Darioush, Shahpar & Sally Khaledi

Darioush Khaledi’s journey continues to shape the spirit of Darioush today— a winery rooted in his devotion to wine and the ideals of freedom. Born in Iran and trained as a civil engineer, Darioush was inspired early on by his father’s winemaking hobby and the deep cultural history of the city of Shiraz. After immigrating to the U.S., he built California’s largest family-owned grocery business through grit and vision. A passionate collector of Bordeaux, Darioush deepened his appreciation for fine wine long before founding a winery of his own. In 1998, he and his wife Shahpar established Darioush, driven by a desire to champion individualism and craftsmanship. The winery remains the realization of his American dream.

Shahpar Khaledi’s founding vision for the winery is grounded in hospitality— an intuitive, heartfelt approach shaped by her lifelong appreciation for beauty, culture, and gracious living. For Shahpar, making guests feel truly welcome transcends tradition—it is a deeply personal philosophy. Rooted in taarof, the Persian art of politeness, her warm and generous spirit remains the cornerstone of the Darioush experience today. This refined sensibility extends seamlessly into the artful hosting of events, the inspired culinary offerings, the cultivated gardens and landscapes, and the curated boutique shopping experience— each infused with her distinctive style, sensibilities, and thoughtfulness.

Darioush and Shahpar’s daughter, Sally Khaledi, grew up immersed in the food-loving traditions of her Iranian heritage and California upbringing. Born in Iran and raised in California, she inherited a love of hospitality, fresh cooking, and a strong work ethic from her parents. With a degree in food science and nutrition and apprenticeships in France and Italy, Sally brings a deep appreciation for organics and whole foods to the winery’s culinary and guest experiences. Since formally joining the winery team in 2021, she’s helped guide Darioush into its next chapter—blending wine, food, and philanthropy with purpose. She shares her father’s fondness for Bordeaux, her mother’s flair for travel, and finds her greatest joy in her daughters, Tatiana and Ashley.