For the state of Georgia, Le Vigne won:

#1 Ambiance

#1 Scenic View

Top Ten Wine list

Top Ten Lunch

Top Ten Brunch

Top Ten Romantic

Thank you to all of you for making us one of Georgia’s favorite destinations!

http://edelweissrecipeblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/birthdays-grapes-pork-belly-and-social.html#more

Summer is in full swing at Montaluce and with it comes a lot of exciting news – including the release of our 2009 wines, the bounty from our gardens, and our new online wine sales !  For day-to-day detail on what is happening at Montaluce please check our online calendar:

From the kitchen…

Chef Hartman reflects the bounty of our region in our new three course pre-fix dinner menu by focusing on fresh local ingredients from local farmers and growers including our own sustainable garden at Montaluce.  There is a bounty of produce coming out of our garden and finding its way onto the plates at Le Vigne.  The heirloom tomatoes make a beautiful and light first course while summer squash accompanies the slow cooked Berkshire Pork Shoulder.

As an accompaniment to any meal at Le Vigne, make sure you sample the beautiful selection of cheeses from the regional Southeast.  The cheeses will also be available for retail purchase soon to accompany Montaluce wines at home or for a picnic on the grounds at Montaluce.

From the vineyards…

Winemaker Maria Peterson says the vineyards are bursting with a very healthy crop this year in terms of both quality and quantity.  Everyone is very excited about the debut crop of our Pinot Grigio vineyard.  In the winery though we are just ever so slightly nervous about where we are going to find room for all the fruit !

Our 2009 Vintage

Montaluce Chardonnay
Montaluce Viognier
Montaluce Risata (a rose)

Montaluce Dolce (a semi-sweet, for you Southerners with a sweet tooth)*
Montaluce Primoro (a blend)*

Montaluce Centurio (a blend, mostly Merlot)*
*indicates a new wine for 2010

From the garden…

The garden is prolific and bountiful !  The colorful zinnias populate the tables of our restaurant in joyful bursts.

The crook neck yellow squash and zucchini accompany Springer Mountain chicken and snappy bread & butter pickles side with mortadella on a fried bologna sandwich.

Cucumbers have also found their way behind the bar to flavor gin served with our own house made tonic water.  Blueberries are currently infusing with rum for an upcoming cocktail that you won’t want to miss !

From the tasting room…

The 2009 Release is here !  The crown jewel of the current release is the 100% Reserve merlot from 2008 called Centurio.  It is luscious with notes of ripe cherries and pomegranate with a round, full mouth feel.  Enjoy it with meats or the blue gouda from Kenny’s Farmhouse on our menu.

The 5 white wines release are just in time for the dog days of summer.  The 2009 Montaluce Risatta is a perfect summer quaffer and is a fantastic pair with the Foie Gras Torchon.  The tropical fruit in our first year release of the Primoro, a blend of the Vidal Blanc and the Seyval Blanc, and the refreshing brightness makes it an idea wine for any occasion.

Montaluce bottled a beautiful Chardonnay from France this year thanks to our feathered friends fattening themselves on the Chardonnay crop at Montaluce last year.  The 2009 Viognier is luscious and smoky with hints of white flowers and vanilla and is fantastic with a wide range of food.

Finally, the Dolce is a much anticipated dessert wine that smells of baked apple and pie spice and lingers with a silky sweetness on the palate.

New online wine store…

Are you lucky enough to live in Georgia ?  If so, you can now order our Montaluce wines online and have them shipped directly to your home or office.  Thinking of the perfect thank you gift for a summer hostess ?  Think Montaluce wines!

Real Estate News…

If you have been waiting for the economy to recover before buying your Montaluce home the wait is now over.  For a limited time all lots at Montaluce are discounted 40% through the end of August.  Purchase your homesite now and we’ll give you up to 5 years to build your dream home.  Whether you are looking for a place to retire or just a place close enough to Atlanta to spend your weekends…now is the time to buy your peace of heaven at Montaluce.

Contact Bill Frisbey or Mel Hewins for more details at:  706.867.4060  ext. 2.  We look forward to seeing you at Montaluce soon !

If you’ve ever considered purchasing a mountain home or home site, now’s the time!  We are offering exceptional opportunities on our standing inventory of Villa homes as well a select home sites.  Contact our Sales Center at 706-867-4060 ext 2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tymbVa0A608

http://www.chowdownatlanta.com/best-dinner-le-vigne-monteluce-winery/

http://www.eatitatlanta.com/2010/02/08/montaluce/

http://montaluce.wordpress.com/2010/02/04/michael-bryan-atlanta-wine-school-photo-tour/

http://www.savoryexposure.com/2010/02/montaluce-vineyards-le-vigne-ristorante/

http://frenchtart.blogspot.com/2010/02/get-thee-up-to-dahlonega.html

Thanks to all of the great food and wine bloggers who attended: @hoplessfoodie, @winetonite, @mvineyards, @frenchtart, @atl10trader, @eatitatlanta, @blacktiebbq, @biskuitatl, @savoryexposure, @suburbanwin0, @atlantawineguy, @chowdownatl, @eatbuhi, @toddjwalker, @mvineyards, @hogballs, Michael Bryan, and @randomoenophile.

A special thanks to Chef Steven Hartman, GM Brad Egnor, Matt Rosengerg from Avant Partir, and Josh Culbreth from Quality Wine and spirits!

Check out these photos by BiskuitAtl! 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaplanbr/sets/72157623316307180

http://theopendoor.lennar.com/news/economic-data-will-turn-doubters-into-buyers/