Montaluce Estate and Vineyards is pleased to announce two special holiday events. During the holiday season, guests will be treated to live holiday music in the winery and restaurant, exquisite decorations and festive lights throughout the property. Montaluce has also partnered with Community Helping Place in Dahlonega this season to provide a drop-off location for collections of pantry and canned items for those in need in Lumpkin County.

Sunday, November 30, 2008, 1 to 6:00 p.m. ~ Holiday Open House
Kick off the season with a traditional holiday celebration featuring eggnog and hot apple cider, cookie decorating for the kids, live Christmas music and carols from the St. Luke's Catholic Church choir and the Holly Theater Children's Competition Team, Christmas tree lighting and a special visit from Santa Claus. Lunch and Sunday Supper will be served and a special holiday wine tasting flight will be available. Reservations for lunch and Supper are recommended, and may be made by calling the restaurant at (706) 867-4060.

Holiday Charity Partner ~ throughout the month of December
During this holiday season, Montaluce has partnered with Community Helping Place (CHP) in Dahlonega to be a collection point for donations. CHP is a community outreach program providing food, emergency financial assistance (for rent, utilities, etc.) and referral support services for families and individuals in Lumpkin County. Guests are encouraged to bring a donation of canned goods or pantry items such as spaghetti, crackers, cooking oil, sugar and cereal to the winery to further the charitable efforts of this great organization. For more information on their needs, visit www.communityhelpingplace.org/needs.php

Wednesday, December 31, 2008 ~ Ring in the New Year with Montaluce (two seatings)
This festive affair will be filled with celebratory touches including dancing, fireworks and a Prosecco toast at midnight. In the dining room, Le Vigne's talented culinary team will present a wonderful, multi-course menu highlighting the best of the season along with traditional Italian specialties. There will be two seatings: 6 p.m. seating is $85 per person and includes one complimentary glass of Prosecco per person. The 8:30 p.m. seating is $125 per person, and includes one complimentary bottle of wine per couple. The full wine list and special suggested wine pairings will also be available. Attire is black-tie optional. Reservations are requested and may be made by calling (706) 867.4060.

Montaluce is a new wine country development in the North Georgia Mountains near Dahlonega. Located on 400 rolling acres situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and adjacent to the Chattahoochee National Forest and the Etowah River, Montaluce is a community based on the Italian ideal of "La Vita Bella," or the beautiful life--centered around community, food, wine and sharing. At the heart of the Estate, and at its highest point, the property boasts a state-of-the-art winery that harvested its first grapes in fall 2008.

On the winery's main floor, the handsome tasting room and beautiful restaurant Le Vigne offer a place to unwind and enjoy New- and Old-World Italian dishes alongside a thoughtful wine list that includes selections from the United States as well as Italy. In summer 2009, a 61-room hotel will debut and soon thereafter, The Spa at Montaluce will also open its doors creating a true luxury destination only about an hour from Atlanta. Primary and secondary homes and home sites are now available.

Montaluce Estates and Vineyard is located at 501 Hightower Church Road, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533. Telephone: 866.991.VINO (8466) or 706. 867.4060. http://www.montaluce.com