One of Napa Valley’s most unique wineries is Castello di Amorosa in Calistoga, which hosts an experience that feels straight out of the Italian countryside. Fourth-generation winemaker Dario Sattui built the winery to emulate a Tuscan castle from the 14th century, honoring his Italian heritage and offering a bit of European escapism right here in the Bay Area.
The castle’s architecture employs various medieval designs and construction techniques to transport visitors far away from California—with a little help from their spectacular Italian-style wines.
Origins, inspiration, and architecture
Dario Sattui’s vision for the magnificent Castello di Amorosa began in 1994, when the ambitious $40 million project officially broke ground. Over the next 15 years, Sattui imported nearly 1 million antique bricks from Europe, supplemented by 8,000 pounds of hand-chiseled local stone, in order to built the 121,000-square-foot building.
The castle has 107 rooms spread out across 8 levels (four underground and 4 above-ground), which are also furnished and decorated with materials shipped from Europe.
Impressively, the building has all the hallmarks of a 14th-century Tuscan castle, including a moat, a drawbridge, five towers with defensive ramparts, several courtyards, an armory, a chapel, stables, and even a torture chamber with an authentic iron maiden.
Some standout rooms include the Great Hall, home to a 500-year-old Umbrian fireplace and hand-painted frescoes; and the 12,000-square-foot Grand Barrel Room, where you’ll see stunning vaulted ceilings and a hand-crafted tasting bar.
Winemaking and experiences
The Calistoga estate is sprawled across some 30 acres of vineyards, planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Primitivo grapes to create Italian-style wines. Each of their tours and experience packages includes a complimentary tasting of at least five wines—here are the tasting experiences on offer.
- Diamond Estate Tour & Wine Tasting – A nearly-two-hour guided tour through the castle with a wine tasting ($75)
- Seated Tasting Experience – An outdoor wine tasting experience with seating and freedom to roam the two main levels of the castle ($60)
- Standing Outdoor Tasting Experience – A standing-only outdoor wine tasting experience with freedom to roam the two main levels of the castle ($50)
- Cheese & Charcuterie Wine Pairing Tour – A guided tour of the Castello followed by a tasting of wines, local cheeses, and cured meats ($115)
- Cabernet Is King – A guided tour of the Castello with a special tasting just for Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a sparkling wine welcome and an assortment of food ($175-195)
- Luxury Tour & Tasting Offerings – A curated, private tour of the Castello with wine tastings customized to your group’s interests and tastes
Visiting the Castello
With its medieval ambiance and attention to detail, Castello di Amorosa may be one of the most unique and memorable experiences available in Napa Valley. Next time you have a special occasion to celebrate, consider booking yourself an afternoon at the Castello and enjoy a bit of the Tuscan countryside here in the Bay Area.
📍 Location: 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515
🕜 Hours: 10AM-5:30PM daily
🌐 Website: Castello di Amorosa