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Ragin' Cajun spices things up at the Castello
On Saturday, April 20th, New Orleans came to the Castello for our Ragin' Cajun party. As the sun went down, the beads and beats came out, and the Castello was transformed into a sizzling scene full of live music, tarot readings, and hot and spicy Cajun foods paired with our Castello wines!
The main event featured Gator Beat, a high-energy Zydeco and New Orleans R&B band based out of Sonoma. They kept the Cajun beats going throughout the evening out in our courtyard, where guests dressed in their best Creole "style" danced the night away.
In all I'd say it was a "ragin'" success, but you can see for yourself in the photos below!
You know it's going to be a great night when Fantasia is flowing!
Gator Beat getting the party started out in the courtyard.
A few of our favorite Wine Club members with the Voodoo King.
Guests enjoying some of the delicious Cajun cuisine (and Castello wines!) in our Great Hall.
So many good things in one pot!
All of the delicious Creole cuisine at the party was provided for our guests by Oak Avenue Catering. Ca c'est bon!
Way to rock that New Orleans style!
The featured cocktail of the evening was the "Hurricane di Amorosa," a tantalizingly effervescent mix of our Fantasia with orange sorbet. Santé!
Who wants to hear their future? Tarot card readings in the chapel.
Feelin' the love!
Ragin' Cajun Ladies
Willard Blackwell on washboard keeping the Zydeco beats bumping through the night.
Out on the dance floor. Laissez les bon temps roulet!
Il Barone himself, Dario Sattui, made an appearance later on in the evening.
Our wonderful events team celebrating the fruits of their labors. Merci boucoups for throwing such a great party!
Another fantastic Wine Club event at the Castello. We're looking forward to next year already!
Photos by Raymond Ibita Photography. Check out his album here or visit our Facebook page!
Apr 30, 2013 at 10:26 AM
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Stomping at the Harvest Celebration
The Amici Del Barone, Castello di Amorosa's Wine club gathered to celebrate the fruits of the harvest. It is common that celebrations at the Castello often take on a life of their own and last Saturday's Festa del 'Uva was no exception.
While the Grape Stomp Competition was the featured event of the evening, there was plenty more to see including demonstrations featuring cooperage, hand-waxing of Il Barone bottles and cork manufacturing demonstrations by Scott Webster of Portocork. The entire Castello was open and alive with celebration.
Wine club members came from as far away as Hawaii to the Festa to eat the great food, drink great wine and stomp the heck out of some real nice Napa Valley grapes. Teams were formed with names like, FOTY, Nutmeg Alohas, Grape Nuts, Janie's Jumpers, First Crush, Oceans 11, The Grapes of Wrath, Just Juicin', The Grape Ape, The Big Squeeze, Buffalo Warriors, Purple Grape, Grape Crush, Team Squeeze-a-lot, Grape Gatsby's and Polish Power.
A picture is worth a thousand words so please enjoy the photo montage below.
The Grape Stomp Competition
First, grab as many grapes as you can and put them in huge baskets!
And then dump the Napa Valley grapes into the destemmer... carefully.
Hey, watch your head. And turn that crank, fast.
For most it was all about stomping the grapes, and for others, well....
Stomp, stomp, stomp and keep stomping.
Smiling, stomping, laughing, smiling, stomping... I think you get it.
Some stomped so hard, they lost their shirt, so to speak.
When you're done stomping, pour the Napa Valley grape juice into a bottle.
And look out for this team; obviously, they've done this before! Look at those beautiful faces of experience and the power in them legs!
However, the team with the most juice- the Grape Nuts pictured with Castello di Amorosa owner, Dario Sattui.
Hungry? How about some pizza from the Outdoor Oven
Shannon Kelly of Knickerbockers' catering putting the finishing touches on the pizza. http://www.knickerbockerscatering.com
Making a French Oak Barrel by Nadalie Cooperage
It takes great skill to make a French Oak barrel. http://www.nadalie.com/
And the perfect amount of heat provides the toast necessary to make great Castello di Amorosa wines.
Scott Webster of Portocork demonstrating the origin of cork. http://www.portocork.com/
The Torture Chamber -- Il Barone 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and chocolate
Castello di Amorosa's Il Barone was poured in the Torture Chamber that featured chocolate- tons of it. It was affectionately know as "Death by Chocolate" although no one actually died.
You see, she survived "Death by Chocolate."
One of favorite comments on the Castello di Amorosa Facebook page summarized it best:
"It was the best thing you could do, with clothes on. My thanks to Dario and all the great staff at the castle."
Sep 20, 2010 at 1:00 PM
Let the Harvest Celebration Begin
Race to be the winner at the first annual Grape Stomp team trials.
Enjoy the aromas of freshly toasted French Oak!
The Castello's wood-fired outdoor oven cooks some awesome pizza served hot and paired with the Castello's Sangiovese.
The Castello in all of it's 13th century Tuscan glory!
Elegantly crafted Italian-style wine paired with gourmet food. Let your palate guide you from one tasting to another.
For more information or for reservations, please call Chelle at 707-967-6274.
Sep 10, 2010 at 2:10 PMA Chance to get all Medieval at the Castle
Let the games begin. The Midsummer Festival at Lake Mario.
Jousting, falconry, archery, bocce and wine at the Midsummer Festival.
Merrymaking in the Castello's Courtyard where the games continue and...
... the feast begins. Seating is available at this premiere Castello di Amorosa
Amici del Barone wine-club event. Not a wine club member? Not a problem.
Come to the event and sign up for the club on the spot.
Jun 19, 2010 at 1:00 PMThe Midsummer Festival
The Midsummer Festival
June 26, 2010
6:15 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
You won't want to miss the most popular Wine Club event of the year.
We are clearing a path just for you. Call 707-967-6274 for more details.
May 11, 2010 at 3:32 PMA Medieval Banquet at the Castello
A Medieval Evening at Castello di Amorosa
-- A Wine Club Member Only Event --
Enjoy an evening of great jollification, feasting and merrymaking at the Il Banchetto Medioevale -- a Medieval Banquet.
Join us as Castello di Amorosa, Dario Sattui's 13th century Tuscan-style castle steps back in time on April 24, 2010 for a spectacular evening of food, music and wine. Come view the latest 13th century dances after you've indulged in a unique, VIP tasting of our newest-released wines. Feast in the Castello's Italian Frescoe-adorned Great Hall as you are serenaded with wonderous, live medieval music and entertainers.
This is an event you won't want to miss, but you need to be in the wine club to attend. To join the club or for more information, please call Chelle at 707-967-6274.
Mar 7, 2010 at 4:17 PM
