Castello di Amorosa: Difference between revisions
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== The castle == |
== The castle == |
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The castle interiors cover approximately {{convert|121000| |
The castle interiors cover approximately {{convert|121000|sqft|m2}}, has 107 rooms on 8 levels above and below ground.<ref>[http://newsok.com/article/3109623/1188074432 NewsOK]</ref> Among many other features, it has; a moat, drawbridge, towers, courtyard, torture chamber, chapel/church, knights' chamber, and a 72 by {{convert|30|ft|m}} [[great hall]] with a {{convert|22|ft|m|sing=on}}-high [[coffer]]ed ceiling. |
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The [[torture chamber]] has an authentic 300-year-old [[Iron maiden (torture device)|iron maiden]] which Sattui states he bought for $13,000 in [[Pienza]], [[Italy]], a replica rack, prison chambers and other torture devices.<ref>[http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-tr-castle25feb25 Los Angeles Times]</ref><ref>[http://www.viamagazine.com/top_stories/articles/napas_castello07.asp Via Magazine]</ref><ref>[http://newsok.com/article/3109623/1188074432 NewsOK]</ref> The great hall features [[fresco]]es painted by two Italian artists who took about a year and a half to complete and showcases a 500 year old fireplace. |
The [[torture chamber]] has an authentic 300-year-old [[Iron maiden (torture device)|iron maiden]] which Sattui states he bought for $13,000 in [[Pienza]], [[Italy]], a replica rack, prison chambers and other torture devices.<ref>[http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-tr-castle25feb25 Los Angeles Times]</ref><ref>[http://www.viamagazine.com/top_stories/articles/napas_castello07.asp Via Magazine]</ref><ref>[http://newsok.com/article/3109623/1188074432 NewsOK]</ref> The great hall features [[fresco]]es painted by two Italian artists who took about a year and a half to complete and showcases a 500 year old fireplace. |
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Revision as of 22:24, 20 August 2008
| Castello di Amorosa Winery | |
|---|---|
| Location | Calistoga, California, USA |
| Appellation | Napa Valley |
| Founded | 2007 |
| First vintage | 2001 |
| Key people | Daryl Sattui |
| Cases/yr | 8000[1] |
| Varietals | Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer; Dry and Dolcino, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Muscato, Gioia, Merlot, La Fantasia |
| Tasting | Open to the Public (tours & tasting by appointment only) |
| Website | http://www.castellodiamorosa.com |
First opening its doors to the public in April 2007, the Castello di Amorosa Winery is located near Calistoga, California. It is the pet project of 4th generation vintner, Daryl Sattui who also owns and operates the V. Sattui Winery named after his great-grandfather who originally established a winery in San Francisco in 1885.
Sattui claims to have spent nearly all his resources (about 30 million dollars) and the last 14 years building the medieval replica castle on the vineyard grounds.[2]
The castle
The castle interiors cover approximately 121,000 square feet (11,200 m2), has 107 rooms on 8 levels above and below ground.[3] Among many other features, it has; a moat, drawbridge, towers, courtyard, torture chamber, chapel/church, knights' chamber, and a 72 by 30 feet (9.1 m) great hall with a 22-foot (6.7 m)-high coffered ceiling.
The torture chamber has an authentic 300-year-old iron maiden which Sattui states he bought for $13,000 in Pienza, Italy, a replica rack, prison chambers and other torture devices.[4][5][6] The great hall features frescoes painted by two Italian artists who took about a year and a half to complete and showcases a 500 year old fireplace.
The masonry, ironwork and woodwork was fashioned by hand using old world crafting techniques. Building materiels included 8,000 tons of locally quarried stone and some 850,000 bricks imported from Europe.[7][8] Beneath the castle lies a labyrinth of caves some 900 feet (270 m) in length which are part of a two-acre barrel cellar and tasting room where visitors can taste the wines-all sold only at the Castle.[9]
Due to Napa County restrictions, the castle and grounds cannot be rented for weddings or receptions, but are available to rent for corporate gatherings and fund raisers.
External links
- Webshots Album: Dozens of photos of the grounds and rooms
References
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