Upcoming Events
Vines and Steins
Experience the historic Preston Castle at your own pace during Vines & Steins, an evening of local wine, craft beer, and live music. Stroll the Castle grounds while sampling pours from regional wineries and breweries, enjoying complimentary fruit and cheese trays, and listening to live music by GreenBroke on the back patio.
Commemorative tasting glasses are included with admission, and guests can purchase full pours of wine and beer, along with food from local vendors throughout the event. Held on the scenic Castle grounds in Amador County, Vines & Steins is the perfect way to spend a relaxing evening with friends while supporting local businesses.
Exclusive Photographer’s Day
Join our Photographer’s Day with two 2-hour sunset sessions! Explore Preston Castle and grounds, capturing stunning shots in non-restricted areas of the first floor, second floor, basement, and grounds. Roam freely, create beautiful images, and enjoy this exclusive opportunity to shoot in a historic setting.
Historic Sunset Tours
Join us for enchanting evening experiences throughout the year! From April through August, we will be offering monthly Sunset Tours—an exceptional opportunity to explore Preston Castle as the day transitions into night.
As the sun dips below the horizon, witness Preston Castle bathed in warm, amber light. Guided through its historic halls, visitors will immerse themselves in the Castle’s rich history against a breathtaking sunset backdrop. The fading light beautifully highlights the Romanesque Revival architecture, creating a mystical and nostalgic atmosphere.
Tour Dates June 19, July 10 & Aug 21
We have three available time slots: 7:15 PM, 7:30 PM, and 7:45 PM. Each tour will last approximately 90 minutes. Guests will receive a commemorative flashlight to assist with dimly lit sections of the Castle.
Special Events June 19 & August 21, 2026: Open to the Public
Additionally, on June 19 & August 21, we invite the public to join us for food and refreshments at the Castle. Enjoy exploring the grounds, viewing updates on the new porches, and spending an evening with family and friends. Food vendors on June 19 will be Chuck’s Chicken, The Mack Shack & Sweet & Salty Pop on Aug 21 food vendors will include Andy’s Crossover Kitchen, Valenz Tacos, The Mack Shack, and Salty Sweet Pop. No purchase necessary! Food vendors available to the public 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
We look forward to sharing these memorable evenings with you!
Engaging Experiences & Events at Preston Castle
What is Preston Castle?
Preston Castle was constructed in 1894 as the administration building for the Preston School of Industry, a reform school for boys. The Romanesque Revival style of architecture was to make the building look like a school rather than a prison.
The Castle opened in June 1894 and remained in use until 1960. In 1960 the State planned to demolish the building and from 1960-1968 a group of local women fought to keep it standing. Once the State agreed to not tear the building down they also said they would do nothing to keep it standing.
The building remained vacant and in disrepair until September 2001 when the Preston Castle Foundation leased the building from the State. And later, in 2014, the foundation was granted ownership of the Castle and 12.91 acres.
The Preston Castle Foundation’s mission is to preserve, rehabilitate and utilize the historic Preston Castle site as well as preserving the history of the school, its staff and boys.
