Explore Castello di Amorosa in Napa Valley

People laughed when an Italian-style castle began to take shape in the middle of a hillside vineyard in northern Napa Valley. Initially, I was skeptical too, wondering if Napa would start resembling Las Vegas. However, this idea wasn’t as radical as it appeared. Historically, vintners in Napa Valley have constructed buildings to commemorate their heritage. A quintessential example of this is the charming Rhine House at Beringer.

Castello di Amorosa is the masterpiece of Dario Sattui, who aimed to pay tribute to his grandfather Vittorio by creating a structure that honored his Italian roots. In the end, he built a magnificent 121,000-square-foot, 12th-century Tuscan-style castle to serve as a winery. Crafted from authentic materials, this castle mimics the aesthetics of a genuine structure that would have been erected in stages over many years, bringing a slice of Italy to the United States.

The Experience at Castello di Amorosa

Tour options at Castello di Amorosa are subject to change frequently. For current details, visit their website. Alternatively, guests can bypass the guided tour and pay an entrance fee, granting the freedom to explore on their own and savor a selection of wines in the main tasting room.

What’s Amazing at Castello di Amorosa

At Castello di Amorosa, the building itself is the central attraction. Regardless of your wine preferences, the architectural beauty is captivating.

The winery hosts fabulous events! Wine Club members can enjoy exclusive access to the annual Pagan Ball or the New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball— events that are so enjoyable that membership is worthwhile just for the invitations.

Castello di Amorosa Will Be Great For You If:

If you find the concept of a castle intriguing, it’s certainly worth a visit. Many children, and even adults, are particularly drawn to the medieval torture chamber, along with the enchanting moat and drawbridge. Personally, I find the frescoes in the Great Hall to be exquisite, but the entire castle is a visual delight.

This location is an ideal setting for a marriage proposal, offering various packages designed for that unforgettable romantic occasion.

The Wines at Castello di Amorosa

Castello di Amorosa proudly produces 17 Italian-style wines, including Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Super Tuscan Blends, and a selection of dessert wines.

Wine expert Robert Parker awarded the 2012 Il Barone Cabernet Sauvignon a remarkable 93 points, along with a double gold medal at the 2015 American Fine Wine Competition.

What Others Think About Castello di Amorosa

Visitors frequently commend the stunning castle itself, often highlighting it more than the wines. It maintains a solid four-star rating on Yelp.

Visitor reviews of Castello can also be found on Yelp.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

As one of the most popular wineries in Napa Valley, Castello di Amorosa experiences high traffic, making reservations essential except during the quietest seasons.

They offer special rates for children and young adults, and kids aged 5 and up can join the guided tours.

Appropriate attire is encouraged while visiting the castle. Be prepared for walking and standing; the walking tour lasts an hour and includes access to the underground caves, which maintain a cool year-round temperature of around 58°F.

The Basics

Just for your information, Castello di Amorosa’s vineyards are located in the Diamond Mountain District of Napa Valley, with additional vineyards in Napa, Anderson Valley, and the Russian River Valley, near Sebastopol in Sonoma County.

The winery produces approximately 8,000 cases of wine per year.

Getting to Castello di Amorosa Winery

Castello di Amorosa Winery
24045 North Saint Helena Highway
Calistoga, CA
Castello di Amorosa Winery website

This winery is situated between St. Helena and Calistoga along CA Hwy 29. Note that the castle isn’t visible from the highway, so be on the lookout for the address and sign instead.

^{As a common practice in the travel industry, the writer experienced a complimentary tour for the purpose of reviewing Castello di Amorosa Winery. While this has not influenced the review, GoTravelDaily believes in full transparency regarding any potential conflicts of interest.}