Signature offerings: This 14th-century castle winery has many impressive rooms, towers and terraces that are worth seeing, including a torture chamber. Book the Diamond Estate Tour & Wine Tasting for $75 per person to get a guided tour of the castle.
For a wine tasting fit for royalty, stop by Castello di Amoroso in Calistoga. The estate’s Italian-style medieval castle features five towers, 100-plus rooms (95 of which are devoted to winemaking) and 1,000-pound doors made in Italy. Plus, the regal property boasts a church, a drawbridge, secret passageways and a loggia. It has hosted famous visitors like actor Robert Redford, NFL player Joe Montana and rock star Jon Bon Jovi. Children can visit this winery for a general admission fee of $25 and get a cup of grape juice, but they will not be allowed on tours (unless you book a private one).
At Castello di Amoroso, oenophiles have access to a variety of tours and tastings, some of which are paired with cheeses or chocolates. The winery produces all kinds of vinos, such as pinot grigio, pinot noir and a “Super Tuscan” blend. It also sells single-vineyard wines. Take a self-guided castle tour and enjoy a five-wine tasting starting at $60; other food-friendly experiences include guided tours, charcuterie pairings and a luxurious tasting focused specifically on cabernet sauvignon. Visitors can even stay overnight in Monastero le Vallesi, an Italian monastery that is more than 1,000 years old.
Address: 4045 St. Helena Highway, Calistoga, CA 94515
Phone number: 707-967-6272