A few years ago, around the time that I was planning my wedding, I came across an online article highlighting a florist, who at the time was the sole floral designer for all weddings taking place at a gorgeous new winery - called Monteluce - that had opened up about an hour outside of Atlanta, in the city of Dahlonega. A beautiful winery, close to Atlanta? It peeked my interest and I googled "Montaluce" and my jaw dropped. Dele and I had been to Chateau Elan {a winery 40 minutes outside of Atlanta}, and although it was/is outwardly stunning, it left less to be desired once we got inside; we were simply underwhelmed.
But Monteluce. It is breathtaking. At first sight, the grounds of Monteluce look more like Tuscany. And having actually been to Tuscany, I can say that! Montaluce sits on four hundred acres in the North Georgia mountains, and the vineyard occupies forty acres of that land. Based on the photos, Monteluce appears to be exquisite. On Sunday, for Mothers Day, Dele and I will be going there to have brunch and will marvel at the beauty of Monteluce up close!
Inside of the main building, you can taste a variety of splendid wines, prior to, or following, a tour of the winery. Monteluce has two very experienced winemakers. The master winemaker is Stefano Salvini, who hails from the Campodelsole Winery in Bertinoro, Italy. The on-site winemaker, Maria Peterson, came to Montaluce after years of winemaking in some of the best wine regions of the world. She has worked at wineries in South Africa, France and Australia and also at Rutherford Hill in Napa.
Montaluce is also the home of Le Vigne, their on-site restaurant, which is situated high above the vineyards and overlooks the winery grounds. For the state of Georgia, Le Vigne has won: #1 Ambiance, #1 Scenic View, Top Ten Wine list, Top Ten Lunch, Top Ten Brunch, Top Ten Romantic. Needless to say, I can't wait to get there on Sunday!
Inside of the main building, you can taste a variety of splendid wines, prior to, or following, a tour of the winery. Monteluce has two very experienced winemakers. The master winemaker is Stefano Salvini, who hails from the Campodelsole Winery in Bertinoro, Italy. The on-site winemaker, Maria Peterson, came to Montaluce after years of winemaking in some of the best wine regions of the world. She has worked at wineries in South Africa, France and Australia and also at Rutherford Hill in Napa.
Montaluce is also the home of Le Vigne, their on-site restaurant, which is situated high above the vineyards and overlooks the winery grounds. For the state of Georgia, Le Vigne has won: #1 Ambiance, #1 Scenic View, Top Ten Wine list, Top Ten Lunch, Top Ten Brunch, Top Ten Romantic. Needless to say, I can't wait to get there on Sunday!
You can also get married on the beautiful grounds of Monteluce. I love the beautiful, intimate space of this particular terrace area....
Be prepared to be blown away further. Not only is Monteluce a winery, with an onsite restaurant, but there are several Tuscan-style homesites that sit on the grounds. Whether you care to be a full-time resident, or make one of them your second or vacation home, the option is yours. Perhaps you don't want to make a permanent commitment....no problem...you can rent out a 1, 2, or 3 bdrm cottage for a weekend retreat.
I have a strong feeling that Monteluce will be a place that we will be returning to often. Monteluce always hosts a variety of splendid events, which include "Dinner & A Movie" Night. On Friday nights, you can have dinner at Le Vigne followed by a complimentary movie. The movie begins just after sunset and is the perfect romantic date night!
Needless to say, I am looking forward to Sunday rolling around! I hope all you other mommy's out there have wonderful plans as well!
Needless to say, I am looking forward to Sunday rolling around! I hope all you other mommy's out there have wonderful plans as well!
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