
Castello di Amorosa
Napa Valley
Address:
Castello di Amorosa, Saint Helena Highway, Calistoga, CA, USA
Website:
Winemaker:
Brooks Painter
First Vintage:
2003
Accepts Visitors:
Yes
PRESTIGE

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Summary
Castello di Amorosa is an authentically-styled 13th century Tuscan castle and winery nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, California. Built with medieval design in mind, the winery is an architectural marvel that provides a transportive experience for visitors, evoking the grandeur and romance of Italy's historic wine regions.
Spanning over 121,000 square feet, Castello di Amorosa boasts 107 rooms, with no two rooms alike and many featuring their own unique frescoes and intricate hand-painted murals. Attention to detail in the construction is meticulous, incorporating aged bricks, hand-forged ironwork, and imported stone – much of it shipped directly from Europe to add authenticity to the structure. The castle includes defensive fortifications such as a moat, drawbridge, and high stone walls, alongside its grand barrel room, courtyards, a chapel, and even a torture chamber for an immersive historical experience.
The vineyards surrounding Castello di Amorosa are carefully cultivated to produce a variety of high-quality wines that reflect the Napa Valley terroir. The winery focuses on small-batch, estate-grown wines, with a special emphasis on Italian varietals that are not as commonly found in the Napa Valley, such as Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, and Primitivo. The winery also prides itself on its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and the lauded Il Barone, a reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
Visitors to the castle can engage in a range of wine-tasting experiences, from general admission tastings that offer a selection of current release wines in the main tasting room to guided tours that include private tastings of reserve and limited-production wines. These tours might take guests through the castle's grand ballroom, secret passageways, and deep into the cavernous cellars where the wines age gracefully in French oak barrels.
The winery was the brainchild of Dario Sattui, a fourth-generation winemaker and proprietor with deep Italian roots. His vision for Castello di Amorosa was to create a destination that honored his family's heritage and passion for winemaking, and he spent more than 14 years constructing the castle, which opened to the public in 2007.
Sustainable farming practices at the estate vineyards ensure that the wine production is not only top quality but also environmentally conscious. The winery is committed to maintaining harmony with the land, which translates into rigorous attention to the health and balance of the vineyards.
The Castello di Amorosa experience extends beyond just wine. Events throughout the year, such as a medieval festival, grape stomps, and harvest celebrations, enhance the castle's communal atmosphere, making it not just a destination for wine enthusiasts but also for those interested in cultural enrichment and family-friendly activities.
For luxury travel, food, and wine aficionados, a visit to Castello di Amorosa is not just about savoring excellent wines; it's about immersing oneself in a historical and cultural narrative that adds depth and context to every sip. With its stunning architecture, exceptional wines, and commitment to authenticity, the winery provides an unforgettable experience that harmonizes the rich traditions of Italian winemaking with the innovative spirit of Napa Valley.