Castello di Amorosa 4045 N. St. Helena Hwy., S of town, (707) 967-6276, tour (707) 967-6272. Tasting 9:30-6, Dec-Jan 9:30-5; tour daily, must be age 10+, reservations advised.
America’s only authentically replicated 12th-century medieval Italian castle consists of 107 rooms on 7 levels, 95 of which are devoted to winemaking. Two-thirds of the castle is underground, where wines are stored instead of in caves. “I just didn’t know when to quit,” says owner/winemaker Dario Sattui. “Instead of going forward, I’m going backwards.”
Reached by crossing an authentic drawbridge, the castle has its own well, church, and stables. The walls in the great hall are covered with hand-painted frescoes, and the castle boasts secret passageways, a prison and dungeon torture chamber, and, comfortingly, an escape tunnel. Like many unusual facilities found at wineries, it is the result of Sattui’s passion for castles. And melding it well with his other passion for winemaking, he produces here high-end wines from primarily Italian grape varietals. A “Super Tuscan” is among them--as is an “Il Barone” reserve, their biggest red--and all wines are available only on site. The tour includes a barrel tasting and sampling in a private tasting room.
More ideas for exploring Northern California.
image ©2008 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
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