As if wine tasting in Napa Valley could not be any more magical, I recently discovered a gigantic castle that features a variety of fun options for wine tastings, food pairings and regular social gatherings. Inside an enchanting castle, I indulged in a full-tour of the premises followed by an exquisite food-wine pairing course over lunch. Whether you are traveling on a romantic getaway, partaking in a girls weekend, or just looking to taste wine like the queen of the castle, you must make your way to Castello di Amorosa.
Castello di Amorosa is a castle and a winery located near Calistoga, California. First opening its doors to the public in April 2007, the castle is the pet project of 4th generation vintner, Dario Sattui, who also owns and operates the V. Sattui Winery. The castle itself boasts 107 rooms, 8 levels above and below ground, and approximately 121,000 square feet of spectacular premises adorned with Italian artwork and colorfully painted murals. The lower area of the castle includes over 2 acres of caves which create the perfect ambiance for aging and tasting some of the region’s finest wines. When touring the cellar space, make sure to take a peak at the torture chamber which includes authentic torture devices used back in the medieval times.
Although this castle may be perceived as a super touristy destination of the wine region by some, I argue that it is a busy place because of the fact that it is one of the most endearing properties in the region. Well worth the visit ladies, I highly recommend partaking in one of the many tours offered at Castello di Amorosa. The castle is a truly interesting site and worth a visit. Fine wine, house-made chocolates and lunch services make this the premiere experience to enjoy along with friends and family. Follow along for my insider glimpses of a day spent as the queen of the castle – touring the premises, sipping new wines and indulging in a decadent lunch to the instruction of a world-class guide, I could not imagine a classier wine country experience for fellow lady travelers. To find out how you can taste wine like a queen inside a California castle, scroll to the bottom of this post for additional details and information.
Visiting Castello di Amorosa
- Open daily from 9:30am-6:00pm (March – October) and 9:30am-5:00pm (November – February)
- $25 per person (Premium Tasting of 5 wines)
- $35 per person (Reserve Tasting of 6 wines, including Reserve wines)
- Upgrade to taste your wine with chocolates for an additional $5 per person (handmade Belgian chocolates)
- Upgrade to taste your wine with a cheese plate for an additional $15 per person
- Upgrade to taste your wine with a charcuterie plate for an additional $15 per person
Royal Food and Wine Pairing
Take the plunge and indulge yourself in the full experience at Castello di Amorosa with the Royal Food and Wine Pairing. Photographed above, this experience included a full tour of the premises that lead to a private tasting lunch hosted by the most phenomenal sommelier of the region, Mary Davidek. The lunch tasting program takes place in the elegant Royal Apartment, which is a part of the castle that overlooks the picturesque northern end of Napa Valley. This program offers you the opportunity to savor many of Castello di Amorosa’s award-winning wines including reserve selections, La Castellana and Il Barone, perfectly paired with delicious savory bites. Mary is knowledgeable of the wines, the history of the region and the food she offers in the program, making the experience both extremely educational and enjoyable. Offered daily throughout the week, the cost is $85 per person to participate in this one-of-a-kind royal experience. Mary is incredible and will be the most insightful source for everything you want to know when it comes to this part of the world. The highlight to my recent visit in Napa, thank you so much to my new friends at Castello di Amorosa for welcoming me as a guest to your unforgettable space and making me feel like a queen.