We took a weekend getaway to Napa over the Labor Day holiday. I’ve traveled to several different European countries and one of the best kept secrets about living in the Wine Country is how reminiscent it is of many of European regions I’ve visited like France and Italy. In winter, Napa’s hills are so green, it’s like Ireland and Northern France. In summer, the dry hills, vineyards, and countless wineries of Napa remind one of southern France or Tuscany.
One such place that is sure to transport one to Italy is Castello di Amorosa in the Napa Valley.
I’m always a little apprehensive when touring what some consider out-of-place attractions, for fear that they’ll be touristy, but I didn’t get that feeling here. This castle is an adult playground, and a guaranteed delight for any adventurous wannabe knight.
Dario Sattui spent over $30 million and 15 years constructing this medieval castle in Calistoga. It was just completed last year. He paid such close attention to detail, and was so focused on authenticity, that he hired masons to shape every stone by hand. The stones, timbers, and doors are all imported from Italy.
Here’s a glimpse at this worthwhile stop, worthy of a movie set:
Entrance
Tower
Valley views
Fences
Drawbridge
Corridors
Doors
Great dining hall with inlay coffered ceiling and frescos
Courtyard
Tasting Room:
Castle friends:
The corridors, hidden hallways, niches, and hideaways are too many to count. There’s a dungeon and torture chamber on site as well. The owner/builder/winemaker D. Sattui comes from a family of winemakers dating back to 1885. At the castle, he specializes in Italian style wines, including pinot grigios and Tuscan blends.
If you’re ever in the Napa Valley, Castello di Amorosa is a great place to spend an afternoon adventuring, exploring, and sampling wines and chocolates. And it was the perfect last stop on our weekend getaway.
More projects coming soon !
Happy blessed Sunday.
That is awesome. I esp. love the shot of the purple flowers spilling over! Nice.
Pam
What a gorgeous place! I love the chickens and rooster {colorful guy} strolling the grounds.
I enjoyed seeing this so much. Thanks for taking us there!
Kate, thank you so much for taking us on this little tour. Now I know I need to convince T to travel to Cali wine country. :) Most of Western Europe ranks at the top of my travel favorites list, and your photos looked like they came straight out of one of my old scrapbooks. ;)
The great dining hall is fabulous, and the tasting room reminded me a bit of the castle in Heidelberg. :)
Fun post, my friend!
What a stunning place! I love the chickens meandering around the place – how funny!
We’ve been to Nappa many times, but we missed this one. Such a great place. It looks so interesting and the details of the castle are just wonderful. I’m sure you had a great time. Hugs, Marty
Wow, so lovely. I have been there only once before and did not get to visit here! Just another reason to return. Seems absolutely wonderful. =)
oh my, what a gorgeous place. i must agree with you about the europeanesque feel of the place. i often daydream of my visits to switzerland, southern france, monaco and england … their architecture and pebbled stone walkways make you feel as though you are living in another lifetime. this place seems to grab that sense of richness. thanks for sharing and enlightening :)
it’s on the “must go” list!
Who knew you could find a little piece of Italy in Napa Valley! That is a gorgeous castle and it’s not too far from where I live! Thanks for sharing
Wow! I thought going on the tour of Hearst Castle in San Simeon was great. This looks like another one of those places that goes on the “definitely going there list”. I said I would love to
see more places in that area and you delivered. Awesome pictures!
I had no idea there was such a place. I can just imagine sitting in that courtyard, sipping wine and looking at the gorgeous flowers. You really did have the perfect getaway, and I’m glad you took your camera!
thats where my husband and I went the day we got engaged! :) Wonderful memories there. Did you go down into the torture chamber?
I SO want to go there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously? This place is in Napa Valley? I wonder how far that is from me (I haven’t learned my distances in CA yet). I think I need to go on a bit of a weekend trip out there…
I love your blog. I’m over from SITS — Happy SITS Day! (btw)
And I’ve totally added your feed to my Google Reader. I will be back for sure!
I am so freaking jealous. This place is gorgeous. I need to get out more!
p.s. I’m here from SITS, too. Congrats again on your feature!