Dario Sattui, Owner
Dario Sattui
Dario Sattui, owner of Castello di Amorosa in Calistoga, California, and great-grandson of San Francisco, California pioneer vintner, Vittorio Sattui, was born in San Francisco in 1941 and raised in San Francisco and Fairfax in Marin County. He attended Drake High School and then the College of Marin.
As a child, Sattui was an entrepreneur and loved playing sports. He started various businesses in grammar school, high school and college and gained valuable experience in the basics of business.
His great grandfather Vittorio Sattui, an Italian immigrant, founded V. Sattui Winery in 1885 in San Francisco. As Vittorio lived to be 94 years old, Dario got to know him and was fascinated by his stories and photos of the old winery, above which the Vittorio Sattui family continued to live even after Prohibition closed the old V. Sattui Winery. As a child, Dario would play among the barrels and tanks in the underground cellars while dreaming of reviving V. Sattui Winery when he grew up.
He kept this dream alive as he furthered his education receiving a B.S. in Accounting and Finance from San Jose State University in 1965 and then an M.B.A. with an emphasis in Marketing from University of California, Berkeley in 1969.
Following graduation, Sattui traveled around Europe for two years in an old VW van. It was during this period his fascination for medieval architecture began to take shape. Living out of his van, Sattui would visit medieval castles, monasteries, palaces farmhouses and wineries studying their designs, taking photographs and completing detailed sketches and renderings.
In 1972, Sattui returned to the U.S. with the intent of re-establishing his great grandfather’s original V. Sattui winery which had been dormant for more than 50 years. With $8,000 and a novel approach to the wine business he re-opened V. Sattui winery in St. Helena and turned a profit in the first year of operation.
Armed with his vault of medieval architectural renderings and another passionate dream, Sattui purchased a 171-acre vineyard property in Calistoga in 1993 and began construction of Castello di Amorosa Winery in 1994. Clearly, the success of V.Sattui winery built the 121,000 square foot, 12th-century style, authentic Tuscan castle winery. Read Castello di Amorosa’s History & Owner to dive deeper into Dario Sattui’s vision.
His hobbies include travel, sports, nature, eating and drinking well, business ideas, and restoring medieval buildings.
Learn more about Dario’s inspiration for building Castello di Amorosa.
Interviews
♦ Michael Horn’s “What’s Cookin’ on Wine” with Nicole Nielson, December, 2022 (Interview Starts at 38:00)
♦ How I Turned $8,000 Into a Wine Empire, June, 2021 (Interview)
♦ Sattui Donates $1 Million to Calistoga Schools, July 2, 2020
Articles
♦ A History of The Project – Part 1, by Dario Sattui
♦ A History of The Project – Part 2, by Dario Sattui
♦ A History of The Project – Part 3, by Dario Sattui
Georg Salzner, President
Georg Salzner
Austrian-born food and wine aficionado Georg Salzner joined Castello di Amorosa as president in 2008.
At the young age of 16, the legal drinking age in Austria, Salzner developed a passion for food and wine which led him to an extensive career in wine and food management.
Prior to joining Castello di Amorosa, Salzner spent five years as Banquet Manager, Sommelier and Wine Buyer at the famous, Watergate Hotel in Washington D.C. He furthered his career at Jefferson Hotel as their Food and Beverage Manager and, in 1995, he returned to his native Austria to continue his career as Food and Beverage Manager for the Vienna Hilton.
In 1997, Salzner expanded his experience as Director of Public Gastronomies with the United Kingdom-based and food giant Compass Group in Austria where he managed 280 employees in the country’s largest conference center and in other Compass Group venues such as stadiums, museums, airports and fine dining. Part of Salzner’s responsibilities included the management of e-Catering; one of Austria’s largest caterers.
Press - In the News
In The News
2022 ♦ 2021 ♦ 2020 ♦ 2019 ♦ 2018 ♦ 2017 ♦ 2016 ♦ 2015 ♦ 2014 ♦ 2013 ♦ 2012 ♦ 2011 ♦ 2010 ♦ 2009 ♦ 2008 ♦ 2007
2023
♦ 2023 August 12: The Travel –10 Castles In The US That Are Straight Out of a Fairy Tale
♦ 2023 August 6: SF Gate –Reviled by locals, $40 million Bay Area castle winning over visitors
♦ 2023 June 27: East Bay Times –Exploring Napa Valley’s Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2023 June 27: San Jose Mercury News –Exploring Napa Valley’s Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2023 June 12: CBS 8 –Rising Popularity of Non-Alcoholic Wines & Spirits
♦ 2023 May 23: 7X7 –20 Fun Things To Do This Week
♦ 2023 May 22: Drinks Trade –Penfolds Named 2nd Most Instagrammed Winery
♦ 2023 February 10: Fox KTVU Channel 2 –Valentine’s & Wines
♦ 2023 January 20: The American Dream TV – Bay Area
♦ 2023 January 4: The Most Dog Friendly Wineries In Napa Valley – SF Gate
2022
♦ 2022 October 6: Only In Your State – Tour A Magical Castle Like Harry Potter’s Hogwarts
♦ 2022 September 13: The Travel – Tuscan Inspired Winery Right in California
♦ 2022 September 2: Accidental Travel Writer – Napa Valley’s Best Kept Secret
♦ 2022 August 30: Recipes Travel Culture – Calistoga Wineries, Spa & Culture
♦ 2022 July 26: Kron – Vacationing Like Royalty In Napa
♦ 2022 July 9: Ledevoir – Visiter Napa un (deuxieme) verre a la main!
♦ 2022 June 27: 24 Best Castles in The United States – Vacation Idea
♦ 2022 June 27: Things To Do In The Napa Valley – Vacation Idea
♦ 2022 June 17: Vintner Magazine – How A Calistoga Winery Caters To New Wine Drinkers
♦ 2022 May 23: Vintner Magazine – The Simple Formula Behind an Ornate Castle’s Success
♦ 2022 May 21: Local Getaways California – Best Things To Do in Wine Country This May
♦ 2022 May 2: Sonoma Magazines – 12 Unique Winery Experiences in Sonoma and Napa Wine Country
♦ 2022 May 1: San Diego Union Tribune – Bay Area Castles
♦ 2022 April 16: On The Wine Road – Wineries Celebrate Earth Month
♦ 2022 April 11: Napa Valley Register – Calistoga’s Castello di Amorosa Invests in Solar
♦ 2022 March 29: The Bharat Express – The Most Beautiful Vineyards in The World, According to Instagram
♦ 2022 March 4: Travel Awaits – 5 Fantastic Locations For Napa Valley Mustard Bloom
♦ 2022 March 2: US News – Top 15 Napa Valley Wineries to Visit
♦ 2022 March: Sonoma Magazine – The Most Beautiful Wineries in Napa Valley
♦ 2022 February 28: Forbes – Napa Valley Weekend with Kids: Yes You Can Have It All
♦ 2022 February 2: San Jose Mercury News – 5 Bay Area Castles for romance, mystery and adventure
♦ 2022 January 31: Wine Industry Network – Castello di Amorosa Installs a Solar Microgrid
♦ 2022 January 24: Wine Industry Network – Dennison Ranch into Land Trust
♦ 2022 January 24: Wine Business – Dennison Ranch into Conservation Easement
♦ 2022 January 20: Solar Power World – Solar + Storage Microgrid at Castle
♦ 2022 January 10: Talk-a-Vino – California Stars, Italian Flair
2021
♦ 2021 December 22: Wine Reviews Blog- Castello di Amorosa, Anderson Valley Gewürztraminer
♦ 2021 December 21: Smarter Travel- America’s 12 Most Extravagant Castles & Villas
♦ 2021 November 1: Wine Spectator Magazine – 18 Fresh California White Wines Up to 91 Points
♦ 2021 September 20: Wine Spectator Magazine – 10 Diverse Napa Valley Wines at 90+ Points
♦ 2021 September 13: Wine Business – Castello di Amorosa Incentivizes Employees
♦ 2021 July 30: Wine Women – Shelby Green, Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2021 July 18: New York Times – Climate Change Hits Wine Country
♦ 2021 June 14: Wine Travel Eats – Sangiovese from Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2021 May 24: Napa Register – Ribbon Cut at Calistoga’s new Sattui Preschool
♦ 2021 May 7: California Date Night – Old World Meets New: The Magic of Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2021 April 8: The CW Sacramento – Non-Alcoholic Grape Juices with Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2021 April 8: Strong Coffee to Red Wine – Grape Juice by Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2021 April 8: What I’ve Been Drinking – Non-Alcoholic Grape Juice
♦ 2021 April 8: Talk-a-Vino – Beyond Wine
♦ 2021 April 6: Wine Travel Eats – Sober Curious?
♦ 2021 April 4: California Wine & Wineries – A Different Twist
♦ 2021 March 27: Please The Palate – Pick The Palate
♦ 2021 March 28: Owen Bargreen – California Wine Reviews
♦ 2021 March 24: Wine Business- Castello di Amorosa establishes “Cavalieri del Fuoco”
♦ 2021 March 23: Napa Register- Castello di Amorosa Creates Italian Fire Brigade
♦ 2021 March 18: We Like Drinking – Peter Velleno w/ Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2021 March 16: Martha Stewart – The Most Beautiful Castles in America
♦ 2021 February 8: Jeb Dunnuck – The Top Napa Cabernet Sauvignon under $100
2020
♦ 2020 December 1: People Magazine – Celebrity Engagements of 2020
♦ 2020 October 12: Wine Spectator – Can I Remove The Alcohol Content from Wine by Boiling It
♦ 2020 October 5: SF Chronical – Napa Valley Winries that Have Been Damanged by Glass Fire
♦ 2020 October 1: Wall Street Journal – Wildfires Damage California Winries
♦ 2020 October 1: NY Post – At Least 19 Winries Destroyed or Damanged
♦ 2020 September 30: VOA – A Look at Photos Around The World
♦ 2020 September 30: KRON 4 – Famous Napa Valley Winery Shut Down due to Wild Fire
♦ 2020 September 30: Los Angeles Times – Fires Again Ravage a California Wine Industry
♦ 2020 September 29: SJ Mercury News – Castello di Amorosa President on Fire
♦ 2020 September 29: KRON 4 – Famous Napa Valley Winery Shut Down due to Wild Fire
♦ 2020 September 29: Napa Register – Photos of The Glass Fire
♦ 2020 September 29: People Magazine – Glass Fire Destroys 10,000 Bottles of Wine
♦ 2020 September 29: The Mercury News – Glass Fire: Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2020 September 29: Fortune – Wildfires Rip Through California’s Wine Country
♦ 2020 September 28: NY Times – Wildfires Stoke Worries About California’s Wine Industry
♦ 2020 September 28: CBS Bay Area – Glass Fire Update
♦ 2020 September 28: NBC Bay Area – Flames Damage Famed Castle Winery
♦ 2020 September 28: ABC 10 – Glass Fire
♦ 2020 September 28: SF Gate – Napa Famed Castle, Loses Building
♦ 2020 September 28: SF Chronical – Napa Famed Castello di Amorosa suffers loss in Glass Fires
♦ 2020 July 8: North Bay Business Journal – Napa Wineries Move More Tasting Outside
♦ 2020 July 2: Wine Business.com – Dario Sattui Donates $1 Million to Calistoga Schools
♦ 2020 June 20: The Fifty Best – California Chardonnay
♦ 2020 June 8: Wine Industry Network – Castello di Amorosa Lowers The Drawbridge and Re-Opens
♦ 2020 April 24: San Francisco Chronicle – Dario Sattui Pledges to Return 1.2 Million Relief Loan
♦ 2020 April 26: Napa Register – Castello di Amorosa Returns Relief Loan
♦ 2020 April 14: Santa Rosa Press Democrat – 2019 Rosato – The Wine of The Week
♦ 2020 March 18: Narcity.com – Take A Wine Tour Through The Hills of Napa Valley from Your Bathtub
♦ 2020 February 13: Vinepair.com – Castello di Amorosa Pinot Grigio 2018, North Coast, Calif.
♦ 2020 January 14: Santa Rosa Press Democrat – Wine of the Week
♦ 2020 January 12: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition – Best of Class
2019
♦ 2019 December 26: The Travel – Every Wine Aficionado Needs To Visit These Napa Valley Vineyards
♦ 2019 October 20: Travel Pulse – Wine Tasting in a Castle, the Perfect Napa Experience
♦ 2019 September 26: USA Today – 40 Charming Small Towns to Visit This Fall
♦ 2019 September 26: Napa Valley Register – A tour through Calistoga’s Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2019 August 26: St. Helena Star – Napa Valley Pinot Noirs trade delicacy for raw power
♦ 2019 August 26: Spirited – Castello di Amorosa Named “Best Tasting Room” in USA
♦ 2019 August 23: USA Today 10Best – Castello di Amorosa has America’s Best Tasting Room
♦ 2019 July 25: New York Times – Napa With the Family (Great Wine, Minimal Whine)
♦ 2019 July 4: ABC7 News – Napa Valley Castle of Love in Calistoga is a labor of love for Bay Area winemaker
♦ 2019 July 1: Sonoma Magazine – 12 Unique Winery Experiences in Sonoma and Napa Wine Country
♦ 2019 May 27: Palatexposure (Podcast) – His Castle on a Hill: Dario Sattui Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
♦ 2019 May 25: Bites, Flights and Sights – 13th Century Tuscan Castle in Northern California
♦ 2019 May 16: KRON4 News – More than just wine: Napa Valley winery offers trip through medieval times
♦ 2019 May 14: The Weekly Calistogan – Calistoga’s Castello di Amorosa shows off barrel samples
♦ 2019 May 13: Wine Institute – California’s ‘Family-Friendly’ Wineries Welcome Kids to Wine Country
♦ 2019 May 8: Grape Experiences – Mom Reigns with Wines from Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2019 May 8: Nittany Epicurean – 2018 Castello di Amorosa Rosato Cresta d’Oro Vineyard
♦ 2019 May: Sonoma Magazine – Best Napa Wineries for First-Time Visitors
♦ 2019 April 5: St. Helena Star – From Ancien to Trefethen, Star/NVV Tasting Panel reviews Napa Valley Chardonnays
2018
♦ 2018 November 21: North Bay Business Journal – 25 winners named for Wine Industry + Spirits Awards, WINnovation Awards of 2018
♦ 2018 Sept 05: The Weekly Calistogan – Star/NVV panelists taste, judge and rank Pinot Noir in Napa Valley
♦ 2018 July/August: Laguna Beach Magazine – Nestled in Napa
♦ 2018 June 10: Press Democrat: “Napa and Sonoma wineries with exceptional settings and views“
♦ 2018 May 21: North Bay Bohemian: “Rose Outlook“
♦ 2018 April 4: St. Helena Star: “Wine of the Week – Castello di Amorosa 2014 Merlot Napa Valley“
♦ 2018 Feb 20: Wine Enthusiast – Top Five Pinot Noir Vineyards in California’s Anderson Valley
♦ 2018 Jan 11: Wine Splash – Castello di Amorosa Napa Valley Wines
2017
♦ 2017 Nov 28: Los Angeles Times – California Bucket List: Your daily travel guide to the best adventures and experiences in the Golden State
♦ 2017 Nov 27: AndreaWine – My Napa: ‘Tis the season to visit, so here are some of my favorite wine country stops
♦ 2017 Nov 15: Weekly Wine Show – Episode 89 – Napa Valley
♦ 2017 Nov: AFAR – A Romantic Itinerary in Napa Valley
♦ 2017 Oct 25: Wine Industry Network – Calistoga Landmark Winery Untouched by Fire
♦ 2017 August 24: Business Insider – A California millionaire built a massive ’13th-century Italian castle’ in the middle of wine country — take a look inside
♦ 2017 August 23: American Winery Guide – Castello di Amorosa Review
♦ 2017 August: Napa Sonoma Magazine – Wine Country Castle
♦ 2017 July: NapaValley.com – Best Views in Calistoga
♦ 2017 June 26: The Nittany Epicurean – 2012 Castello di Amorosa La Castellana
♦ 2017 June 14: CheapTickets.com – 5 U.S. Wineries that will make you think you’re in Europe
♦ 2017 June 9: KRON4 News – QuadCopter4 tour of wine country after one of wettest winters of the century
♦ 2017 June 5: Wine Folly – The Ten Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit (2017 Edition)
♦ 2017 May 15: Confetti Travel Cafe – Eleven Amazing Napa Valley Wineries You Must Visit
♦ 2017 May 4: Napa Food and Vine – Il Barone Vertical Tasting
♦ 2017 April 25: CBS Chicago – Visit These 5 European Castles Without Leaving the States
♦ 2017 April 20: Napa Food and Vine – Ten Years of Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2017 April 18: Sonoma Magazine – 11 Unique Winery Experiences in Napa and Sonoma
♦ 2017 April 12: The Weekly Calistogan – Sattui Celebrates His Castle
♦ 2017 March 29: Go-Wine – Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2017 March 21: St Helena Star – Founder Dario Sattui reflects on Calistoga’s 13th century Tuscan castle, Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2017 March 10: AFAR – The 7 Most European Places in the United States
♦ 2017 Jan 12: Enofylz Wine Blog – Wine of the Day: 2012 La Castellana
♦ 2017 Jan 12: Love Wins Texas – The Ultimate Gay California Vacation
♦ 2017 Jan 1: Food & Wine – Child Friendly Wineries Around the World
2016
♦ 2016 Dec 20: Orange County Register – Our Picks for California’s Top 25 Wines
♦ 2016 Dec 3: Visit Calistoga – Your Itinerary for a Winter Weekend in Calistoga
♦ 2016 Sept 27: The Hour – Scenic Sips: Enjoy Vino with a View at these scenic wineries
♦ 2016 Sep 15: San Francisco Chronicle – In California Wine Country, tasting rooms are essential
♦ 2016 Sep 3: The Written Palette – Red Wine for a Labor Day Barbecue
♦ 2016 August 5: Now and Zin Wine – Napa “Super Tuscan” Blend
♦ 2016 August 3: Winecountry.com – 22 Photos to Get You Pumped for Harvest
♦ 2016 June 13: The Republic – 5 Ways to Fly High in California Wine Country
♦ 2016 April 21: ENOFYLZ Wine Blog – 2013 Castello di Amorosa Chardonnay: An Exploration of Terroir and Technique
♦ 2016 April 19: Visit California – The California Questionnaire: Dario Sattui
♦ 2016 April 8: Locale Magazine – 10 Outrageously Delicious Bay Area Wineries
♦ 2016 March 25: San Diego Magazine – Wine Beyond Napa
♦ 2016 March 21: St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Wineries, spas and shops make Napa Valley’s Calistoga a delight to visit
♦ 2016 Feb 15: California Winery Advisor – The 10 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit
♦ 2016 Feb 1: BRIDES Northern California – The Best Wineries in Napa Valley to Host Your Bachelorette Bash
♦ 2016 Jan 24: Sunday Times Travel – The Grape Outdoors
♦ 2016 Jan 21: City & Shore Magazine – Top U.S. wines named in 2016 competition
2015
♦ 2015 Dec 20: Wine Country Getaways – The Castle is Alive and Well in Napa Valley
♦ 2015 Dec 14: USA Today Top Ten – 10 Best Wineries and Vineyards to Sip and Swirl in Napa Valley
♦ 2015 Dec 5: Hitched – 7 Wineries Respecting the Earth and the Fruit it Produces
♦ 2015 Nov 10: Mental Floss – 11 American Castles You Can Visit
♦ 2015 Nov 2: The Fermented Fruit – Castello di Amorosa, Wine as Good at the Tour?
♦ 2015 Oct 1: The Vine Daily – Best Napa Valley Winery Tours for 2016
♦ 2015 Sep 19: Stay Rad Wine Blog – Bien Nacido Chardonnay from Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2015 Sep 18: Check Before You Trek – An Italian Castle in Napa Valley
♦ 2015 July 10: Top Inspired – Top 10 Best Vineyards in Napa Valley to Visit
♦ 2015 June 4: vinetur – Las 10 maravillas arquitectónicas del mundo del vino
♦ 2015 May 19: Trivago – The Best Spring Day Trips from San Francisco
♦ 2015 April: Destinations Travel Magazine – Discovering the Castles of America
♦ 2015 April 14: CA Home+Design – Wine Country Agenda: Spring Food and Wine Pairings to Taste Now
♦ 2015 April 14: The Drinks Business – Top 10 architectural wonders of the wine world
♦ 2015 March 25: SF Gate – Tasting and playing at five family-friendly wineries
♦ 2015 Feb 17: Snooth – Winner Winner April Dinner: Fine Wine Gala Announces Number Ones
♦ 2015 Feb 2: The Culture Trip – California’s 12 Stunning Vineyards to Visit
♦ 2015 Jan: FlipKey – Top Napa Valley Wineries Worth Traveling For
♦ 2015 Jan: Hitched Magazine – 8 Stops for Your Next Wine Adventure
♦ 2015 Jan 9: San Francisco Magazine – Bring the Kids: The Ten Best Family-Friendly Wineries in Napa and Sonoma
2014
♦ 2014 Dec 29: Destination Tips – 17 Best Places to Spend New Years Eve Around the World
♦ 2014 Dec 8: Visit Napa Valley – Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Napa Valley
♦ 2014 Dec 1: Slow Living Radio – Wineries in the Hills of Napa Valley
♦ 2014 Nov 23: Communities Digital News – Wines with which to Impress over the Holidays
♦ 2014 Nov 10: Drink Me Magazine – 5 Out of This World Wineries
♦ 2014 Oct 6: San Jose Mercury News – 8 Great Halloween Winery Adventures
♦ 2014 Oct 1: Buzzfeed – 14 Ways to Tour the World Without Leaving California
♦ 2014 Sept: About.com – 8 Great Napa Valley Winery Tours
♦ 2014 Sept 30: The Weekly Calistogan – Ghost Tours Offered at Castello
♦ 2014 Sept 12: Podcast – Jeff Davis of KSRO Radio interviews Dario Sattui
♦ 2014 Sept 2: St Helena Star – Star/NVV panelists judge Napa Valley merlots
♦ 2014 August 12: KRON4 News – “Napa Valley Festival del Sole: A Summer Time Favorite!”
♦ 2014 July 3: Touring & Tasting Magazine – “Noteworthy Wines of Fall/Summer 2014”
♦ 2014 June 4: Examiner – “Exploring the Fantasty Adventure of Castello di Amorosa”
♦ 2014 May 19: USA Today Travel – “Taste to Tunes at the Best Winery Concerts”
♦ 2014 April 30: St Helena Star – “From Italy to Calistoga”
♦ 2014 April 25: Enofylz Wine Blog – “A Taste of Castello di Amorosa”
♦ 2014 March 23: The New Zealand Herald – “California: A Taste of the Lavish”
♦ 2014 March 14: SF Gate – “Castello di Amorosa Wine Train Excursion fit for a King”
♦ 2014 Feb 28: Visit California – “The Mad King of Napa Valley” from the Dream365 Project
♦ 2014 Feb 20: Napa Valley Register – “Winemakers Promoted at V. Sattui and Castello di Amorosa”
♦ 2014 Feb 6: Sacramento Bee – Castle and Winery in Calistoga: Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2014 Feb 1: VacationIdea – Wine Tasting at a 13th Century Tuscan Castle in the NapaValley
2013
♦ 2013 Nov 24: Wine Enthusiast Magazine – Your Off-the-Beaten Path Travel Guide to Napa
♦ 2013 Nov 17: Wine Country Getaways – Blending Wines at Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2013 Oct 21: Visit California – “Dreamers” commercial featuring Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2013 Sept 19: Wall St Journal – Dario Sattui Built a Castle to House His California Winery
♦ 2013 Sept 19: Wall St Journal – A Vintner’s Obsession with History and His Homes to Prove It
♦ 2013 August 20: Galavante – A TOAST TO NAPA
♦ 2013 August 15: Seattle Post Intelligencer – Making your home a castle
♦ 2013 August 13: Global Adventuress – 2013 “Top 10″ Napa Valley Wineries
♦ 2013 August 1: AARP – 10 Must-See American Castles
♦ 2013 July 29: Zester Daily – Don’t Judge A Rosé By Its Color, And Other Tips
♦ 2013 July 2: USA Today- 10best.com – Napa Valley: 10 Best Places to Raise a Glass
♦ 2013 July 1: Washington Times- Communities – Top Ten summer festivals and outdoor concerts around San Francisco
♦ 2013 June 28: New York Times – In Transit Blogs – Calendar: Coming Events in California and Wisconsin
♦ 2013 June 25: Haute Living – Napa Valley Festival Del Sole: A Celebration of the Art of Life
♦ 2013 June 17: Everywhere Once – AUTHENTICALLY OUT OF PLACE AND TIME
♦ 2013 June 5: Stay Rad Blog – Back to the Castle
♦ 2013 June 4: The California Wine Tasting Adventures of Erik Wait – Castello di Amorosa – The Castle Winery in Calistoga, California
♦ 2013 May 30: Gabe’s View – Castello di Amorosa – 2009 Napa Valley Sangiovese
♦ 2013 May 23: Delightful Repast – Travel Reviews – Napa Valley – Food, Wine, Lodging
♦ 2013 May 18: The Sacramento Bee – Sattui’s castle awaits Napa Valley visitors
♦ 2013 May 13: Startle Travel Blog – What’s New In Downtown Napa
♦ 2013 May 10: This Is My Happiness – Photo Friday: A California Castle Winery
♦ 2013 May 8: Los Altos Town Crier – Festival fun: Fairs offer variety of music, art, food and wine
♦ 2013 May 4: Terroirist-Wine Reviews: California Grab Bag
♦ 2013 April 24: The Wherever Writer – The Castello di Amorosa, Calistoga, CA
♦ 2013 April 19: Postmark California – Calistoga: Castello di Amorosa -Castle in Napa Valley
♦ 2013 April 18: Food & Wine Chickie – 2011 Castello di Amorosa Dolcino Gewrztraminer
♦ 2013 April 17: Napa Valley Register – Wine of the Week: Castello di Amorosa 2011 Chardonnay
♦ 2013 April 15: SipSwirlSavor.com – A sensible Sangiovese from the Napa Valley
♦ 2013 April 13: Terroirist.com – Wine Reviews: California Cabernet & Blends
♦ 2013 April 4: ThumbsUpWine – Castello di Amorosa with Thumbs Up Wine
♦ 2013 March 28: ENOFYLZ Wine Blog – Wine of the Week; 2008 Castello di Amorosa La Castellana
♦ 2013 March 26: jetsetextra.com – Napa Valley, CA, USA: Celebrate in Wine Style
♦ 2013 March 13: The Weekly Calistogan – Sattui pledges $1 million for Calistoga youth
♦ 2013 Feb 21: St Helena Star – Iconic, collectible cabernets
♦ 2013 Feb 20: Biggerthanyourhead.net – Castello di Amorosa: Not Just Any Old Pile of Stones
♦ 2013 Feb 9: WinespeakUSA.com – Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2013 Feb 4: AFAR.com – Wine Tasting in a Castle in Napa Valley, California
♦ 2013 Feb 1: JacksonvilleWineGuide.com – Castello di Amorosa “La Castellana” Napa Valley, California
♦ 2013 Jan 17: myNewOrleans.com – What to Drink: Highlights from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
♦ 2013 Jan 16: TouringandTasting.com – Castello di Amorosa: A Winery Fit for a King
2012
♦ 2012 Dec 20: Sacmag.com – WINE OF THE WEEK: CASTELLO DI AMOROSA’S 2011 “DRY” MENDOCINO COUNTY GEWÜRZTRAMINER
♦ 2012 Nov 27: Wine Country this Week – Castello di Amorosa, Unforgetable in Every Way!
♦ 2012 Oct 28: FashionNewsLive.com – Napa Valley Halloween Event: The Pagan Ball
♦ 2012 Oct 24: Naparegister.com – Sebastiano Rosa: New Italian wine advisor for Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2012 Oct 23: Zagat – 30 Awesome Fall Foodie Destinations
♦ 2012 Oct 17: Forbes.com – 7 California Wine Experiences You Can’t Get Anywhere Else
♦ 2012 Oct 16: Hitting the Stage – The Green Room, Fairy Tale Romance Edition, Romance is in the Air
♦ 2012 Oct 13: Grapeencountersradio.com – Build it, they will come…and drink wine! – Episode 168
♦ 2012 Oct 12: Bacchus and Berry Wine Blog – Napa Valley in One Day…It can be done!
♦ 2012 Oct 11: Napa Valley Register – Harvest Hums Along
♦ 2012 Oct 2: wine-hotels.com – Castello di Amorosa Photo Tour
♦ 2012 Oct 2: WineCountry.com – Spooktacular Fun in Wine Country
♦ 2012 Sept 20: Brainwines.com – USA, Gewürztraminer, Castello di Amorosa, Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, Napa Valley, California, 2011
♦ 2012 Sept 19: The Miami Herald – It’s worth making the acquaintance of these lesser-known wines
♦ 2012 Sept 13: Inkart.com- Wine Label for Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2012 Sept 12: Enobytes.com – Wine Review: 2011 Castello di Amorosa Anderson Valley Gewürztraminer
♦ 2012 Sept 11: tuscanvines.blogspot.com – 2004 Castello di Amorosa La Castellana
♦ 2012 Sept 7: The Cuvée Corner, Wine Blog – Wine and Food Pairning of the Week: 2011 Castello di Amorosa Late Harvest Gewürztraminer
♦ 2012 August 28: Norcalwine.com – Tasting Two Anderson Valley Gewurtztraminer from Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2012 August 27: Now and Zin, Summer Wine: Castello di Amorosa
♦ 2012 August 17: Robert Scoble Interview
♦ 2012 August 13: 12 Awe Inspiring Castles
http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/08/13/12-awe-inspiring-american-castles/
♦ 2012 July 29: Castello di Amorosa Late Harvest AV Gewürztraminer
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KDKEfdg2wI
♦ 2012 July 16: ERNESTO CORTAZAR – CAPRICHO ITALIANO – CASTELLO DI AMOROSA – NAPA VALLEY – CA
♦ 2012 June 10: Pixar Post-Congrats to the Brave Crew – Highlights from the Wrap Party
♦ 2012 April 24: 6 Top Family-Friendly Wineries
http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/Web-2012/6-Top-Family-Friendly-Wineries/
♦ 2012 Feb 03: Dallas News – EXPLORE ROMANTIC NAPA VALLEY WITH YOUR HONEY
2011
♦ 2011 April 25: Wine Enthusiast Magazine – The New Calistoga
2010
♦ 2010 April 26: CASTELLO DI AMOROSA 2005 SANGIOVESE, RANKING 6 OF 116 IN CATEGORY
eBacchus.com
♦ 2010 March: BESTOF AWARDS – BEST PLACE TO TAKE A VISITOR IN UPPER NAPA VALLEY
bestofnsv.com
♦ 2010 March 5: CASTELLO DI AMOROSA
winecountrythisweek.com, by Diana Greenwood
♦ 2010 Feb 28: CASTELLO DI AMOROSA: CASTLE IN THE WINE COUNTRY
hellosanfrancisco.com, by Bob Cooper
♦ 2010 Feb 7: ROBERT PARKER LOVES OUR WINES
blognapavalley.com (originally from eRobertParker.com)
♦ 2010 Feb 1: JAKE’S INTERVIEW WITH ET AT THE CASTELLO DI AMOROSA WINERY
thebachelorshow.com
♦ 2010 Jan 22: UP AND DOWN THE WINE ROADS
St. Helena Star, by Georg Starke
♦ 2010 Jan 18: AMERICAN FINE WINE COMPETITION 2010 RESULTS
americanfinewinecompetition.com
2009
♦ 2009 Dec 3: THE REAL MERLOT
St. Helena Star, by Catherine Seda
♦ 2009 Nov 2: CASTELLO DI AMOROSA: A MEDIEVAL XANADU IN THE MIDDLE OF NAPA VALLEY
examiner.com, by Ed Uyeshima
♦ 2009 Oct 27: BESTOF AWARDS – BEST PLACE TO TAKE A VISITOR IN UPPER NAPA VALLEY
bestofnsv.com
♦ 2009 Oct 7: CASTELLO DI AMOROSA AND THE HAPPY WINE DANCE
etraveldealer.com, by Jason Archer
♦ 2009 Sept 4: GET THEE TO A WINERY
Vine Times, by John and Toni Sieling
♦ 2009 August 29: VISIT THE VALLEY’S CASTLE
insidenapavalley.com, by Sasha Paulsen
♦ 2009 July: AMERICA’S TOP SUMMER ACTIVITIES 2009
travelandleisure.com
♦ 2009 June: VISITING AND TOURING CASTELLO DI AMOROSA WINERY
About.com:California Travel, by Betsy Malloy
♦ 2009 May 27: REDFORD TAKES THE STAGE FOR FESTIVAL DEL SOLE BENEFIT
Napa Valley Register.com
♦ 2009 March 2: MEDIEVAL SIPPING
novusvinum.com
2008
♦ 2008 Dec 19: VISIT THE CASTLE WHERE BEDTIME STORIES WAS FILMED
traveler.sunset.com, by Amy Wolf
♦ 2008 Oct 31: FLIGHTS AND FANTASY AT CALISTOGA’S CASTELLO DI AMOROSA
The Chronicle. sfgate.com. by Karola Saeke
♦ 2008 Oct 4: CASTELLO DI AMOROSA’S DARIO SATTUI RECEIVES
BUSINESS AWARD FROM ORDER SONS OF ITALY
mo.daytondailynews.com, by Mark Fisher
♦ 2008 August 8: TOAST OF THE VALLEY: DARIO’S CASTLE
Napa Valley Register.com
♦ 2008 June 23: WINE – NAPA’S LOVE CASTLE
palmspringslife.com, by Janice Kleinschmidt
♦ 2008 June: 2008 CALIFORNIA HERITAGE COUNCIL AWARDS
californiaheritagecouncil.org
2007
♦ 2007 Nov 15: A CASTLE ON THE HILL
winespectator.com, by James Laube
♦ 2007 Oct 25: A TOUR THROUGH WINEMAKER DARYL SATTUI’S
NAPA VALLEY CHATEAU
Santa Barbara Independent, by Sao Anash
♦ 2007 Sept 10: DESTINATION NAPA VALLEY: NAPA VALLEY VINTNER IS KING
OF HIS WINE CASTLE
eagletribune.com, by Michelle Locke
♦ 2007 August 22: A MAN’S WINERY IS HIS CASTLE IN NAPA VALLEY
The Seattle Times, by Michelle Lock
♦ 2007 July 29: CALIFORNIA DREAM BUILT TUSCAN CASTLE ON THE HILL
The Boston Globe, Boston.com, by Paul E. Kandarian
♦ 2007 April 26: SATTUI BUILT IT AND THEY’RE SURE TO COME
St. Helena Star, by John Gree
♦ 2007 April 10: V. SATTUI CASTLE: CASTELLO DI AMOROSA
winebusiness.com, by John Intardonato
♦ 2007 March: A GENUINE TUSCAN CASTLE IN NAPA?
viamagazine.com by, Megan Mansell William
Castello di Amorosa Fact Sheet
Castello di Amorosa Fact Sheet
NAME AND LOCATION OF COMPANY
Castello di Amorosa
4045 Saint Helena Highway
Calistoga, CA 94515
Office: (707) 967-6272
Reservations: (707) 967-6272
NAME OF OWNER / DESIGNER
Dario Sattui
DOORS OPENED TO THE PUBLIC
April 9, 2007
BUSINESS TYPE
Winery; featuring hand-crafted Italian style wines
CASTLE FEATURES
- Authentically-styled, 13th century medieval Tuscan-style castle
- 15 years under construction
- Medieval designs and construction methods were employed to create the Castello
- 136,000 sq. ft. castle / winery
- 5 defensive towers with battlements
- 1,000 pound hand-hewn doors from Italy
- 107 Rooms (95 devoted to winemaking)
- 8 levels (4 levels underground and 4 above)
- Great Hall with a coffered ceiling (22 ft. high), featuring hand-painted frescoes inspired by Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s “Buon Governo” (Good Government) in Siena, Italy and 500 year-old fireplace
- 12,000 sq. ft. Grand Barrel Room featuring 40 Roman cross-vaulted brick ceilings
- Italian handmade state-of-the-art triple-jacketed fermentation tanks
- All ironwork hand-forged by Italian artisans over open flame
- Over 170 containers of handmade antique bricks and tiles brought over from Europe
- Additional authentic features include a Church, Drawbridge, Courtyard, Watch Tower, Torture Chamber, Loggia, Deep-Well, Secret Passage Ways, and Outdoor Oven
CONSTRUCTION FOREMAN
Paolo Ardito, Lars Nimskov
ARCHITECT
Lail and Associates. Designers: Dario Sattui and Lars Nimskov
TYPES OF WINES
Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Rosato di Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Red Table Blend, Sangiovese, Barbera, Primitivo, Merlot, “Super Tuscan” Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Muscat Canelli, Late Harvest Gewürztraminer, Late Harvest Semillon, and Muscat Grape Juice.
OTHER
Offers daily Guided Tours, Cheese and Wine Tour, Food and Wine Pairing Tour, and Reserve Wine Pairing with Chocolate.
VISITORS INCLUDED
Madame Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gov. George Pataki, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Jon Bon Jovi, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Clint Black, Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick, Audra McDonald, Sarah Chang, Sir James Galway, Frederica von Stade, Vida Blue, Gordon Getty, Jr., Robert Redford, and Renee Fleming.
Autumn Mushroom Medley
Recipe Date: August 26th, 2018
Difficulty: Easy
Measurements: Imperial (US)
Sautéed Autumn Mushroom Medley
From Mary Davidek
Ingredients
- 10 oz Shitake mushrooms
- 10 oz Portobello mushrooms
- 20 oz Crimini mushrooms
- 16 oz Italian chicken sausage
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 shallot
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 bulb fresh fennel
- 4 oz dry white wine
- 5 oz chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/4 cup grated Fontina cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Sauté diced sausage in a large sauté pan; drain fat and set aside.
- Finely chop shallot, garlic, and fennel and sauté with white wine and 1/4 cup butter. Add to cooked sausage and set aside.
- Finely chop mushrooms and sauté with remaining 1/4 cup butter and 4-6 oz of stock until desired texture (about 12 minutes), adjusting liquid as needed.
- Add vegetable and sausage mixture and let cool slightly before folding in cheeses.
- Serve on crostini and pair with Pinot Noir.
Enjoy!
Related Products
Fettuccine Alfredo - Quick and Easy
Recipe Date: August 23rd, 2018
Difficulty: Easy
Serving Size: 4
Cook Time: 00:30
Measurements: Imperial (US)
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Ingredients
1/2 lb (8 oz) Fettuccine
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
4 tsps flour
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
4 ozs mascarpone cheese (can substitute cream cheese)
1/2 cup grated parm, divided
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp white pepper
Directions
Cook pasta to slightly firm. Sautée chicken in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat 5 to 7 min. or until done, stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet. Mix flour and broth in same skillet with whisk. Stir in Mascarpone, 2 Tbsp. Parm, garlic powder and pepper; cook 2 min. or until mixture boils and thickens, stirring constantly. Stir in chicken. Drain pasta; place in large bowl. Add chicken mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle with remaining Parm. Enjoy!
Spaghetti with Cherry Tomato Sauce
Recipe Date: August 22nd, 2018
Difficulty: Easy
Serving Size: 4
Cook Time: 00:30
Measurements: Imperial (US)
Spaghetti with Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
2 pints fresh cherry tomatos
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Grapeseed Oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp chili flakes
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or grated
3 tbsps capers, drained
1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Pinot Bianco)
handful of flat leaf parsley
basil leaves, torn
1 lb spaghetti
grated Pecorino cheese
Directions
Heat a pot of salted water to boil for the pasta.
Halve the cherry tomatoes.
Heat 1/4 cup olive or grapeseed oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the chili flakes, garlic, and capers and swirl around for 2-3 minutes; add the wine and the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Add the herbs and simmer while the pasta cooks, 8-10 minutes.
Cook the pasta in salted, boiling water. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water and drain the pasta. Add the reserved starchy cooking water and the pasta to the sauce and toss for 1-2 minutes. Top with cheese and serve immediately.
From Rachel Ray recipes.
Pasta Primavera
Recipe Date: August 22nd, 2018
Difficulty: Easy
Serving Size: 8
Cook Time: 00:50
Measurements: Imperial (US)
Pasta Primavera Recipe
Ingredients
3 tbsps olive or grapeseed oil
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
1 cup broccoli, cut into bite sized pieces
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
2 tbsps butter
4 ozs white mushrooms, washed and sliced
2 medium zucchini, sliced diagonally
1 medium summer squash, sliced diagonally
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 large onion, diced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 cup frozen peas
12 fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 lb pasta, cooked al-dente and drained
Directions
For the vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the carrots and cook, about 1 minute. Then add the broccoli and cook, about 1 additional minute. Add the red peppers and cook, about 1 minute. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
To the skillet, add the butter and the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and allow it to heat up. Add the mushrooms, zucchini and squash and cook until the vegetables are starting to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the skillet, add to the other vegetables and set aside.
For the pasta primavera sauce: Add the garlic and onions to the skillet and cook until starting to turn translucent, about 2 minutes.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and wine and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen all the flavorful bits. Cook the liquid for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to reduce by about half. Stir in the cream and Parmesan and allow the cheese to melt. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Add all the vegetables to the sauce along with the peas and basil. Stir to combine. If the sauce needs a little more liquid, splash a small amount of broth as needed. Place the cooked pasta in a large serving bowl and pour all the contents of the skillet over the pasta. Toss to combine. Sprinkle with extra basil and serve with extra Parmesan.
This Pasta Primavera recipe was adapted from The Pioneer Woman.
Italian Style Chicken Meatballs
Recipe Date: August 21st, 2018
Difficulty: Easy
Serving Size: 6
Cook Time: 00:30
Measurements: Imperial (US)
Italian Style Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs Ground Chicken, 90% Dark Meat prefered or Italian chicken sausage out of casings
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan style cheese
1 Egg
1 1/2 tsps Dried Basil
1 1/2 tsps Dried Parsley
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Sea Salt
1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1 tbsp Fennel Seed
1/4 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, grated cheese, egg, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, red pepper flakes, fennel and bread crumbs. Using your hands, mix all ingredients until incorporated. Measure meat mixture into approximately 1.5-ounce portions. Shape into rounds and place the meatballs in individual, miniature muffin tin cups. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Serving suggestions: Toss in a light marinara before serving and sprinkle with additional cheese. This recipe is the perfect pairing with our Zingaro, Old-Vine Zinfandel, made in Napa Valley.