Castello di Amorosa

Dario Sattui knows how to give a wine country experience unlike any other, and his latest winery, Castello di Amorosa, opened in 2007 after fourteen years of planning and construction, is true to the Sattui form. The 107 rooms of the 13th-century-styled castle contain ramparts, hand-painted murals, a torture chamber and labyrinthine cellars amidst their 121,000 square feet, making the Castello a winery like no other anywhere in the United States. There’s even a chapel, too, and all this takes place inside a structure of imported European brick, wood and iron, as well as more than 8,000 tons of Napa stone.

As is to be expected, given the Sattui philosphy of wine, there are lots of options – at least a dozen and a half at last count. These various offerings can be tasted as part of the General Admission and Tasting or the Reserve Tasting, and wine and chocolate pairing is always an option, too, as is non-alcoholic bottled grape juice for non-imbibers. Grapeseed oil and grapeseed flour are available for purchase. These are healthy, antioxidant-rich products that are produced from the seeds of Castello’s wine grapes.

Touring options abound and definitely help to heighten the experience. Reservations are likely required, so plan ahead accordingly as you choose from a Tour and Tasting, Tour and Reserve Tasting, Young Adult Tour, Royal Food and Wine Pairings in the Royal

Apartment or Hiking Vineyard Tour. Each takes about two hours, including the wine tasting, and each include barrel tasting in the Grand Barrel Room. For those seeking the ultimate experience, the Blending Seminar is for you – and you take home your own Super Tuscan! As you can see, Castello di Amorosa is clearly not to be missed – make sure it’s at the top of your Napa Valley itinerary.  Enjoy!    

By Josh Stein

What to taste
Lovers of a good rosé should try the “Giola” Rosato di Sangiovese for an Italian-influenced style, and those in search of Big Reds need look no further than the Reserve Cabernet, “Il Barone,” and the Super Tuscan, “La Castellana,” which adds Cab and Merlot to Sangiovese.

Plan ahead
There are a variety of innovative tour options – be sure to call to reserve your spots!

Little known fact
It took fourteen years of construction to bring the Castello to life – and there’s an authentic torture chamber!

Wine Awards
• Bien Nacido Chardonnay – 92 points from Wine Spectator
• La Castellana – 92 points from Robert Parker
• Il Barone – 94 points from Robert Parker