Napa is a beautiful area of California with so much to offer. Even if you’re not into wine, the scenery is this part of the state is gorgeous and many areas are reminiscent of areas in Europe. Driving around this area is a treat in itself before you even get to all the wineries.
On our drive, the first winery we stopped at was Castelo di Amarosa. This replica Tuscan castle was built to make you feel like you are in Tuscany and believe me, it does the trick. For a very different winery experience, this is the place to go. We wine tasted in their “wine cellar” tasting room and fell in love with their “Fantasia” sparkling red wine (came home with a bottle of it).
After tasting, we explored the castle and took in the gorgeous views of the Castelo’s grounds and vineyards as well as views for miles of the surrounding area.
After leaving Castelo, we headed back the way we had come to head back to Sacramento and decided to stop at the Domaine Chandon winery in Yountville. While we didn’t taste here (they were closing the tasting room as we pulled up) we did get to wander the grounds a bit and take in the gorgeous scenery. For a truly incredible take on scenery, this winery took the prize and was well worth the stop.
While we weren’t in wine country to necessarily take in the wineries, I had a great time exploring the 2 we did stop at. While so different, both offered a really unique experience.
On our drive, the first winery we stopped at was Castelo di Amarosa. This replica Tuscan castle was built to make you feel like you are in Tuscany and believe me, it does the trick. For a very different winery experience, this is the place to go. We wine tasted in their “wine cellar” tasting room and fell in love with their “Fantasia” sparkling red wine (came home with a bottle of it).
After tasting, we explored the castle and took in the gorgeous views of the Castelo’s grounds and vineyards as well as views for miles of the surrounding area.
After leaving Castelo, we headed back the way we had come to head back to Sacramento and decided to stop at the Domaine Chandon winery in Yountville. While we didn’t taste here (they were closing the tasting room as we pulled up) we did get to wander the grounds a bit and take in the gorgeous scenery. For a truly incredible take on scenery, this winery took the prize and was well worth the stop.
While we weren’t in wine country to necessarily take in the wineries, I had a great time exploring the 2 we did stop at. While so different, both offered a really unique experience.
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Dannielle says
I’m very much a wine drinker and still haven’t made it to california’s trails yet. So random, I wrote about going to a couple wineries on the Niagara trail today. The scenery is definitely worth it I think, I can never get enough of vineyards.
Casey Martin says
Yes!!! The scenery at vineyards is amazing! And while I’m not a huge wine drinker, I enjoy a glass every now and then and really enjoyed California’s wine country!
Helene in Between says
whether you drink wine or not this is insanely gorgeous!! i need to check this out asap!
Casey Martin says
oh yea! It was seriously so beautiful!
Jenn @ A Country Girl's World says
Wow, the “Tuscan” one looks absolutely beautiful!
Casey Martin says
It seriously felt like we were in Italy!
Melissa Williscroft says
Oh, wow. I want to be in that courtyard at Domaine Chandon!
Casey Martin says
Yes!!!! It was so beautiful!
Chantal says
That castle is super pretty!
Casey Martin says
It was amazing! They said it took 15 years to build it.
Nick Nieto says
The Castello was pretty amazing. You could really see the craftmanship it took to build it. I’m very excited to open up the bottle of Le Fantasia we brought home. 🙂