Never Thought I’d Get All Gushy Over Medieval History, But

I never thought I’d get gushy over medieval history, but there I was.

My grandson Nate wanted his friend Sarah to experience the California summers that shaped him, so we ended up at Castello di Amorosa in Napa Valley. It was built by Dario Sattui, who spent 15 years constructing an authentic fourteenth century, Tuscan castle from the ground up. His castle is a genuine, full-on miniature replica, not inspired by or loosely themed after something but authentically built. If you’ve been to Europe, you’ll recognize it immediately

Built using authentic Medieval designs and construction methods, it features 1,000-pound hand-hewn doors shipped from Italy. There were over 170 containers of handmade antique bricks and tiles brought over from Europe. Dario Sattui does not do anything halfway.

External And Internal

Externally, the Castello is 141,000 square feet, while internally there are 107 rooms, which are on eight levels. As guests arrive, a drawbridge greets them, and then a really heavy door says you should have an appointment. During this time internally, Christianity defined the religion in Europe, particularly the Roman Catholic Church. It was the backbone of their society, shaping politics, culture, art, philosophy, and daily life. And that was in ways that cannot be overstate.

Intriguing aspects are secret passageways, a great hall with a 500 year-old fireplace, and hand-painted frescoes will ignite your imagination and send a shiver of history straight through you.

A 12,000 square foot barrel room in the winery section, has a 40 Roman cross-vaulted brick ceiling. I forgot I wasn’t in Europe, looking at other castles, that have left over remnants of those times.

And A Torture Chamber!

This section of the castle is has a spiked chair and a full iron-maiden’s metal body, which is encloses this horror on the inside and locks on the outside.This is not exactly anyone dream of being on the beach enjoying the sunshine.

… and a stretching rack. All authentically detailed. All cheerfully explained. Sarah was thrilled. So thrilled, in fact, that she sat in the spike chair. Just for fun. And Nate remembered his time in it, too, the time before.

 

Castello di Amorosa, the Movie Set

This Disney family comedy Bedtime Stories, in 2008, starred Adam Sandler, and was filmed there. The winery castle actually closed for a week to accommodate production, while the film crews spent nearly a month transforming it. The castle transformed into a medieval village with ox carts, blacksmith stalls, and a drawbridge. Disney chose it specifically for its authenticity.

Another one is The Quest (2022, Disney+) — This fantasy-based reality competition series (Season 2) was filmed extensively at Castello di Amorosa from December 2020 to March 2021. The show dropped eight teenagers into a fictional fantasy world called “Everealm” set within the castle. And other productions.

And, Oh Yeah, Wine Was Involved

Really good Castello di Amorosa‘s wine, with our own SOMM? Who can ask for anything more? This was the second time that Castello Amorosa’s President Georg Salzner came out to personally greet us. It’s no wonder my grandchildren see the wine business as something they love. Hospitality in wine is what I chose when I moved from Maine to California, leaving behind these music rock stars for soil rock stars, who bring forth the nectar of the gods, while we listen tot he other rock stars. It’s a complete package.

Wines enjoyed will be a separate story regards their tasting program. This is a perfect time to wrap up a smooth segue. From my 16 years of Rock n’ Roll gigs to my 33 years of Rock n’ Soil gigs. I’ve really enjoyed going around both blocks, with always a camera.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Written by Jo Diaz, a partner of Diaz Communications, who is helping to make stars realize their dreams. Edited by partner Jose Diaz. To reprint, please contact Jo Diaz: jo@diaz-communications.com