Sponsored by WinePathsTravel
Do you love Bordeaux style wines? How about an experience where you feel more than at home? With brilliant beauty and a style that focuses on comfort and elegance? Then you’ve come to the right place. This is what Napa Valley’s Darioush does best.
Entering the property is transformative when you consider other wineries. The architectural inspiration for Darioush is from ancient Persepolis. A city founded in the 6th century BC and the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Based on one of its most breathtaking palaces in Persia known as Apadana. Today Apadana is a ruin, but its memory lives on at Darioush.
Darioush who is respected and revered by those who work with him began his venture in wine. But long before the winemaking began, the research began. There were droves intent on planting up north in Napa Valley in the late 1990s. Right around then Darioush Khaled and winemaker Steve McDivvet had begun scouting locations.
They saw what they wanted for their Bordeaux style wines in the southern part of the valley. San Pablo Bay would drive its fog up valley. The valley floor would soak it up keeping the vines cooler longer. Another site high on Mount Veeder would add to their diversity. It’s rocky terrain, elevation and cooler temperatures would complement those of Oak Knoll. Today their vineyards consist of 120 acres from Mount Veeder to Oak Knoll.
Success in the wine industry is not always easy to come by. It doesn’t matter how you enter the space. Combine that with a dream. Important lessons of integrity and character instilled at a young age. Darioush was the beneficiary of this and what his father instilled in him. He watched as a child, his father making his own wine. It was then, his love for wine would begin.
I’ve been to Darioush several times now. And each time I walk away with a new and memorable experience. This time was new for me. It was a dinner celebrating the release of Darius II. On this glorious summer evening. the perfect blue skies of the valley contrasting with the green of the vineyards. A table, set ever so was being attended to with micro-adjustments to each detail.
We were first entertained by a wine historian Nina Wemyss. Her way of sharing 8,000 years of history made for a fascinating start. Executive Chef, Travis Hunter prepared an outstanding multi-course gourmet dinner. Underneath the heavens and the stars to reveal their 2016 Napa Valley Vintage Darius II. The wine was incredible as was the artwork.
About the Artwork: To celebrate this vintage we must first go back in history to the very first cities. The cities flourished along an area known as the Silk Roads. The empires came together here to celebrate and trade language, concepts, and goods. Thousands of miles of territories linked Persia to the Pacific, Meditteranean, and Asia. The art that graces the label of DariusII is a 14th-century textile. Made using a 2 person loom with silk and gold thread it exemplifies the influences of cultures. This construct created in Persia is a blend of Italian and Asian influences.
About Darius II. This full bodied beauty of exotic spice, subtle florals, anise and truffle is a big part of its complexity. Complimented by rich earthy notes, blackberries fruit and vibrancy. It is a concert of flavor orchestrated by Darioush’s World class Mountain Appellations. 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc. $275
To learn more about Darioush events and get your reservations contact Wine Paths Travel. Pure luxury awaits you.
Bouchaine Winery is the spot to discover great Burgundian varieties made in Napa Valley’s Carneros region. Modern winery meets social hour. Bouchaine Vineyards tasting room
Somm Foundation Receives $25,000 in Support Pouring of Chateau Montelena’s stunning 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Over 200 people descended on Napa Valley’s Meritage Resort & Spa
Sojourn to the apex of Napa Valley with Theorem Vineyards. Adventuring up to Calistoga offers a wide array of wine riches including some boutique & family-owned small lot wineries.
I have a distinct weakness for outstanding Rosé Champagne.
The introduction to this beauty was worth every penny. Every sip. Every moment.
I drank. Yes drank. Not sipped, not tasted, drank in the ethereal elements of this mesmerizing Champagne. Made from 100% Meunier (50% of reserve wine), the Rosé de Meunier Extra Brut took my breathe away. It comes from Vallée de la Marne, in Chavot where the soils are predominately clay.
A luminous example of depth, rich taste and pointed effort. The result is magnificent. There is so much going on in this glass! Voluptuous berries, understated citrus, a bit of mint and minerality. The mousse is elegant and mouthwatering.
The perfect pairing? Duck fat fries.
The vines are approximately 30 years old. Made from 100% Pinot Meunier with 30% maceration, 10% red wine, 60% of reserved wine aged in barrel. Hand picked and fermented in vats, foudres with partial Malolactic, aging on fine lees.
Seven generations have tilled this soil and worked this land. The quest? For the perfect alchemy. It was visionary Jean-Baptiste Lahore who established the estate in the village of Chavost. Later this village would be called Chavot.
Over the years more land was acquired and today two generations are working together to create soulful wine. The latest generation is led by Aurélien Laherte.
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #wine
Ready to cruise unchartered waters? The gods have graced Napa Valley with a worldclass Tiki bar. Here on the roof top deck checking out the views.
There are so many surprises inside. Coming to you the end of October! Get ready for some wicked good fun.
For you Mai Tai connoisseurs, these drinks are legend. The food promises to be compelling. I’m all in. Join me!
#TheWineSiren #NapaValley #KellyMitchell
Savoring every ounce of Porto & Gaia.
These captivating towns! This area is where savvy Europeans chill during holiday. It’s relaxed pace, good natured locals and delicious food and wine grace this region . Their beauty is remarkable. It’s history rich.
This day I ran first to the sea. Yet in the wrong direction. So I never made it there. But I discovered new things. Relived past visits and learned from those I spoke to.
The charm here will draw you in. Hold your heart captive.
Don’t look for crowded streets in the mornings.Life begins in the afternoon here. And then it knows no bounds.
A wedding. An hourly trolly. Buildings that have seen more history than we will ever know.
Dinner. A perfectly cooked tentacle of octopus, beyond generous in portion. Paired with a delectable #Alvarinho. An accommodating chef, and attentive service.
This was a day I’ll remember always.
Do you have a destination that you treasure?
Food by @restaurantebacalhoeiro
Wine by #quintadecidro
Vibe by #Portugal
When jet lag hits Porto and collides with a dirty Grey Goose tini up with Nicoise olive and a twist.
Good night.
Self Portrait: Finally changed my profile pic. Removed the one of me at the Eiffel Tower taken on March 12th just before the borders closed in France and the US.
I think the time after the old pic was taken has truly been a time of self reflection.
Each and everyone of us has been through such a crazy year and a half.
I'm grateful for this time since it's given me time to appreciate and spend more time with my family first. And to focus on the friends who truly are part of my life in ways that matter.
It gave me the opportunity to get in the best shape if my life and focus on the things that really matter in this life.
I hope your journey too has been productive, meaningful and takes you where you want to go.
Wishing you a fabulous weekend in moderation, healthy food and great exercise!
To whatever is in your glass! May it be the most delicious sip ever.
Peace✌️And have a fantastic weekend with your loves.
Melka Estates
Precision is the name of the game. And you’ll certainly find the art of it at Melka.
A venture with two incredibly talented and diverse individuals, husband and wife team, Phillipe and Cherie Melka have created an enviable venture at the top of St. Helena’s Silverado Trail.
Precision’s opportunity presents itself in many venues of winemaking and the one wine creators agree upon is what happens in the vineyard is paramount to creating powerful and diverse taste in the glass.
To capitalize on this during harvest, the Melka’s make not one or two passes in the vineyard but several. To capture the spirit of vibrancy, the depth of flavor, the uniqueness of terroir.
It is a tasting that takes every sense and envelopes it completely. The heights of which taste continually excels the more in-depth one gets into the wine. It brings emotion to the forefront. Part of why I got involved in wine in the first place. Those taste that change one’s perception forever. That open the door to possibility and never let it go.
In the wine space it is not difficult to get jaded on occasion my the dearth of decent wine on the market today. There is not shortage of overpriced above average wine.
Here, the senses are in tune with what nature presents, while taking it a step beyond. The memories of this tasting will long be with me. It gave new life to my interest in wine. It gave meaning and dimension to the thought of truly exceptional wine.
This is a start of the story on the Melka’s and what they are doing for their family brand. Can't wait to delve in deeper!
Pictured: The bottle that brought happy tears to my eyes. 2017 Metisse Martinez Vineyards 70% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Cabernet Franc 10% Petit Verdot
Great time tasting with dear friend @vinifera_collection. Thanks for capturing the puppy pic!
#TheWineSiren
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