How many of us love stories about knights riding stallions and kings and queens ruling a kingdom or princesses in stone towers? We enjoy fairy tales and wish like anything that life were like a Disney movie. If only we could step inside a real castle and live happily ever after. Would you believe me if I told you there’s a castle you can actually enjoy and it’s smack dab in Northern California?
Castello di Amorosa is part medieval castle and part winery. Open since 2007, it was built on a foundation of love between a grandson and grandfather.
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Before entering from the drawbridge you must know the story behind a castle built so near to Calistoga.
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Grandson Dario Sattui is a 4th generation vintner and also owns and operates the V. Sattui Winery (named after his great-grandfather). It was this grandfather who left Italy and came to America and opened a winery in San Francisco in 1885.
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The courtyard is the location for corporate events. While you can’t get married here, you are able to be your gal’s Prince Charming and pop the question…more on that later.
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The stonework, woodwork and iron are incredible to see. Would you believe over 8,000 tons of local stone and paving stones, terra cotta tiles for the roof, along with 850,000 bricks imported from Europe were used? Gorgeous!
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The dining hall is just exquisite with woodwork and stonework features. They were created by period- appropriate tools for authenticity.
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This could be a set for the next Queen Elizabeth feature film, am I right? Is that Henry VIII sitting down there at the head of the table?
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Frescoes are on the walls in vibrant colors. Painted by two Italian painters, it took them over a year to complete.
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You can tour a torture chamber with a guide. There are replicated torture devices to peruse, but the Iron Maiden is authentic. Purchased for $13,000 in Pieza, Italy, it’s over 300 years old.
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The grounds are some of the most beautiful in the area. Don’t forget your camera!
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A Tuscan style castle sits in a vineyard. What a backdrop, along with the closest some of us will ever get to visiting Italy. Vintners in Napa have been known to pay homage to their homeland by the styles of the buildings on their acreages. This is such a precious tribute to family.
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According to one source, “Extending into the hillside adjacent to the castle lies a labyrinth of caves some 900 feet in length.”
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They produce around 8,000 cases of wine a year. 17 Italian-style wines, including Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Super Tuscan Blends and dessert wines.
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Come for a tour or pick from one of their packages for a romantic proposal. Speaking of proposals…
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There’s nothing like a good old fashioned fairy tale. If you aren’t coming here to go wine-tasting or to propose, then take your kids for a castle tour to experience 12th century medieval times like no other!
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