Where in the wine world are we?

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Comments are open.

UPDATE:

Two astute readers posted in less than an hour that, indeed, Daryl Sattui’s winery home is his castle.

Sattui apparently took the whole “chateau” or “castello” thing literally and built himself a castle. In Napa. Let’s go to CNN for the details:

Daryl Sattui set out to build a modest, 8,500-square-foot winery. Millions of dollars and 120,000 square feet later, he’s king of a wine country castle complete with drawbridge, dungeons and nifty little slots for the old boiling oil trick.

If neighboring Sterling Vineyards decides to make a move, he says with a chuckle, “We’ll be ready.”

So far, the chief invaders of Castello di Amorosa — “Castle of Love” — have been tourists and wine-lovers, eager to get a look at the 13th-century-style Tuscan castle that sits on Diamond Mountain, just south of Calistoga on Highway 29…

The roughhewn walls and ceilings contain bricks hundreds of years old, all imported from Europe — there are 850,000 in all…A room in the castle is dedicated to Vittorio, it features dusty old bottles, most empty but a few still labeled and corked, that come from his original winery.

Shocking detail, Josh, about the kid ban! If a reader has penetrated the castle walls, comments from the inside are welcome.

http://www.castellodiamorosa.com/

11 Responses to “Where in the wine world are we?”


  1. Why Napa Valley of course. Castello di Amorosa, where children are not allowed (which means my wife and I won’t be visiting).


  2. Been there. Didn’t go in. It does not look welcoming. Got some photos.


  3. Josh –

    Are you ready for the kid-friendly Castello di Capozzi?


  4. I’d really wish they’d pass anti-child laws at any establishment where drinking happens. The last thing I need is to see badly parented children running around and screaming while I’m trying desperately to avoid them (and their parents) and enjoying nice wine. It’s not ‘hip’ to be an aging 30- or 40-something and insisting on hauling your offspring to bars or wineries, it’s pathetic and inconsiderate.


  5. Sal,

    I think you and Daryl are of the same mind. In which case the Castle will be right up your alley.

    Another friend of mine, who also happens to be in the wine industry, refers to children as “expelled uterine biomass”. I should introduce you!

    For those of us that think wine is a complete lifestyle beverage (which means that includes having little children around), thankfully there are other places to hang.

    Viva la difference!


  6. That would have to be the ugliest building I have ever encountered – what was the inspiration (or lack there of)?


  7. […] email (right sidebar). Thanks for visiting!Discussion on a recent posting highlighted that the new Sattui castle winery in Napa has a “no kids” policy, which set off brief exchange with one reader supporting […]


  8. […] 377 votes cast when polls closed. There is some poetic justice in Josh’s victory since it was his original comment that sparked this whole kids at wineries thread about six weeks […]


  9. I toured Castello di Amorosa a month ago and was mightily impressed. I have heard criticism of the structure, comparing it to Disneyland and I find that ridiculous. It is a great tourist destination, a working winery, beautiful setting and an educational experience at the same time. I am not a wine expert, but I enjoyed every one I tasted there. I think this is a great American success story and my hat is off to Darryl Sattui for carrying off his dream.


  10. I was there recently, and was able to bring my kids in.


  11. […] on a recent posting highlighted that the new Sattui castle winery in Napa has a “no kids” policy, which set off brief exchange with one reader supporting […]


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