Castello di Amorosa's "Capture the Flavor" video contest on our Facebook page is in full swing.  One of the recent entries can be viewed by clicking:

http://youtu.be/JhziZB_bwU4

Click on the link below to go to Castello di Amorosa's "Capture the Flavor" video contest page:

http://apps.facebook.com/captureflavorcontest/contests/178426

Peter Velleno Promoted to Associate Winemaker at Castello di Amorosa

Castello di Amorosa, Dario Sattui’s authentically-styled 13^th century Tuscan castle and winery in Calistoga, is pleased to announce that Peter Velleno has been promoted to Associate Winemaker from Assistant Winemaker.  He will have overall responsibility for crafting all wines in collaboration with Brooks Painter, Director of Winemaking.

”Pete has shown himself to be a skillful and creative Winemaker who excels in managing our wine quality and Production Team” said Painter. “His background in technical winemaking is matched both by his talents as an artistic blender and his determination as a manager to seek out the best wines we can possibly produce.”

Before joining Castello di Amorosa in 2008, Velleno worked at William Hill Winery as Assistant Winemaker.

“We are very pleased with the direction of our winemaking,” said Castello di Amorosa President, Georg Salzner.  “Peter’s focus is on crafting wine of exceptional quality, balance and style that truly reflects the terrior of the Napa Valley.”

Velleno holds a B.S. in Fermentation Science from the University of California, Davis.  He was born and raised in San Francisco where he and his two older brothers were the fifth generation of their family to the born in the city.  Today, Velleno, his wife, Lauren and their daughter make their home in Napa where they enjoy playing tennis, biking, cooking and spending time in the Napa Valley.

Following fourteen years of construction, Sattui opened Castello di Amorosa on April 9, 2007.  Situated in the hills above Calistoga, Castello di Amorosa- a family-owned business- produces world-class wines which are sold only at the winery direct to the consumer.  The castle winery was made with brick, wood and iron imported from Europe and combined with over 8,000 tons of local, Napa Valley stone.  Today, Castello di Amorosa, a popular Napa Valley destination, offers a variety of wine tasting and touring options in a unique Tuscan castle setting.

Castello di Amorosa Promotes Jim Sullivan to Vice President, Public Relations and Marketing

Jim Sullivan has been promoted to Vice President, Public Relations and Marketing at Castello di Amorosa, Dario Sattui’s authentically-styled 13^th century Tuscan castle and winery.  Sullivan will spearhead the Castello’s publicity and marketing initiatives. He will report directly to Georg Salzner, President of Castello di Amorosa.

 “I’m proud to congratulate Jim on his promotion to this new position and look forward to his continued professional growth in the wine industry,” said Georg Salzner, president of Castello di Amorosa. “He is an asset to our winery, and I know he will continue to provide exemplary leadership for our organization.” 

With over 20 years of marketing, public relations and business development experience with professional motorsports teams and in a variety of healthcare organizations in Southern California, Sullivan first joined Castello di Amorosa in 2008 as Public Relations and Marketing Manager. 

Sullivan holds an MBA from the University of Redlands and a Bachelor of Science from Central Washington University.

He resides in St. Helena, Calif.

Castello di Amorosa's 2008 Bien Nacido Vineyards Chardonnay Scores 92 Points with Wine Spectator

Utilizing grapes sourced from Bien Nacido Vineyards in Santa Barbara county, Castello di Amorosa Winemakers, Brooks Painter and Peter Velleno crafted an elegant Chardonnay worthy of 92 points in a recent edition of Wine Spectator.

American wine critic with particular expertise on California wines, Wine Spectator's, James Laube, commented, "A real treat in exotic Chardonnay.  Firm, rich and creamy, with a mix of tropical fruit flavors built around guava, pineapple, fig and melon.  Full-bodied, with spicy oak and a long, lingering finish.  Drink now through 2017."

The 2007 vintage of this wine was Double Gold, Best of Class in Chardonnay at the 2010 American Fine Wine Competition in Florida and besting over 50 other Chardonnay's from around the country.  Painter and Velleno will submit the 2008 vintage to Florida to defend it's well-earned title as one of the top Chardonnay's in America.

It's great paired with rich herb-roasted chicken and rich seafood dishes.  Thinking of BBQing salmon? Aged in oak and full bodied this Chardonnay made at Napa Valley winery, Castello di Amorosa, is silky and mouth-filling and our recommended pairing for the bbq salmon all year round.

Calistoga's Winter in the Wineries:

A passport provides access to world-class Calistoga wineries and great Napa Valley wines

Castello di Amorosa joins world-class Calistoga wineries for the 2010 Winter in the Wineries passport weekend held December 3, 2010 through February 6, 2011.  All you will need to participate is a Winter in the Wineries passport; they're only $50 and it will provide you access to participating wineries where you'll taste great Napa Valley wines this winter.

With a bountiful harvest now completed, our focus now turns to relaxing and enjoying the fruits of our efforts.  Make Castello di Amorosa your first stop as you taste great wines from some great wineries including Chateau Montelena, Sterling Vineyards, Bennett Lane Winery, Clos Pegase, Envy Wines, Lava Vine Winery, Madrigal Vineyards, Rios Wine Company, Summers Estate Wines, T-Vine Cellars, Twomey Cellars, Vermeil Wines and Von Strasser Winery.

Here's how it works.  Purchase your passport by calling 707-967-6274; it's one (1) passport per person required (no split tastings).  Visit each winery once during the program period.

With a variety of wineries participating, we suggest you come back often.  Enjoy the cool days of winter while you're wine tasting and treat yourself to world famous hot springs, shopping in downtown Calistoga or dining in one of the local restaurants.  That's plenty for one day so bring your family and check out the many hotels and B&B's in Calistoga.

Calistoga's Winter in the Wineries- 12/3/10 -- 2/6/11

Passports are on sale now!  Call 707-967-6274

Castello di Amorosa, Calistoga, Napa Valley, November 2010

Fall and winter in the Napa Valley is a simply spectacular.

Taste incredible wine.

Tour the Castello.

Find a hot spring.

Go for a hike.

Relax and enjoy the scenery.

Hit Broadway Musical Cast of "Young Frankenstein, The Musical" Visits the Castello

The cast of Young Frankenstein in the tasting room at Castello di Amorosa. (Photo: Jim Sullivan)

The cast of the highly-acclaimed, hit Broadway Musical, "The New Mel Brooks Musical: Young Frankenstein, The Musical," were in the Napa Valley and dropped by the Castello recently for a tour and tasting during one of their rare days off.  Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, Elizabeth, Inga, The Monster, Frau Blucher, Inspector Kemp, Igor, Villagers and Ensemble- they were all here and in rare form.

Based on Mel Brooks comedy masterpiece, the story follows bright, young Dr. Frankenstein (that's Dr. Fronkensteen) as he attempts to complete his grandfather's masterwork and bring a corpse to life. (Now I see why we spent so much time in the Castello's Torture Chamber!) Together with his oddly-shaped and endearing helper Igor (that's Eye-gor), his curvaceous lab assistant, Inga and in spite of his incredibly self-involved madcap fianc, Elizabeth, Frankenstein succeeds in creating a monster-- but not without scary, and quite often hilarious complications.

There were no scary complications, no real monsters and, heavens, no corpse when they toured here.  Just plenty of comedy.  And I mean plenty.

Click on the link below to purchase ticket to the show and watch the video which includes Mel Brooks.

To purchase ticket and view the video

Headlining this year's events at Castello di Amorosa include International stars Jean- Yves Thibaudet, Nina Katova; jazz-pop prodigy Nikki Yanofsky, Francesco Demuro and conductor, Omer Wellber.  Also appearing is actress, singer and dancer, Rita Moreno.  A recipient of the National Medal for the Arts, and an Oscar, Emmy Grammy and Tony award winner, Moreno opens the program with a special reading.  The Festival runs July 16 through July 25 at other venues around the Napa Valley.

Jean Yves Thibaudet and Nina Katova (below) will join the Rossetti String

Quartet for chamber music on July 20. (Photo credit: FdS website)

Cellist, Nina Kotova (Photo credit: FdS website)

Jazz-pop prodigy, Nikki Yanofsky performs at

Castello di Amorosa on July 21. (Photo Credit: FdS Website)

On July 22, tenor Francesco Demuro (not pictured) and cellist Nina Katova headline a

concert with the Russian National Orchestra (pictured above)

Rene Fleming performs at the 2009 Festival del Sole in Castello di Amorosa's revered Courtyard. (Photo: Vi Bottaro)

"Festival del Sole is a great event." said Dario Sattui.  "The Castle is a perfect backdrop to the immense talent performing throughout this great international summer music festival.  This year is no exception.  Once again, the lineup of international stars is incredible."

All performances take place in the Castle's outdoor Courtyard built with handmade, antique European bricks.  It provides an ideal acoustical venue for world-class music.

Festival director, Richard Walker says, "Five years ago we set out to create a festival combining the best in music, art, food and wine.  And we have done just that.  Today Napa Valley Festival del Sole has become one of the country's leading music festivals."

The schedule at Castello di Amorosa is as follows:

Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Nina Kotova join the Rossetti String Quartet for chamber music on July 20.  Renowned for its sophisticated, sensual sound, the Rossetti String Quartet is a frequent collaborator of the virtuoso French pianist.

Jazz-Pop prodigy Nikki Yanofsky performs at the Castello on July 21.  The 16-year old sensation who recently sang Canada's national anthem at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics, is also poised to release her first studio album.

On July 22, tentor Francesco Demuro and cellist Nina Kotova headline a concert with the Russian National Orchestra under the baton of Omer Wellber at Castello di Amorosa.  Also appearing is actress, singer and dancer Rita Moreno.  A recipient of the National  Medal for the Arts, and an Emmy, Oscar, Grammy and Tony award winner, Moreno opens with a special reading from Master Class , Terrence McNally's award-winning play based on the life of Maria Callas.

The ten-day schedule for Napa Valley's world-class Festival del Sole is packed with events for every taste and budget --- from classical music to tango and jazz, from exclusive gourmet meals to free family-friendly concerts, from wellness programs and art exhibitions to wine tastings and after-parties, and a first-ever croquet match between artists and vintners.

Festival del Sole operates under the umbrella of Festival Association Napa Valley, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.

For tickets and Festival Packages, please call 888-337-6272.

The band, All Star Weekend , released their first music video and single, A Different Side of Me.  The video which premiered on the Disney Channel on February 21, 2010 was shot on location at Castello di Amorosa.  On a cold winter day in the Napa Valley, the young Hollywood Records quartet displayed talent, charm and endless enthusiasm needed to take them to the top!

That's Zach on vocals and guitar; Nathan (the superhero) playing guitar and vocals; Cameron on bass and  Michael on drums. 

The Napa Valley, a premiere wine-region with world-class wines, is a beautiful place; a great place to take visitors.

We are were humbled when we heard that Castello di Amorosa was honored with the distinction of "2010 Best Place to Take Visitors" in the Best of Napa & Sonoma Valleys magazine-presented by 1440 KVON & 99.3 THE VINE.

With voting conducted by ballot and online, Castello di Amorosa, Dario Sattui's 13th century Tuscan-style castle and winery, joins a select group of establishments considered by locals as the best place to eat, drink and stay in the Napa Valley.

Robert Parker, a leading U.S. wine critic with international influence can literally make or break wineries with his judgments.  He was in the Napa Valley at the invitation of the Napa Valley Vintners Association and posted the following in his newsletter, The Wine Advocate.

2007 Reserve Il Barone 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Robert Parker score: 94

"The brilliant 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Il Barone boasts an opaque purple color as well as a beautiful sweet nose of blackberries, black currants, camphor, subtle toasty oak, and espresso roast. Rich and full-bodied with sweet tannin, a hint of smoked meats, deep fruit, and an impeccable balance, purity and texture, this stunning wine should drink nicely for 15-20 years."

2007 La Castellana Super Tuscan

Robert Parker score: 92

"The 2007 La Castellana is a proprietary blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 6% Sangiovese.  An outstanding, hedonistic, complex red, it reveals notes of wild strawberries, new saddle leather, black currants, cherries, cedar, and smoked herbs. Full-bodied, lush, and seductive, this beautifully mouthfilling, supple wine should be enjoyed over the next 7-10 years."

Castello di Amorosa wines are sold only at the winery, directly to the consumer. The 2007 vintages Il Barone and La Castellena Super Tuscan will be released in 2012.

Dario Sattui's Castello di Amorosa, a 13th century Tuscan-style castle and winery, provided an intimate backdrop on ABC's14th edition of The Bachelor.  This season's The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love Stars the handsome commercial pilot from Dallas-and fan favorite-Jake Pavelka.  Tune into ABC on Monday, February 8, 2010 at 8 pm Eastern and Pacific/7 pm Central to see scenes from Jake's date at Castello di Amorosa which aired on February 1, 2010. Watch the full episode at www.abc.go.com.

After a series of romantic and adventurous dates, Jake Pavelka's search for love led him and some lovely ladies to the Napa Valley and Castello di Amorosa, the "Castle of Love."  At 121,000 square feet and with four levels of wine cellars and caves below ground, Jake Pavelka and his dates searched for love in one of the most unique venues in America.

The Bachelor is a primetime reality series, where one lucky man is offered the chance to find true love.  The Bachelor embarks on a romantic journey, getting to know a bevy of beautiful bachelorettes and gradually narrowing the field to the one woman to whom he may propose marriage in the dramatic season finale. Hosted by Chris Harrison, The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television.

The view from the north tower at Castello di Amorosa looking at snow on the Vaca Range. This is the Napa Valley- an officially recognized American Viticultural Area or AVA.  The actual Napa Valley floor is 5 miles wide and 30 miles long.  The Napa Valley currently contains 15 recognized sub or "nested" AVA's.

Castello di Amorosa's 30 acre vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Primitivo is in the Diamond Mountain District AVA.  Covering 5,000 acres in the Mayacamas Mountains on the northeast side of the Napa Valley, this region has over 500 acres under vine. The cool fog that influences the valley floor is not a factor here due to our up-valley location and higher elevation vineyard. Lack of topsoil, porous volcanic soil and extended exposure to the sun are reasons why world-class wines, Cabernet Sauvignon in particular, are described as bold and powerful with chewy textures and firm tannins.