Experience Italy In Georgia At This Tuscan-Inspired Winery With World-Class Sips And Stunning Views

If you ask someone to name top U.S. wine regions, chances are they'll mention California or Oregon right away. Although these states certainly have incredible wineries, Georgia also deserves a top spot on the list. Northern Georgia, in particular, is where most of the magic happens — nowhere is that more true than at Montaluce Winery & Restaurant.

Located in Dahlonega, the heart of Georgia's wine country, Montaluce is unlike any other winery in the area. Once you're on the grounds, you'll feel like you've been transported to Tuscany. The rolling hills, the rows of grapes, and the towering Italian-style brick buildings transform the landscape into something gorgeous and remarkable.

But looks aren't the only reason to add Montaluce to your travel itinerary. Not only does the winery serve some impeccable reds and whites, but it's also home to an authentic Italian eatery to complete the experience and make you forget that you're still in America. Let's take a closer look at what makes Montaluce such a spectacular attraction.

When plans for Montaluce Winery began to take shape in 2007, the idea was to create a neighborhood surrounding a winery. However, due in part to the housing market crash of 2008, the creators of Montaluce decided to switch gears and come up with a new vision for the 400-acre property. Although the land is so vast, only 12 acres were originally designated for wine production. The rest of the land remains relatively unspoiled, surrounded by rolling hills that evoke the charm of the Tuscan countryside.

The Trattoria di Montaluce didn't come about until much later, in 2021. By that time, wine production had expanded to 16 acres and Montaluce continues to clear space for more vines and varietals. The restaurant serves a variety of Italian dishes, including brick-oven pizza and house-made pasta. The winery produces 12 unique wines and one spiced mead. Book a tasting to try them all, or order them with your meal at the restaurant.

In addition to the winery and trattoria, Montaluce is also a deluxe event venue. Weddings, corporate events, and special occasions are all the more incredible with such a remarkable and decadent backdrop. The winery also hosts a variety of its own events, such as holiday celebrations, Sunday brunches, and even wine hikes.

Montaluce is about a 90-minute drive north of the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), making it relatively easy to get to if you're arriving by plane. While the winery doesn't have any lodging on site, you can find various hotels and bed and breakfasts in nearby Dahlonega. The added benefit of staying in Dahlonega is that you can explore other wineries in the area, such as Blue Mountain Vineyards and Wolf Mountain Vineyards. 

Montaluce is open seven days a week for tastings and dining at the onsite Italian restaurant. However, reservations are not guaranteed, especially for large parties of 10 or more. For a more intimate experience, book a private tour of the facility and deluxe sommerlier-led tasting with a premium charcuterie platter. The winery also serves picnics amid the lush vineyards, a perfect way to make the most of a summer day. 

Beyond wine tours and tastings, you can explore some of the other highlights of Northern Georgia during your visit. For example, Montaluce is only about 20 minutes from Georgia's tallest waterfall in the underrated Amicalola Falls State Park. Or, if you want to trade Tuscan vibes for Bavarian Germany, you're only about 45 minutes from Helen, the under-the-radar mountain town that looks like a German-inspired fairy tale. Montaluce's prime location in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains makes it a wonderful spot to unwind after a day of outdoor adventures.