Castello di Amorosa in Calistoga is one of Napa’s most unique wineries, in that it’s styled to emulate a Tuscan castle from the 13th century. The structure took 15 years to build, employing various medieval designs and construction techniques. It includes 5 defensive towers with battlements, 107 rooms, handmade antique bricks from Europe, hand-painted frescoes, and more. You’ll feel entirely transported to the Italian countryside, with a little help from their spectacular hand-crafted Italian-style wines.
Castello di Amorosa offers a diverse selection of tours and wine tastings, each of which includes a complimentary tasting of 6 wines. Options range from the $55 standing reserve tasting, which lets you roam around the castle’s two main level on your own; to the $85 cheese and charcuterie wine pairing tour, which gets you a guided tour of the castle plus local cheese pairings.
There’s also a luxury tour and tasting option available for the most royal among us, consisting of a private tour and tasting curated specifically for each party. These tours include a sparkling wine toast in the private North Tower, a barrel tasting of the Castello’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a set of Castello di Amorosa stemware, and more.
The castle was the vision of fourth-generation winemaker Dario Sattui, who began construction in 1994 as a tribute to his Italian heritage and love of medieval architecture. The 15-year project culminated in a 121,000-square-foot castle with 107 rooms and 8 levels (four underground and four above-ground). It was constructed using over 8,000 pounds of hand-chiseled local stone and nearly 1 million antique bricks imported from Europe.
It has all the hallmarks of a real 13th-century Tuscan castle, including a moat, a drawbridge, defensive ramparts, several courtyards, an armory, a chapel, stables, and even a torture chamber. The Great Hall is the castle’s most sought-after room, with a 500-year-old Umbrian fireplace and hand-painted frescoes. You’ll also want to check out the 12,000-square-foot Grant Barrel Room, which has stunning vaulted ceilings and a hand-crafted tasting bar.
Castello di Amorosa produces elegant Italian-style wines with a commitment to traditional techniques, all while working to showcase their California roots.
For the ultimate Tuscan escape in California wine country, Castello di Amorosa is one of the most unique wine-tasting experiences available. Be sure to book a tour and tasting for the next time you have a special occasion to celebrate, or just want to treat yourself.
Find Castello di Amorosa at 4045 St. Helena Highway in Calistoga, California.
Featured image: Courtesy of Castello di Amorosa