One of the Best Wineries in Napa: Discovering the Magic of Castello di Amorosa
This was a spontaneous trip to Napa Valley after visiting San Francisco. I honestly just needed some relaxing time away from the city life. Yes, it’s nice to visit all the iconic locations in San Francisco, like the Golden Gate Bridge…but, then what? Well, I’ll tell you what. You will want to visit one of the best wineries in Napa. Simply iconic.
Also, we needed a little R & R (rest and relaxation). So, we packed some snacks, got into our rental and headed out to Napa Valley’s very own Tuscan Castle Winery, Castello di Amorosa.
The Details of one of the BEST wineries in Napa!
In order to come here, you have to have a tasting or tour reservation. I had already pre-booked this online the night before at our hotel. They have different packages and pricing that range from $50 – $85 per person. This depends on if you want a guided tour or a map to explore on your own without an experienced tour guide. The package we picked was the Diamond Estate Tour & Reserve Wine Tasting. This particular package costs $70 per person and lasts approximately an hour and 50 minutes long. It is worth every dime.
Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, Castello di Amorosa stands as a testament to old-world charm and modern winemaking excellence. This magnificent winery, designed to resemble a 13th-century Tuscan castle, offers more than just exquisite wines. Additionally, it also provides an immersive experience that transports visitors to a bygone era. Here’s why Castello di Amorosa is considered one of the best wineries in Napa.
Architectural Marvel: A Tuscan Castle in Napa
The vision of Dario Sattui, a fourth-generation vintner, Castello di Amorosa took over 15 years to complete. With its first stone laid in 1994 and the doors opening in 2007. Next, this castle is an authentic homage to medieval architecture, meticulously constructed using medieval building techniques. Featuring a moat, drawbridge, high defensive towers, secret passageways, and a torture chamber, the castle spans 121,000 square feet. Furthermore, it includes 107 rooms spread across 8 levels.
Additionally, every detail of Castello di Amorosa speaks of authenticity and passion. Hand-chiseled stonework, hand-painted frescoes, and antique furnishings were either imported from Europe or created by artisans on-site. Therefore, this enhances the castle’s historical feel. This architectural dedication makes a visit to the Castello not just a wine tasting, but a journey through time.
Exceptional Winemaking Tradition
Also, while the castle itself is a major draw, the true heart of Castello di Amorosa lies in its vineyards and winemaking process. The winery produces a range of award-winning wines, focusing primarily on Italian varieties and Napa Valley classics. From robust reds to delicate whites, the wines reflect the rich terroir of the region and the meticulous care of the winemaking team.
Additionally, the estate covers 30 acres of vineyards, where the grapes are cultivated with sustainable farming practices. Castello di Amorosa’s commitment to quality is evident in every bottle. The winery uses traditional winemaking methods combined with modern technology. This ensures that each vintage meets the highest standards of excellence.
A Diverse Tasting Experience at one of the best wineries in Napa
Castello di Amorosa offers a variety of tasting experiences to cater to every palate. The classic wine tasting includes a guided tour of the castle and a sampling of five premium wines. For those seeking a more in-depth experience, the Reserve tasting is best suited. This is because it allows guests to sample a selection of the winery’s limited-release wines. Furthermore, they may pair them with gourmet cheeses.
One of the standout experiences is the Food & Wine Pairing tour. This is where visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the castle followed by a seated tasting of wines expertly paired with seasonal bites. Additionally, this experience highlights the versatility of Castello di Amorosa’s wines, and also educates guests on the art of food and wine pairing.
Educational and Fun Events
Castello di Amorosa is not just a winery but a vibrant cultural hub offering a range of events throughout the year. From medieval festivals to winemaker dinners, there’s always something happening at the castle. These events provide an opportunity for guests to engage with the winemaking process and meet the vintners. They also get to celebrate the rich history and culture of wine.
Additionally, one of the most popular events is the Harvest Celebration. This is where visitors can participate in grape stomping and taste fresh grape juice. Also, they can enjoy a festive atmosphere complete with live music and delicious food. These events are a great way to immerse oneself in the world of wine and create lasting memories.
Picturesque Setting and Ambiance
This winery is set against the backdrop of rolling vineyards and the scenic Napa Valley. Castello di Amorosa offers a stunning setting for wine tasting. The picturesque landscape, combined with the castle’s medieval architecture, creates a unique ambiance that is both romantic and inspiring. The estate’s beautiful gardens, courtyards, and terraces provide perfect spots for relaxing with a glass of wine and soaking in the view.
The castle’s Great Hall, with its grand fireplace and medieval décor, is a highlight for many visitors. It’s a space where one can truly feel the historical essence of the castle while enjoying the contemporary pleasures of fine wine and good company.
A Commitment to Excellence
What sets Castello di Amorosa apart from many other wineries is its unwavering commitment to excellence. Every aspect of the visitor experience, from the quality of the wines to the hospitality of the staff, is carefully curated to ensure that guests leave with a profound appreciation for the art of winemaking and the beauty of the Napa Valley.
The EXPERIENCE making it one of the best wineries in Napa:
The experience was a very intimate, adults only guided tour that I can only begin to try to describe for you because you absolutely have to go and see it for yourself. The package we chose came with a selection of 5 Reserve wines and a knowledgeable wine educator who gave us and about 10 other people an exclusive tour around the castle.
First, you get to see first-hand Castello’s state of the art production area. Additionally, you see their underground cellars, torture chamber, armory, and their amazing Grand Barrel Room. This is where you get the chance to taste their very own Cabernet Sauvignon wine straight out of a barrel. These are the exquisite details making this one of the best wineries in Napa.
After experiencing all of that, the wine educator escorts you to a private tasting area designed specifically only for you and your group. Next, you get to sample 5 of their current release reserve and small production wines.
Private Tasting Area for your group
You guys, their wines are to die for!! Incredible and smooth. My 2 favorite wines were La Fantasia, a sweet red wine and their famous Gewurztraminer sweet, white wine. Yes, I am a sucker for anything sweet and that is exactly how I like my wines.
After the tasting, we ended up taking home a bottle of each because they were so delicious. We waited to drink them one year later on my parents anniversary. This is an incredible experience that you will not regret. Hands down, at the top of my list of the best wineries in California. Period.
Once you’re done with the tour and shopping, you can walk around the castle and explore on your own. They even give you a map where you can explore. Outside of the castle, you will notice many farm animals throughout the land.
Farm Animals outside of the Tuscan castle & winery
This was one of those experiences that I would do again and again because it was that breathtaking and memorable making it one of the best wineries in Napa to go experience. To make reservations or obtain more information, just visit their website: https://castellodiamorosa.com/
If you’re looking to check out a cool spot in Southern California, make sure to check out my post on visiting the sea lions in La Jolla: https://lifewithdenise.com/2022/06/seals-in-la-jolla-the-best-guide/
Please let me know if you guys go and make sure to tag me on my Instagram, @realdenisewilliams, so I can see all your pictures and beautiful videos. Love you babes!
