Castelo di Amarosa

Castello di Amorosa is a Tuscan-style castle in Calistoga, and there is nothing else like it in California. Michael scores the ambiance an 8 against 6 for wine and staff, which is the honest read: you come for the building, the rooms and the tour, and the wine is a decent accompaniment rather than the reason.

What that buys you is a stop that works for people who are not primarily wine drinkers. There are guided tours, a virtual tour, castle rooms to walk, a photo and video gallery, resident animals including the dogs of the castle, and non-alcoholic grape juice for anyone not tasting. The wine list is unusually broad for Napa: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Rose and sparkling. Large groups are catered for. Reservations required at 4045 St Helena Highway. Strong choice for a mixed group on a northern Napa route.