Old-World Romance, Napa Valley Roots
Inside the wines, castle, and legacy of Castello di Amorosa
Story by Daniela Delgado
Photography by Castello di Amorosa
For Utah travelers looking to explore wine country beyond the state’s borders, Castello di Amorosa offers one of the most memorable stops in Napa Valley. Located in the charming town of Calistoga, the winery stands out as one of the region’s most distinctive and immersive destinations. Translating to “Castle of Love” in Italian, Castello di Amorosa has welcomed visitors since 2007, combining hand-crafted Italian-style wines with a fully realized medieval Tuscan castle. For travelers accustomed to Utah’s dramatic landscapes and historic sites, the experience offers a different—but equally memorable—kind of destination in the heart of California wine country.
The Castle
Castello di Amorosa is a destination that begs to be visited for its architecture alone. This extraordinary feat of design was meticulously constructed over a fifteen-year span by Dario Sattui, a fourth-generation Napa Valley vintner. The authentically styled fourteenth-century Tuscan castle spans 141,000 square feet and showcases countless architectural marvels. The property boasts five defensive towers, eight levels—four above ground and four below—and 107 rooms, 95 of which are dedicated to winemaking. Additionally, the castle features 1,000-pound hand-hewn doors imported from Italy and more than 170 containers of handmade antique brick and tiles transported from Europe. Highlights of the castle include the Great Hall with its 22-foot coffered ceiling and 500-year-old Italian fireplace, alongside the 12,000-square-foot Grand Barrel Room featuring 40 Roman cross-vaulted brick ceilings. Without question, this remarkable castle stands as one of Napa Valley’s most remarkable architectural achievements.
Estate Vineyards & Winemaking
Surrounding the castle are thirty acres of estate vineyards, planted primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon and Primitivo. These vineyards produce low yields with concentrated flavor, forming the foundation of the estate’s wines. Castello di Amorosa is especially known for its Italian-inspired varietals and offers a diverse portfolio. This includes: white and rosé wines such as Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Vermentino, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, and Rosato di Sangiovese; red wines including Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Barbera, Merlot, Zinfandel, Red Table Blend, “Super Tuscan” blends, and Cabernet Sauvignon; and dessert and specialty offerings like Muscat Canelli, Late Harvest Gewürztraminer, Late Harvest Semillon, and various grape juices. All wines are sold exclusively at the winery and directly to consumers, making each bottle a distinct and memorable part of the Castello di Amorosa experience.
Tours & Tastings
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast, just beginning your wine journey, or prefer non-alcoholic options, Castello di Amorosa offers an impressive range of tasting experiences to suit every palate.
- Diamond Estate Tour & Wine Tasting
This walking tour begins with a guided exploration of the castle’s upper levels, followed by its underground chambers. It concludes with a personalized tasting of five selections from the reserve and current releases. - Seated Tasting Experience
In this seated experience, guests may choose five selections from the winery’s reserve and current releases, or explore Libero, the winery’s popular non-alcoholic tasting flight. - Cheese & Charcuterie Wine Pairing Tour
This guided tour offers an in-depth look at the castle’s architectural features, followed by an intimate tasting showcasing local cheeses and cured meats perfectly paired with their Italian-style wines. - Cabernet is King
Designed for Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts, this private tour and tasting is complemented by curated food pairings. - Luxury Tours & Private Experiences
For guests seeking customized, elevated tasting options, the winery offers private experiences tailored to individual preferences.
Sustainability
Castello di Amorosa is dedicated to preserving the land that surrounds it, and a core part of its philosophy centers on embracing sustainability to ensure the winery thrives for generations to come. As both a Napa Green Certified Vineyard and a Napa Green Certified Winery, the winery incorporates environmentally conscious practices from soil to bottle. Their sustainability efforts include integrating livestock, such as sheep, for crop control, weed management, fuel reduction, and natural soil fertilization. These grazing practices help reduce tractor use, promote healthier soils, and support a balanced ecosystem. Managed honey bee populations further enhance biodiversity through pollination. In addition, the property features an impressive 450-kilowatt solar power array that significantly reduces its carbon footprint, along with a wastewater management system that recycles 100% of the winery’s processed water for irrigation and landscaping. Castello di Amorosa remains deeply committed to honoring and protecting the land that makes their wines and story possible.
A One-of-a-Kind Napa Valley Experience
From candlelit cellars lined with oak barrels to courtyards framed by stone walls and sweeping vineyard views, a visit to Castello di Amorosa feels like stepping into another era. Over the years, the castle has welcomed countless guests, including well-known personalities such as Jon Bon Jovi and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Drawn by its breathtaking architecture, immersive atmosphere, and exceptional wines, visitors have been captivated since its inception, and the winery continues to uphold an unforgettable legacy. Whether guests visit for the wine, the architecture, or the experience itself, Castello di Amorosa promises an unforgettable experience.
