By Jarrod Price on 6/26/2008 3:24 PM

Recently we sampled the outstanding new vintage of Darioush Wines on a visit from our supplier and all we can say is "wow". Hearing the remarkable account of how this Napa Valley Winery was born only added to its appeal.

Darioush Khaledi, who was raised in the Iranian Region of Shiraz, first developed his passion for wine as a 6-year old boy, sneaking sips from the barrel in his father’s wine cellar, by wringing a wine-soaked towel into his mouth.

Today, that childhood memory is enshrined by a waterfall at the centre of Darioush’s lavish 22,000 square foot winery and visitor centre on the Silverado trail of eastern Napa Valley.  Modelled after the Persian city of Persepolis, and ... Read More »

By Jarrod Price on 6/25/2008 3:37 PM

"There’s nought no doubt so much the spirit calms as rum and true religion" – Lord Byron

It may be interesting to learn that Rum, which is made through the distillation of molasses - itself the by-product of the sugar-making process is very much like wine in that its flavour profile and quality are directly related to its craft, tradition and terroir.

Depending on how the rum is distilled (pot still or column), if it is oak aged or carbon filtered, the length of aging, as well as the inherent qualities of the sugar cane used in the making of the rum, it can result in a rum of varying complexity, flavour and regional characteristics.

To experience how com ... Read More »