The Most Beautiful

Wine Castles In Wine Country

Castello di Amorosa

A great example of medieval architecture, Castello di Amorosa ("castle of love" in Italian) is a stunning 13th-century-style Tuscan castle in the Napa Valley that brings to mind a fairytale adventure. What was originally intended as an 8,500-square-foot building transformed into a 121,000-square-foot castle with over 100 rooms and antique bricks brought in from Europe.

Learn about the history of the castle, the tower, the Great Hall with frescoes inspired by Italian masterpieces, and the 12,000-square-foot Barrel Room with a hand-crafted tasting bar. Castello di Amorosa offers several wine tasting tours, from the Standing Reserve Tasting ($50 per person) to a Luxury Tour & Tastings (starting at $1,050 for two). In the summer months, cool off in the cellar and be sure to stop at the gift shop for refined gift boxes and award-winning wines.

Chateau Montelena

The story of Chateau Montelena is legendary. At the historic 1976 Paris Wine Tasting, also known as the Judgment of Paris, white wines produced by Chateau Montelena won first place over nine other French and American white wines in a blind tasting. The wine world was shocked and it put Chateau Montelena at the top for global wines. Founded in 1882, the chateau has a castle-like feel. Take time during your visit to stroll the grounds and see the pond and beautiful vineyards.

If you can't make the trip to Calistoga, there is a Chateau Montelena wine tasting room in the lobby of the Westin St. Francis hotel on Union Square in San Francisco. Open daily from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., settle into their cozy, casual space for A Taste of Montelena (walk-ins only). They offer the same daily tastings as the main winery in Calistoga at an affordable $40 per person, seated table or standing bar. (A tasting costs $55 per person at the Calistoga location.) Taste their flagship cabernet or Chardonnay classic, an iconic wine made in an old world style with California fruits. 

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery

For wine castle Italian-style, visit Ferrari-Carano's Villa Fiore amid the winery's Dry Creek Valley home.

Tea gardens invite strolling on the grounds, while downstairs, the Villa's atmospherically-illuminated barrel room is one of the most evocative of Europe. 

The best wine tasting is in the adjacent Enoteca wine tasting bar in a dramatic underground cellar. For guests over age 21, Ferrari-Carano offers special wine tastings, such as a Sunday Wine & Brunch and "Holiday at the Estates."

Gloria Ferrer Winery

This winery, set in the rolling hills of the Carneros region in southern Sonoma County, was designed to evoke both the historical California missions and the heritage of its Catalonian family, owners of the Freixenet cava brand.

Gloria Ferrer makes some of Sonoma County's most popular sparkling wines. Take the Classic Carneros Tasting Experience and then settle on the outdoor terrace to enjoy sparkling wine flights and optional light snacks for purchase.

Recognized for their commitment to sustainability, Gloria Ferrer has achieved Silver Medal status with International Wineries for Climate Action.  

Jordan Vineyard & Winery

Dressed in lush, green ivy and fringed with perfectly trimmed privets, Jordan very much appears like the Bordeaux chateau that Tom Jordan aimed to purchase before settling in the Alexander Valley. It was a good move. Currently managed by son John Jordan, Jordan's Cabernet Sauvignon often ranks among American restaurateurs' favorite brands.

Take in the view from the upstairs library, then enter a dimly lit parlor for a tasting seminar, with wine paired with gourmet bites from the chef. 

Thoroughly modern in their outlook, Jordan is a solar-powered winery, manages sustainable gardens, and offers a walking wine tour and tasting experience that stretches from Jordan's oak tank room outside to the gardens and vineyards. In early December, they hold a festive Holiday Tour & Tasting. Savor the chance to taste current releases paired with hors d'oeuvres by Executive Chef Daniel Beal. 

Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens

Celebrated for their lush Chardonnay wines, Kendall-Jackson is an ideal spot for a day spent with friends or out-of-town guests. With a comfortable terrace and culinary gardens offering a bounty of colors and flavors, KJ is the place to indulge in wine and food.

Partake in either their Estate Tasting or Garden Tour & Tasting culinary experience (advance reservations required). You might even meet one of the chefs! They also offer picnic tables and garden-side bocce courts 'til the sun goes down.