Calistoga,CA - In the hills of Calistoga, there is a castle. The raw materials of Italian stones were imported; and the expert mason workers taught the unskilled. $38 million plus dollars later, so they say, Castillo di Amorosa was erected.
The pre-lunch tour included free range grilled chicken breast from a local farm, crunchy fresh green beans with diced red beets salad with a mild vinaigrette, crispy diced Yukon potatoes, and for dessert, a moist chocolate caked topped with a light whipped cream. For the wines, a 2008 Pinot Blanco and a 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon.
At the center of the lunch table, in the quiet setting surrounded by the hills of Calistoga, were peach roses and crimson dahlias. In the hustle and bustle of our work week, the setting was pleasant to the eyes. The clinging of the flatware against the lunch plates, our conversations absorbed by vast valley space and Italian stone; and the wresting leaves interrupted by the whispering breeze were welcomed by our ears. There is a place where one can decompress.
The tour began after lunch. The great hall is decorated with murals painted by Italian artists and includes an imported half century old massive fireplace. The cobble stone walkways are reminiscent of European cities'.
The tour included a barrel tasting; an armory; a dungeon with Iron Maiden; and body stretcher including rolling pins with spikes; and many more torture items. Walking down stairs was mind gobbling because it was like a maze, but it was a relief from the summer heat.
The tour began after lunch. The great hall is decorated with murals painted by Italian artists and includes an imported half century old massive fireplace. The cobble stone walkways are reminiscent of European cities'.
The tour included a barrel tasting; an armory; a dungeon with Iron Maiden; and body stretcher including rolling pins with spikes; and many more torture items. Walking down stairs was mind gobbling because it was like a maze, but it was a relief from the summer heat. 
