A Weekend in Napa (Part II)
Wine tales…from a novice sommelier’s lens!
Passion is a passion, is a passion. The Darioush Winery in Napa is a pretty solid exemplar of a wine lover’s journey extraordinaire — burgeoned with passion and fermented with devotion! Wine down this nostalgic trail…
A treat to the eyes right upon arrival — Darioush’s grandeur, simple complexity and warm hospitality welcome you and whisper stories of the Darioush heritage, existence and subtle strength. The amphitheatre momentarily transfers you back in time to a Persian downtown look it was inspired from. Khaledi’s personal cellar; the unrivalled and unique fragrance of Persian carpets and the fire lamp crackling at the entrance — all culminate into an exhilarating sensory experience!
However, what stands out most — besides the 2017 Signature Viognier, a classic, rare white — is the winemaker’s destiny of immigrating to America from Iran and striving to leave his mark in Napa- more so by going against the norm in his selection of vineyards — Darioush is located in the Southern region, contrary to most vineyards in Napa Valley located in the North. Khaledi brought with him not only his winemaking passion and business acumen but quite literally the architecture, culture and warmth of Iran, in a plethora of means.
Today the proprietor Khaledi shines as one of Napa’s most celebrated winemakers; and Darioush — a living showcase of his journey to turn his dream into reality and leave behind a legacy!
What does this mean for us today? To me it directly translates into having the balls to up-root and re-root yourself into an unknown, unfamiliar place, albeit willingly (or unwillingly) in instances, sowing your passion and hard work and seeking opportunities where nobody else may dare.
It is no surprise then that it takes years and years of winemaking on repeat, where tannins give the perfect colour, and grapes are stomped hard and a varietal blend of Bordeaux-style wine making, a characteristic of Darioush, work in harmony to ultimately produce Darioush’s 2015 Duel of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon — that one fine true wine!
Want more wine? Here’s a sneak peak into V. Sattui & Castello di Amorosa!! https://medium.com/@saigalsn/a-weekend-in-napa-part-iii-52ac771ad4f4
