Darioush Khaledi Donates $100,000 to Napa Valley College’s Teaching Vineyard

Darioush Khaledi of Darioush Winery pledged $100,000 to support replanting of Napa Valley College’s Teaching Vineyard. As one of the most compelling, hands-on features of the College’s Viticulture program, the Teaching Vineyard is an important facet of students’ educational experience within the wine industry. The vineyard area is 5.2 acres, and thanks to Darioush’s contribution, 2.5 of these acres will be replanted with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet grapes.

​​Located in the heart of Napa Valley, Napa Valley College’s Viticulture, Wine and Technology (VWT)  program is one of the largest college viticulture and winemaking programs in the country, with an annual enrollment of 800-1,000 students, complete with a five-acre vineyard and commercial winery. Students in the VWT program can obtain either a certificate or a two-year associate of science degree, specializing in viticulture, oenology, or wine marketing and sales. The majority of students are already actively working in the wine industry and taking classes to advance their careers.

“We salute Darioush for his visionary support of this project,” said Jessica Thomason, executive director, Napa Valley College Foundation. “His generosity will ensure students continue to learn the best practices and highest standards of viticulture, preparing them to work in the vineyards, in the cellar and in the barrel rooms, making them future leaders in the Napa Valley’s wine industry.

Born and raised in Iran, Darioush Khaledi was inspired by the rich wine culture in the literary city of Shiraz. As a lifelong entrepreneur and visionary leader, Darioush pursued a path in wine and the American dream. Believing early in the world-class growing potential of Napa Valley, Darioush and his wife Shahpar founded the estate winery in 1998 and set out to produce refined, complex wines inspired by a worldly and cultural lens. Deeply committed to supporting programs in the community, Darioush also serves on the Board of Directors for Festival Napa Valley, Napa Valley Vintners and OLE Health.

“We are thrilled to have Darioush’s gift. His contribution will be very helpful in our vineyard replant project. This project will give our students access to clean, virus-free grapevines and hands-on experience with the high-quality fruit that Napa is famous for,” said Molly Hodgins, viticulture instructor, Napa Valley College. “I am grateful for Darioush’s support of our students and program.”

Darioush’s donation is one that will ensure students continue to learn the best practices and highest standards of viticulture, preparing them to work in the vineyards, in the cellar, and in the barrel rooms, making them future leaders in the Napa Valley’s wine industry.

“I see this contribution as a way of shepherding the next generation of winegrowers and makers to become responsible stewards of the land and continue enhancing the quality and reputation of the Napa Valley’s thriving wine industry,” says Darioush Khaledi, Proprietor of Darioush Winery in Napa. “I’m thrilled to support the next generation of wine industry leaders here in Napa Valley and beyond.”

About Darioush

Darioush, an estate winery in Napa Valley, was founded in 1998 by Darioush and Shahpar Khaledi and provides visitors an intimate, welcoming, and a worldly escape in the heart of Napa Valley. Bridging old world traditions with new world winemaking, Darioush’s portfolio of wines are known for their individualism, ambition, complexity and gravitas. Operating at the highest level of quality for everything they do, from wine production, culinary offerings, and hospitality, Darioush sets the stage for world class, modern luxury in wine country. To purchase wines, reserve an experience or more information, please visit darioush.com.

About Napa Valley College

Napa Valley College prepares students for evolving roles in a diverse, dynamic, and interdependent world. The college is an accredited open-access, degree- and certificate-granting institution that is committed to student achievement through high-quality programs and services that are continuously evaluated and improved. The college serves students and the community in the following areas:  transfer courses, career-technical education and training, basic skills, and self-supporting contract education and community education classes. Napa Valley College is located at 2277 Napa-Vallejo Highway in Napa.

About Napa Valley College Foundation

The Napa Valley College Foundation was founded in 1968 to increase community awareness and provide financial support for the Napa Valley College and its students.  The Foundation engages the Napa Valley community by cultivating relationships, leveraging partnerships, and inviting generosity for Napa Valley College. The Foundation’s Board of Directors includes professional, business, and philanthropic leaders who have a dedicated interest in the College and its students.  The Napa Valley College Foundation is an independent California nonprofit, public benefit corporation and is tax-exempt as provided by IRS Sec. 501 (c)3.  Federal ID# 23-7003565. 

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