Castello di Amorosa: A Winery Fit for a King
Inspired to build an authentic Medieval castle to honor his Italian heritage and showcase his exceptional wines, Dario Sattui studied architecture for 30 years before he created Castello di Amorosa. The 121,000-square-foot fortress took 14 years to build, stone by stone.
The Castello has 107 rooms, 95 of which are used for winemaking and wine storage. It stands four stories high, with an equal number of levels underground. Reminiscent of Old World castles, the Castello features a drawbridge and moat, a dungeon and torture chamber, secret passageways, courtyards, loggias, a church, horse stables, and a 12,000-square-foot wine barrel room, constructed with ancient Roman crossvaulted ceilings.
One might think that this overwhelming fortress would upstage the wines, but it merely sets the stage. Each handcrafted wine is classically structured, intensely flavored, well-balanced, and elegant, showcasing the terroir of its vineyard site. Most of the vines at Castello di Amorosa grow on hillsides that provide optimal growing conditions. The vines are primarily hand-farmed, and sustainable practices are used.
Named a “must-see destination” by The Wall Street Journal, the Castello offers a myriad of ways for guests to enjoy their visit. Regular tastings at the main tasting bar are available, but it’s best to take time for a tour. All tours feature a barrel tasting and last a little less than two hours. Food and wine pairings led by wine educators are held frequently. Castello di Amorosa has a line of grape seed products, made from the seeds and skins of natural, heart-healthy wine grapes. The seeds are cold pressed yielding an ultra-premium, nutrient dense cooking oil. A whole line of grape seed products (oil, cooking flour, and more) await in the Fattoria.
Castello di Amorosa does not distribute to stores or restaurants, giving visitors to the Napa Valley another reason to put the winery at the top of their list.