People laughed when we called Napa Valley Disneyland for adults, and then this 12th century Tuscan-style castle/winery with 110 rooms, complete with dungeon, called “Castle of the Beloved” opened at a cost of 40 million dollars after 13 years of work. Did we mention Disneyland for adults? But with authentic techniques and materials, real stone and wrought iron, a drawbridge, ramparts, frescos and gloom, it is a popular movie set, photo background and is also available for events. You can rent the dungeon for Halloween. Now that’s one party your friends won’t forget! They offer guided & self-guided tours. Appointments are suggested and you can’t enter without paying.
The guided tour is a better deal but plan on 2 hours. Castles are cold in winter and cool in the summer, so dress accordingly. Children are restricted to certain tours and there are way too many stairs for babies and strollers. It’s surrounded by vines, olive trees, chickens and the occasional sheep. You pay more for the experience than the wine, but the experience is pretty neat. Drive up and see the outside even if you don’t plan to go in. It is a sight to be seen. Wines: A dozen plus wines from dry to sweet.
AWG Rating 89
Around the corner are Sterling, Clo Pegase, Frank Family, Twomey, and by appointment Schramsberg, Von Strasser and Reverie.
4045 N. St Helena Hwy (Rt 29). Calistoga 94515
www.castellodiamorosa.com
(707) 967-6272
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