The most talked about sight in Napa Valley's wine country is a medieval castle towering over the vineyards. It took fifteen years and and more than $25,000,000 to build this 12th century Tuscan by the current owner, a 4th generation wine-maker named Daryl Sattui.
Eight thousand tons of hand-squared stones were imported from Europe. Every brick, beam, nail or door is either an antique original or hand hewn just as it should have been in medieval Tuscany. Italian artists painted murals in fresco. Original men in armor and
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First sight of the castle as the visitor drives up a hill.
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You approach a moat surrounding the castle.
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Lots of colorful flowers surround the castle.
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Not sure what this one is.
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Or this one either.
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That's a drawbridge at the top of the steps and off to the left is a...
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This gargoyle either welcomes or threatens the visitor. Take your pick.
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An excellent tour is available for $30. It includes wine tasting...
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The courtyard. Every stone was imported from Italy. More than anything...
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The Great Hall is the most spectacular room in this 107 room castle....
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Two Italian artists spent more than a year to complete these frescoes.
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Authenticity everywhere you look. An elaborate candle holder on the wall, but...
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Another view of the huge mural.
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Why no color here ?
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Some parts of the mural are without color because ... some murals in the...
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Close up .
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The view from one of the castle's many windows.
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Outside on the parapet.
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The castle is surrounded by vineyards. Red wines, mostly cabernet...
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The intricate detail on a watch tower.
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Another authentic piece from medieval times. Perhaps a ring to tether a horse?
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This is the Knights' Hall, another beautifully decorated room.
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Colorful artwork .
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This may be a medieval castle, but the wine making plant is totally 21st...
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Below the castle there are two acres of wine cellers. Ancient brick...
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North America
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