Escape to Medieval Italy in California's Wine Country: A Visit to Castello di Amorosa Winery

My husband and I are lucky to live 30 miles away from Napa Valley and escape to this beautiful region whenever we want to relax and get away for a few hours. Castello di Amorosa Winery is a must-visit destination for wine lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Nestled in the picturesque hills of Calistoga, California, this stunning winery is a medieval-

inspired masterpiece, complete with a castle, a moat, and even a drawbridge. There’s also an animal pen with chickens, goats, sheep, and ostriches. As a mom of a 6yr old, I appreciate that this winery is family oriented and not only caters to adults but to children as well. The surroundings of the castle with trees, wooden bridges over a creek and the animal pen makes it an inviting place for kids to explore and admire the natural surroundings. Once inside the castle, kids and adults can enjoy climbing up the towers that lead to amazing views of the valley and Mount St. Helena in the background. We were able to enjoy some wine tasting during our latest visit since our son was given crayons and coloring pages. He was on a table off to the side close to us to keep him entertained while we sipped on 5 tastings of wine. We had the option to get grape juice for my son which he loved! He felt that he was part of this experience with us and we appreciated that the winery included children in this way.

Castello di Amorosa Winery was the brainchild of Dario Sattui, a fourth-generation winemaker and owner of the renowned V. Sattui Winery. Inspired by his love of medieval architecture and Italian wine, Sattui set out to create a winery that was unlike anything else in the world. From the moment you step onto the property, you'll feel as though you've been transported to another time and place. The castle, with its stone walls and soaring towers, is an impressive sight to behold. Inside, you'll find a labyrinth of underground cellars, where the wines are aged in oak barrels before they are bottled and sold.

But it's not just the architecture that sets Castello di Amorosa apart. The winery also produces some of the finest wines in the region, specializing in Italian varietals such as Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay. Their award-winning wines are made using traditional methods, with a focus on sustainability and quality.

Castello di Amorosa offers self-guided tours which you can enjoy at your own pace by exploring rooms like the Great Hall Room, The Courtyard, The Chapel, and the Tasting Room which are all beautiful unique rooms. Another unique experience it offers is their guided tours, which take you through the castle's many levels and cellars like the Wine Rooms, the Armory Room which contains weapons dating back hundreds of years, The Torture Chamber with a prison room, and a Grand Barrel Room three levels below ground where the wine is kept for aging.You'll learn about the winemaking process, as well as the history and architecture of the castle itself. And, of course, you'll have the opportunity to sample some of the winery's exceptional wines. If you're looking for a truly unforgettable wine tasting experience, Castello di Amorosa is a destination you won't want to miss. From the castle's medieval charm to the exceptional wines and guided tours, this winery is a true gem in the heart of California's wine country.