Darioush Winery, Napa Valley, California, USA

Darioush, a winery noted for its Bordeaux style estate wines, implements old world labor-intensive, micro-vineyard management and new world state of the art technology to craft fine wines from its estates located in the appellations of Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder and Oak Knoll. Under the direction of Darioush Khaledi and winemaker Steve Devitt, precision and quality are of the utmost importance at the winery.

The Property Darioush welcomes guests to its new visitor center and winery beginning August 16, 2004. The new architectural building comes after five years in the making, and combines materials, castings, and furnishings from distant lands and exotic locations. The 22,000 square foot winery, the first in America to combine architecture, design and Persian culture, provides a unique and exhilarating experience in California’s most renowned wine destination. Reminiscent of the great noble architecture that once existed, the imagery of the Darioush building evokes Persepolis, the illustrious capital of ancient Persia.

The Khaledi's Persian heritage is the inspiration and vision for the winery, designed by architects Ardeshir and Roshan Nozari, incorporating clean, contemporary lines with historical references to Persia’s ancient capital city. One of the most important aspects of the Persian culture is hospitality, and the winery is designed to create a welcoming, enjoyable as well as a rich and intriguing environment for guests. Visitors will receive unparalleled service and a sensational experience.

“The juxtaposition of modern clean lines and historical references represent the philosophy of our office,” states Ardeshir Nozari, who incorporated many intriguing architectural elements throughout the building. Among the design features of interest are the 16 monumental 18’ freestanding columns with capital bulls, which act as stone trees at the entrance of the winery, elevating visitor expectations. Richly textured travertine-stone cladding surrounds the entire building. This yellow stone was quarried near the region of Persepolis and exported to Turkey and Italy for cutting and tumbling before it reached the Silverado Trail in Napa. Additional design features include pre-cast moldings, furniture, fireplaces, ironwork, lighting, cellars, and an amphitheatre for performances and events.