“Wondrous: that is to be marveled at: extraordinary. a wondrous feat”, as defined by merriam webster.com.

I visited Castello di Amorosa “Costello” this past September and perhaps for the first time in my life had the definition of “Wondrous” exemplified for me in tangible form. I felt transported. The Castello di Amorosa is a time machine to medieval Italy. In my opinion successful design stimulates our senses and allows us to feel transported, stirring a positive story in our mind, allowing us to break free from the confines of our self image to see in our imagination all our potential and all the possibilities of anything we can be. I pictured myself as an Italian medieval princess in my mind’s eye as I roamed through the castle halls passed the central courtyard and on into the tasting room overlooking the Napa Valley.

Napa Valley views from the Costello di Amorosa – Image courtesy of Castello di Amorosa

The Castello di Amorosa introduces itself as a 13th century Tuscan castle winery. We know from our “Gothic” post under Antiquity & Style that the Gothic era was signified by the build up of fortified cities with the Church as the focal point.

The Chapel at the Castello with stone floors, simple furniture, high windows and artistic religious depictions, just some of the features of Gothic era architecture – Image courtesy of Costello di Amorosa

With the absence of central government society felt safer inside walled cities which entailed a palace, church, narrow streets and low buildings. The ground floors were public and top floors were private with covered walkways. Castles in particular had high windows for protection, interiors were simple and comprised of stone. Wood was not used as if the city was under siege wood would easily burn.

Costello di Amorosa sitting atop the estates hill mimicking a mini fortified city from the Gothic era – Image courtesy of Costello di Amorosa
Stone interior of Costello di Amorosa – Image courtesy of Costello di Amorosa

Central courtyard leading to the tasting rooms depicting the public bottom areas and private top floors of the Costello – Image courtesy of Costello di Amorosa

The Great Halls were important because everything took place in these spaces. The Great Hall was used for entertaining, local meetings and court. The Great Hall would be characterized by simple furniture, high roof, centrally located fire. The Solar was the room set aside from the Great Hall for intimate meetings. Other focal points of Gothic architecture include pointed arches making the eyes travel upwards, large window openings with a sense of light coming into the architectural structures and sculptures at eye level.

Gargoyle sculpture at the Costello – Image courtesy of Costello di Amorosa

Society during the Gothic era was largely illiterate thus individuals self educated visually through imagery, art and sculptures. The church expressed its teachings through architecture as walls opened to allow light in to symbolize the light of the bible. The soaring pointed arches symbolized reaching heaven.

The Great Hall with simple furniture, artistic wall depictions, high windows and stone floor – Image courtesy of Costello di Amorosa

Furniture was characterized by essential pieces only. Society was not stable and even the wealthy were nomadic with various residences causing them to move from place to place. Expensive interior decorations was of less interest and furniture was simply for supporting the human body and made comfortable with cushions and textiles for appeal. Furniture reflected the architecture as joined chairs at the bottom had struts between the front of the seat and stretcher with arches worked in. Similarly, ornaments applied to furniture were inspired by the architecture. Box thrones had carvings representing tracery in stained glass windows. Lines represented flames and flamboyancy. Lace chairs used forms inspired by Gothic architecture and linenfold carvings were also popular. Crest rails had ears or finials carved at the front becoming an integral design characteristic.

As society eventually stabilizes, furniture forms diversify and dining furniture also evolves to include dressoirs and credenzas. Dressoirs displayed silver, brass plates to signify a family’s wealth. Credenzas were a small table near the dining table used for food tasting. Simple shelving attached to walls and pieces with heavy architectural elements also displayed silverware.

The Royal Apartment atop the main floor of the Costello di Amorosa displaying a dressoir and credenza – Image courtesy of Costello di Amorosa

Dario Sattui’s Costello signifies the ultimate form of meraki. According to his blog the construction of the Costello began in 1994 and opened in 2007 but the blueprint for his dreamy Costello began as early as his European travels in the 70s. Sattui’s labor of love is evident through the majestic energy of the estate and long en bouche wines. A must visit and exploration for all Napa Valley wine lovers and design enthusiasts!