Winemaking
A fusion of tradition and innovation, our wines reflect the character and craft of the visionaries behind their creation.
A Fresh Take on Tradition
The founding of our winery was inspired by Darioush Khaledi’s lifelong love for the wines of Bordeaux. Tempted to settle in the famed Right Bank, Darioush opted instead to put down roots in California, where he found greater freedom as a winemaker. Echoing this bold spirit, our winemaking approach is a celebration of new-world freedom, old-world finesse, and timeless flare.
Land stewardship plays a central role in the Darioush winemaking philosophy, brand values, and family legacy. We are committed to owning our own vineyards and farming them ourselves. We place emphasis on finding land in unexpected corners of Napa Valley where the climate is cool, and we choose to grow classic French varieties born in the famed regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Rhône Valley. Our vineyards are farmed regenerative organically to promote soil health, biodiversity of ecosystems, and true expression of the earth through each wine. Each vineyard is farmed organically, and some are certified Regenerative. All sites are deemed Bee Friendly and Fish Friendly Farming to support flora and fauna, and maintain clean water.
Darioush Estate
The Darioush Estate is home to both the winery and our 25-acre estate vineyard. This celebrated property right at the southern tip of the Silverado trail, where a cooler climate prevails, features several vineyard blocks with vine ages of over 20 years, the most reputable of which is our Apadana block. Wines from this site, like our crown jewel Darius II, reflect the vineyard’s maturity in profiles that are distinctly plush and seamless. This estate is Certified Bee Friendly, Fish Friendly Farming, and is organically farmed and regenerative certified.
varietiesCabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz
soilPrimarily Forward loam with lesser areas of Hambright
vine age3–23 years
Sage Vineyard
Perched atop Mount Veeder, our 22-acre Sage Vineyard benefits from the rugged mountain terrain of this Napa Valley sub-appellation. The steep hillside provides plantings with increased direct sunlight and improved drainage, while the volcanic soil, low in organic matter, produces berries with high fruit tone and bright acidity. Wines resulting from this site exhibit concentrated, complex character, with a fair measure of tannin to support long-term aging. This site is organically farmed with minimal irrigation, and is Certified Bee Friendly.
varietiesCabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc
soilBoomer loam with some gravelly Forward loam
elevation1,850 to 2,080 ft.
vine age16 years
Rahmat Vineyard
Situated just behind the winery, beyond the rolling hills of Napa’s Old Soda Springs neighborhood near Atlas Peak, this secluded vineyard enjoys abundant sunlight and excellent light exposure throughout the growing season. The 20-acre property is home to seven acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, a site we have sourced from since 2021 for its ability to lend depth and distinction to both our Signature Cabernet Sauvignon and Darius II. Named in honor of Darioush Khaledi’s father, the vineyard reflects a personal legacy carried forward through its continued expression in wine. The resulting wines show a richly textured profile, balanced by freshness, structure, and a refined sense of harmony. Farmed with a commitment to organic practices, the vineyard reflects a continued dedication to thoughtful stewardship and exceptional fruit quality.
varietiesCabernet Sauvignon
soilKidd loam with rocky outcrops
vine age11 years
Salumeh Vineyard
Situated within Napa Valley’s Coombsville AVA, this rolling 12-acre vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The site benefits from the region’s cooling influences and well-drained soils, fostering a long, even growing season that produces fruit with expressive dark berry character, supple tannins, and refreshing natural acidity. Wines from this vineyard reveal layered notes of blackberry and blackcurrant alongside a polished structure and inviting texture. Farmed with a commitment to organic practices, the site is also Certified Bee Friendly, while resident barn owls support natural pest management throughout the vineyard.
varietiesCabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
soilSobrante & Hambright
vine age9 years
Devitt Vineyard
Situated on the eastern benchlands of the Vaca Range, just east of the Napa River and bordered by Yountville Cross Road to the south and Silverado Trail to the east, this vineyard represents one of our most recent acquisitions. Partially replanted in 1999 to enhance farming practices and vine health, the site has been certified organic since 2006 and is meticulously tended by hand, with dry-farming practices and no irrigation. A balanced interplay of cool morning air drifting in from the southern valley and abundant afternoon sunshine allows for even ripening and exceptional fruit expression. The resulting wines are rich in color and flavor, with vibrant acidity and a natural sense of balance at harvest. Named in honor of founding winemaker Steve Devitt, the vineyard stands as a tribute to its enduring influence on our winemaking philosophy.
varietiesCabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Shiraz
soilBale and Bale Clay Loam
vine age25+ years
Today, Darioush's Winemaking Team builds on this great foundation with an evolved approach, creating wines that showcase freshness, focus, and composure. Inspired by teamwork and driven by a culture of advocacy, our close-knit winemaking team members are the backbone of our operation, ensuring every wine we produce is of the highest quality.
A Labor of Love
Masters of their craft, the Winemaking Team maintains a student’s mindset— a winemaking philosophy that centers on continuous improvement and a joy of experimentation. By capitalizing on soil-driven, site-specific opportunities, our winemaker brings out the best in our fruit, ensuring each wine yields a symphony for the senses.