One look at Monteluce Winery’s sprawling rows of grapevines, Tuscan-style buildings, and dreamy mountain views, and you might forget where you are for a moment. This isn’t Italy, it’s Dahlonega, Georgia. The historic mining town is a popular vacation spot for its bustling town square, the beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, and it’s also home to many wineries and vineyards.
Thanks to the unique climate and soil, grapes grow very well in this corner of the South—and not just sweet muscadines. At Monteluce, varieties include Malbec, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Even if you’re not a wine drinker, this winery is well worth a visit for its restaurant and the beautiful property. Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect day trip.
Take Part In A Tasting
A wine tasting is the best way to experience Georgia’s unique viniculture and Monteluce’s offerings. The winery offers red-only ($40) and white-only ($30) flights as well as “The Taste of Monteluce” ($35) which includes samples of both. Selections may range from semi-sweet sparkling Moscato to crisp Pinot Grigio to robust Cabernet Sauvignon. Tastings are first come, first served, but the winery recommends calling ahead to confirm availability. Tastings generally take 1½ to 2 hours, and include a glass. Private tastings can be arranged as well.
Credit:
Robbie Caponetto
Savor Italian Specialties
If you prefer to pair wine with food, sister restaurant Trattoria di Monteluce, is another way to sample the winery’s offerings. Although the space can accommodate groups, it has an intimate, trattoria-like feel with an open kitchen anchored by brick ovens, which are used to make the restaurant’s popular wood-fired pizzas. Try dishes like housemade pastas (like lasagna bolognese or squid ink tagliolini), whole roasted branzino, Tuscan braised short ribs, or go for a sharable cheese and cured meat board. The winery itself also has an in-house restaurant that is open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch and offers shareable boards and appetizers, salads, and heartier entrees like a Caprese Pork Chop.
Credit:
Robbie Caponetto
Take A Wine Hike
One of Monteluce’s unique offerings is a guided hike on the property’s nature trails, as well as a tour of the vineyard and winery. The activity ends with a five-pour tasting in the restaurant. The cost is $65 per person in a group, or $85 per person for a private hike.
Things To Know
Pets: You can bring your dog to the winery, but not indoors. There are outdoor tables to accommodate guests with pets or service animals. Payment: The winery and restaurants are cashless (except for tips), so bring a credit card.