Castello di Amorosa
Wine Tasting & Tours in Napa Valley
4045 St Helena Hwy N, Calistoga, CA 94515
Castello di Amorosa is a winery in Napa Valley, known for its exceptional wines and tasting experiences. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings in a relaxed setting with expert commentary. It is featured on LocalTastingTours' Napa Valley wine tasting experiences.
About Castello di Amorosa
Castello di Amorosa is one of the most extraordinary properties in all of Napa Valley — an authentically constructed 13th-century-style Tuscan castle that took 15 years and over 8,000 tons of hand-chiseled stone to build. Owner Dario Sattui, a fourth-generation Italian-American winemaker, designed every detail to be historically accurate, from the drawbridge and moat to the frescoed great hall, the torture chamber, and the 107 rooms spread across eight levels including four underground. It is a feat of passion and craftsmanship that has no parallel in American wine country.
Behind the spectacle, Castello di Amorosa is a serious winemaking operation. The estate produces Italian-inspired wines from Napa Valley fruit, with a portfolio that ranges from crisp Pinot Grigio and aromatic Gewürztraminer to bold Cabernet Sauvignon and a Super Tuscan blend called La Castellana. The Il Barone Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship — a rich, structured wine aged in the castle's stone cellars that demonstrates Napa fruit can excel in an Italian winemaking framework.
The castle is located in Calistoga at the northern end of Napa Valley, where the warm climate produces ripe, full-bodied wines. The property encompasses 171 acres of vineyards and the castle itself is surrounded by vines, creating a medieval tableau that feels transported from the Tuscan countryside. For visitors, the combination of genuine architectural wonder and quality winemaking makes Castello di Amorosa one of the most memorable and photographed estates in Napa Valley.
What to Expect
Visitors can choose from several experiences. The standard tasting includes a self-guided tour of the castle's accessible areas followed by a seated tasting of five wines. The guided castle tour adds a 45-minute walk through the great hall, barrel rooms, chapel, courtyard, and the infamous torture chamber, accompanied by a more extensive tasting. The castle itself is genuinely impressive — this is not a facade or a theme park but a painstakingly authentic construction that rewards exploration.
The atmosphere is unique in Napa Valley — medieval stone corridors lit by iron chandeliers, tasting rooms with frescoed walls, and a great hall with soaring ceilings where wine club events and private dinners are held. Children are welcome (a rarity in Napa tasting rooms), making it one of the few family-friendly winery destinations. The courtyard with its views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains is a natural gathering point and a photographer's dream.
Wines to Try
Visitor Tips
Book the guided castle tour rather than the self-guided option — the additional stories and access to restricted areas are worth the upgrade. The Il Barone Cabernet Sauvignon and La Castellana blend are the must-try wines. Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds; the castle is one of Napa's most popular attractions and weekend afternoons can be very busy. Allow at least 90 minutes for the full guided experience. Photography is encouraged throughout the castle grounds.
Visit Castello di Amorosa on a Guided Wine Tasting Tour
See Castello di Amorosa with an expert local guide as part of our curated Napa Valley wine tasting experience. Small groups of max 6 guests only.
Book the Napa Valley Wine Tasting Tour →