Rising above the hills in the Napa Valley is Castello di Amorosa, which translates to the “castle of love” in Italian. Castello di Amorosa, an authentically-styled, 13th century Tuscan castle winery complete with high walls and five defensive towers and over 30 acres of estate vineyards. It was built over a 14-year period by Dario Sattui, a fourth generation winemaker and owner of V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena, California.

The Wall Street Journal cited Castello di Amorosa as a “must-see destination,” and more recently, the Contra Costa Times included Castello di Amorosa as one of the top destination wineries in the country.

After decades of research, planning and studying medieval castles in Italy and Europe, Sattui commenced building in 1994. The Castello evolved to include 121,000 square feet, 107 rooms, (of which 95 are used for winemaking or wine storage) 8,000 tons of hand-squared stone, 8 levels (4 above ground, 4 below) 900 linear feet of caves, a great hall with two-story Italian frescoes, defensive fortifications, ramparts, a drawbridge and a moat. Reminiscent of old world castles, the Castello also has a dungeon and torture chamber, secret passage ways, courtyards, loggias, a church and stables. Even an outdoor oven for making breads. Finally, at 12,000 square feet, the wine barrel room is, perhaps, the single most impressive barrel room in the U.S. and is constructed with ancient Roman cross-vaulted ceilings.

The Great Hall at the Castello. Those frescoes are hand-painted

The Great Hall of the Castello is the room wherein the baron and baroness would hold court and conduct the royal business of the day. once business was over, they may hold elaborate banquets with sumptuous foods and pour great wines.

The Great Hall is the most highly appointed room in the castle, complete with hand painted frescoes, a working fireplace brought over from the Tuscan region of Italy, and long, hand carved tables stretching the length of this beautiful room.

Today, the Great Hall holds approximately 140 people for the finest presentation of food and wine pairings, blind tastings, very special wine club events, and wine and food education events held “Castello style.”

A truly unique room in which to share the ultimate food and wine adventure with your family and friends.

The Courtyard

The 13th century Courtyard is located in the heart of the Castello and is surrounded by walls of hand-squared stone and ancient brick, Tuscan-style breezeways and loggias. Courtyards were the center life in any Medieval palace, so it remains for your event; central, picturesque stunning. Vibrant during the day but majestic and regal at night, a unique wine and food pairing – alfresco – awaits you.

Chapel

The Chapel is often used as a gathering place for guests heading off to tour the Castello or as an inclement weather option.

Wine Tasting

The Castello, however, is merely a backdrop to showcase some of the Napa Valley’s best wines. The vineyards surrounding the Castello are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Primitivo and Sangiovese grapes which produce low yields and intensely flavored wines. The internationally acclaimed wines are primarily Italian varieties that pair well with foods from around the world. Currently producing 25,000 cases per year, the Castello’s wines are sold only at the winery, directly to the consumer. Guided tours, food and wine pairings, blending seminars and walking vineyard tours which include a private tasting are available by appointment and wine tasting needs no appointment.

Il Passito Room

Quietly beautiful, the Il Passito room is a more contemplative, wonderfully discreet room for private food and wine pairings for groups of 25 or more.

The room overlooks the Castello Courtyard and opens up to a short walk up to lake Mario on the Castello grounds.

Spacious and serene, the room offers the chance to run away from the rush of contemporary life and to slip back into a time long ago.

Although 13th-century Italian villas inspired the design of this castle and winery, its restroom facilities are completely modern and even luxurious.

Interesting Interiors

Ancient Wine Making Machines

Wine making Movie Room

The Terrace

With breathtaking views of the Napa Valley, Calistoga and Mt. St. Helena, the Terrace offers a beautiful open air gathering place ideally nestled between the Castello towers. A perfect location for wine and canapé receptions accommodating, or an ideal area for alfresco wine and food pairings.