This Medieval Tuscan-Style Castle Hosts One Of The Most Unique Wine Tasting Experiences In California

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 Source: https://secretsanfrancisco.com/castello-di-amorosa-calistoga/