The Duel delivered a harmonious blend of the two varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz with earthiness, chocolate, red fruit and spicy flavors.

After we tasted the Viognier, Chardonnay and the Duel, the bar cleared out and we were able to move over to high bar chairs. I prefer to sit at the tasting bar to be in the middle of the action and to see everything that’s going on in the room. Ricardo took a break and Aida came over to pour for us. After seeing our enthusiastic response to the wines, Aida also poured off of the menu. In addition to the Duel, my favorite wines were the 2008 Cabernet Franc, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2008 Signature Shiraz and the 2008 Capataz Malbec. The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship wine at Darioush Winery. It’s a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec. With aromas of blackberry and chocolate, it tastes of cherry, berry and mocha. It’s a really intriguing wine in that it’s both smooth and savory with a lovely finish.

I cannot say enough about the tasting room hosts at Darioush Winery. Ricardo was warm and welcoming. Aida was funny and engaging – and she made Garrett feel like a part of the community by sharing insider tips and recommendations for places to go and people to meet. Darioush, the founder, stopped by the tasting room to greet a few VIPs. While he was there, Aida made sure he came over to the bar to meet us and to sign our bottles of Signature Cabernet Sauvignon.

TOURS AND TIDBITS

In addition to the Signature and Amuse tastings, Darioush Winery offers special tasting experiences each day. There’s a 90-minute wine & artisan cheese pairing at 2:00pm in the Barrel Chai ($50/guest), a 120-minute wine experience called “By Invitation Only” at 11:00am that features limited-release wines and small bites ($150/guest). For a one-of-a-kind opportunity, you can schedule a 120-minute “Quintessential Wine Experience” to visit Darioush Khaledi’s private wine cellar, select a bottle from his collection of Bordeaux, and taste it alongside Darioush wines and small plates ($300/guest).

OTHER DETAILS 

Darioush

4240 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558

707.257.2345

Visitor Center hours: 10:30am to 5:00pm daily

Tours are available by appointment only