Darioush Winery is a Napa Valley winery that was founded in 1997 by Darioush Khaledi, who was born in Iran and immigrated to the United States in the 1970s. After falling in love with the wines of Napa Valley during a trip to the region, Khaledi decided to start his own winery.
The winery is located in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley and is known for producing high-quality wines using traditional wine making techniques. Darioush has a number of vineyards in the Napa Valley region, including its flagship property, the Darioush Estate Vineyard, which is located in the Oak Knoll District. The winery also sources grapes from other vineyards in the region.
The winery grows a variety of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. Darioush is particularly known for its Cabernet Sauvignon wines, which are made from grapes grown in the Darioush Estate Vineyard. The winery also produces a number of other red and white wines, including a Sauvignon Blanc and a Pinot Noir.
In the winemaking process, Darioush uses traditional techniques such as hand-picking the grapes and using small, open-top fermenters. The winery also uses oak barrels for aging its wines, which helps to add complexity and depth to the flavors.
Darioush Winery has gained a reputation for producing high-quality wines that have received numerous accolades and awards. The winery’s beautiful tasting room and its offerings of tastings and tours make it a must-visit destination for wine lovers visiting Napa Valley.
In addition to its winemaking, Darioush Winery is known for its stunning architecture and design. The winery was designed by the renowned architectural firm, Hart Howerton, and features a mix of traditional and modern elements. The winery’s design incorporates elements of Persian architecture, reflecting Khaledi’s Iranian heritage. The winery also features a sculpture garden with works by artists such as Henry Moore and Richard Serra.
Darioush Winery is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its founder, Darioush Khaledi. It is a place where visitors can experience the beauty of Napa Valley and taste some of the finest wines in the world. The winery’s commitment to traditional wine making techniques and its focus on producing high-quality wines has made it a leader in the Napa Valley wine region.
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4 months agoHad a wonderful time celebrating Nowruz with my Persian friend at the winery doing the signature mezze. We were greeted warmly in front of the entrance by Tina. We were delighted to receive a cup of rose mint tea to start. Our host Christina went beyond and above explaining the wines info and history, the food plates ingredients and pairing, helping us taking memorable photos. The new year food options were delicious and authentic according to my Persian friend. The pistachio soup was beautifully crafted. Thank you chef for the attention to details using homemade recipes. The special small cookies gift and yummy pistachios were very nice. We hope to return next year to join the picnic lunch. Wines were delicious and excellent quality. Lots of changing characters in each sip.
Kristen Bingham
2 months agoMy husband and I just left Darioush Winery, and while the vineyard itself is absolutely breathtaking, the real standout of our visit was Antonella, our incredible sommelier. We came in knowing virtually nothing about wine—just a general appreciation—and left with a deep understanding and genuine excitement, all thanks to her. Antonella didn’t just pour wine; she guided us through a thoughtful, in-depth tasting experience that felt more like a master class than a typical visit. She explained each wine’s character, the winemaking process, and most importantly, the best pairings to truly bring each glass to life. What really set her apart was how approachable and passionate she was. Never once did we feel intimidated or overwhelmed—Antonella made learning about wine feel natural and exciting. Her ability to translate complex concepts into something relatable and fun is a true gift. We've never had a sommelier spend this much time and care explaining the nuances of wine, and it completely changed how we experience it. Antonella is an absolute gem, and we’re so grateful for the unforgettable experience she gave us. If you're visiting Darioush, do yourself a favor and ask for Antonella. You'll walk away not only with amazing wine, but with a whole new appreciation for it.
Matty Easton
a month agoWine tasting at Darioush is next-level. This is Persian opulence at its finest, with everything from the historical stone to the imported pistachios to the house-made Earl Grey hand soap carefully crafted. Not to mention, of course, the WINE! The tasting here was thoughtfully paired with some delicious bites, from lamb chops to pistachio soup to traditional bread. My Persian boyfriend was delighted to have a taste of home. We walked around the grounds afterwards but hope next time to take a glance at the basement (our tasting table had a glass top where we could peer down a floor to see the barrels, but we want to get a little closer next time!). We’ll definitely be back again soon to enjoy the excellent wine and unique atmosphere of Darioush.
Jea Kim
4 weeks agoBeautiful setting, but our least favorite winery of the day. Our final stop of the afternoon and the most visually striking. Driving through the gates felt like entering a grand Persian estate. We later learned the Iranian owner lives on the property, which explained the refined design and upscale vibe. The covered patio where we were seated felt private and peaceful, and the initial pour of Chardonnay came with seasoned olives and salted pistachios. But the experience was a bit underwhelming overall. The host’s explanations were difficult to follow, and the overall tasting felt more scripted than personal. The wine selection leaned heavily into bold, peppery varietals like Shiraz, which didn’t quite suit our preferences. Our favorite ended up being the Dual Blend—ironically, not part of the official tasting flight but offered upon request.
Jeanne M E
4 months agoNadia led us through the most elevated experience complete with caviar paring. She had exceptional knowledge of the winery, its owner and the surrounding area. As a Napa native and a long time employee, she was well versed in all aspects. Truly the best for our 25th wedding anniversary. The caviar was amazing and the parings of food and wine were beyond expectation. We are now devoted fans of the wines and the winery. Highly recommend with a few exceptions…. If you don’t appreciate higher end wine or prefer white Zinfandel this experience will be lost on you. Go take some pictures of the amazing property but then move on. ;-)