Last night was Very Napa Valley.
Ten of us–all friends from the world’s finest bocce team, Joanie Loves Bocce–began the evening with bubbles and cheese at Brittany’s most adorable cottage here in Saint Helena.
From there, we headed up to Castello di Amorosa–simply called ‘the Castle’ here in the valley–via a chauffeured shuttle (a very thoughtful courtesy of the host of the evening, our good friend Tony).
And it truly is a castle. The owner spent a lot of time and money painstakingly creating a medieval-style castle right here in the hills above Calistoga.
Some locals think it’s hideous, some think it’s a joke, some think it’s awesome. It may be little of all of that (plus a dash of Disneyland), but it is jaw-droppingly astonishing. Oh and it’s a winery too.
As we were there for a Red Cross charity event, we did not participate in the usual tour-and-taste-experience. I am not complaining–we enjoyed a lovely three-course dinner paired with excellent Napa Valley wines.
But we do now have put a return trip to the Castle on our list. We’re thinking it may be just the place to take certain guests (Tom’s dad) from out of town. We’ll let you know…
As I didn’t feel comfortable shooting tons of photos, I only have a few to share:
Courtyard
Fire
Well