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Saturday, October 4, 2008
Winery guessing game: Where was this photo taken?
Whaddaya think: Where was this photo taken? The answer appears in the jump (click on “continue reading)…
Answer: It’s from Castello di Amorosa in … Napa Valley. Did you guess right?
Anyone been to this place? Here’s a news release that accompanied the photo:
Castello di Amorosa’s Dario Sattui receives business award from Order Sons of Italy
NAPA VALLEY, Calif. (October 3, 2008) - In a celebration of Italian heritage and culture, Dario Sattui, owner of Napa Valley wineries, Castello di Amorosa and V. Sattui, received the Best Italian American Businessman in California Award from the Order Sons of Italy in America at its Humanitarian and Leadership Awards Charity Gala in Sacramento recently.
Sattui, a fourth generation Italian, was recognized for commitment to his heritage, passion for Italian wine and lifestyle and his crowning achievement- a 121,000 square foot authentic-styled, 12th century Tuscan castle-winery that rises up from the hills in Napa Valley. He was honored along with California State Assembly Member Anthony Portantino who received Leadership Award; Gordon J. Vicini, the Humanitarian Award and actor, Antonio Sabato, Jr.; the “Royal Court of the Golden Lion” charity award. Cindy Bellini Williams of Happy Days Fame presided over the ceremonies.
“It’s humbling to receive this award from the oldest and largest Italian American organization in the U.S.,” said Sattui. “They recognized my strong connection to my heritage and recognized me for honoring their struggles in life. The Castello is a fitting tribute to my great grandfather, Vittorio Sattui, who started the original V. Sattui winery in 1885 and all Italian Americans.”
Sattui started V. Sattui winery in the 1975 with the unique business model of selling wine directly to the consumer. With the success of V.Sattui and a passion for medieval architecture acquired from frequent trips to Italy and Europe, he commenced building Castello di Amorosa winery in 1994. The Castello opened to the public April 9, 2007 selling its entire inventory directly to those who visit the Castello- a model introduced by Vittorio over 100 years ago
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About Castello di Amorosa
Rising above the hills in the Napa Valley is Castello di Amorosa, which translates to the castle of love in Italian. Castello di Amorosa, an authentic-styled, 12th century Tuscan castle-winery, has high walls and five defensive towers and over 30 acres of vineyards. It was built over a 15-year period by Dario Sattui, a fourth generation winemaker and owner of V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena, California.
After decades of research, planning and studying medieval castles in Italy and Europe, Sattui commenced building in 1994. The Castello evolved to include 121,000 square feet, 107 rooms, 8,000 tons of hand-squared stone, 8 levels (4 above ground, 4 below) 900 linear feet of caves, a great hall with two-story Italian frescoes, a drawbridge and a moat. Reminiscent of old world castles, the Castello also has a dungeon and torture chamber, secret passage ways, courtyards, loggias, a church and stables. Finally, at over 15,000 square feet, the wine barrel room is, perhaps, the single most impressive barrel room in the U.S. and is constructed with ancient Roman cross-vaulted ceilings.
The Castello, however, is merely a backdrop to showcase some of the Napa Valley’s best wines. The vineyards surrounding the Castello are planted with Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes which produce low yields and intensely flavored wines. The internationally acclaimed wines are primarily Italian varieties that pair well with foods from around the world. Currently producing 15,000 cases per year, the wines are sold only at the winery directly to the consumer. Guided tours which include a private tasting are available by appointment and wine tasting needs no appointment.
Castello di Amorosa is located at 4045 Highway 29, just 5.5 miles north of St. Helena on the left. For more information, visit our website, www.castellodiamorosa.com or contact us at 707-967-6272.
