One of the more memorable wineries we visited was Castello di Amorosa. Would you forget a structure that looks like a medieval castle right in Napa Valley? I don't think so.
You seriously feel like you are in medieval Italy, and you haven't even gotten inside yet! I think I was ready to storm the castle (Princess Bride reference...I couldn't resist).
I think Husband J and were still trying to get over the whole grandiose/over-the-top feel of our surroundings for the first fifteen minutes. Most wineries in Napa are rather small and understated or very modern conference center-like structures that can handle crowds. The castello was something altogether different.
We took some time to explore the nooks and crannies of the castle including this little lookout point.
The castle was not just a facade with modern buildings either but rather a real life castle complete with all of the rooms that you could imagine a castle having.
A great room with wall to wall murals and complete with Christmas tree (we were there right after Thanksgiving but before Christmas)
The Inner courtyard
A chapel on premise. Many medieval castles actually had one. For modern folks like us, this is usually used for wedding ceremonies.
At that point, I'd almost forgotten that they sell wine there. Well, not really. :) I think this is one of the Chardonnay barrels. I have to admit that I tend not to like oaky tasting Chardonnay.
The Castello's wine tasting area
As for the wines, they were not my favorite that I tried. I tend to like fruity red wines or those with a bold, spicy flavor. Most of the Castello's wines had more of a bitter, tannic taste. Not my thing, really. That being said, I had fun just being there, and I applaud the Castello's owner for being bold enough to build a structure like this in the middle of the bastion of American wine making that is Napa Valley.
Who says wineries are boring? :)
2 comments:
Looks like such a fun structure! I think I'd have more fun exploring than wine tasting :)
Come back to Napa!! Mr. Spice will show you around!
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