Wine News Vine: July 1-5

We wish you a wonderful Independence Day. Please see all the events set for this holiday weekend below:

FRESH FROM THE WINE NEWS VINE:
-Updates from Naturally Georgia tasting room, Dahlonega square: Fresh cheese now in stock; last bottles (for now) of some Crain Creek wines; Tiger Mountain Vineyards has "All American Norton" wine sale.
-New wine tasting hours at Montaluce: Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., until 6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Also check new hours for Le Vigne.

WINE & DINE:
-Wolf Mountain's Seventh Annual Father's Day BBQ Brunch. The only thing missing was a designated man cave and, come to think of it, the new tasting room on the ground floor could sub nicely.
-The event: Karl Boegner and team did a wonderful job welcoming guests to twin seatings Sunday afternoon. The barbecue buffet was indeed a manly feast featuring ribs, chicken, sausage with onions and peppers, creamed corn, mac and cheese, three-bean salad, bread and per-biting servings of chocolate chip cheese cake, key lime tarts, banana pudding and chocolate strawberries and white chocolate chip cookies. OK, the strawberries might have deducted a few man points but they were good.
-The verdict: As this was the seventh, we'll hopefully be back for no. 8 next June. It was a wonderful meal in the main dining area or out on the porch. Service was excellent from reservations to seatings to umpteen refills of water and tea. Wine was extra, by the glass (we picked the 2007 Sunset Rosé). Wolf Mountain is known for professional, friendly service and it made the brunch all the more special. The filled dining room was very orderly and the guests included several international couples/families.
-The price: $30 per adult, $15 for kids. Wine and tip are extra. We'd recommend adding a glass of wine into the package or a complimentary tasting but the overall value was fine.
-What's next: Wolf Mountain resumes the 'Tribute to Tuscany' Sunday brunch this weekend with special meals planned in July and August as well (click dining)
-Bottom line: The only thing we'd change is the parking. We did the stairmaster climb from the lower parking lot to the tasting room and then dining room--which was manly on its own. What we'd change: we should have hit the Wolf Mountain 'stairmaster' after brunch to work off all we ate. We'll be back.

INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND:
-Spend the holiday in Dahlonega: The heart of North Georgia's wine country has a huge Saturday, July 4th, planned with parades, fireworks and more. Spend the day at the wineries and get back to the square before 4:30 or so. You'll find all sorts of special events, including hot pizza and brats courtesy of St. Luke's Catholic Church just off the square. For expanded details: Dahlonega.
-Crane Creek, Fourth of July concert with Steel String Session, Saturday, July 4th, 7-10 p.m. $15 for adults; $5 under 21.
-Montaluce, All-American Celebration, July 4-5: Gelato tasting for the kids, Wine U tours, live music, grape stomping.
-BlackStock, Saturday and Sunday, July 4-5: Chicken Cordon Red, White & Bleu Sandwich, Squash Casserole, fresh fruit salad, $12.95 per person (wine, tip not included). Plus: Live music.
-Wolf Mountain, 7th annual Reds, Whites and Bluegrass brunch, July 5th. Regional cuisine and live bluegrass music. $30 per person; wine and tip extra. 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. seatings.
-Tiger Mountain, Saturday, July 4th: wine and special cheeses, live music. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

And while on the Dahlonega Square: Stop in at the Naturally Georgia tasting room and tell owner Vickie Cooper hello from North Georgia Wine Tours/Wine News Vine. It is the most comfortable tasting you'll have all weekend.

It gets harder to leave Dahlonega after each visit...

Just back from quick overnight stay in Dahlonega. Add these three items to your must list next visit:
-Quality time at Naturally Georgia wine tasting room on the square. Vickie Cooper is the best in the business.
-A Sunday brunch at Wolf Mountain. Good food, great service (Father's Day BBQ was excellent; rose was a wonderful wine to go with the meats).
-Sample Montaluce's new Chardonnay.
More on all three and other updates by Wednesday on The Wine News Vine (a.k.a. North Georgia Wine Tours).

Wine News Vine: Busy Father's Day weekend

Let's get right to what's ahead this Father's Day weekend and the official start of summer:

BlackStock has a three-day weekend planned: Among activites at BlackStock Vineyards & Winery:
>Grill & Chill Friday, 7-10 p.m.: Jazz and a special prime rib dinner. $20.95 per person.
>Cool Views, Warm Lunch, Hot Jazz Saturday afternoon: 1 to 4 p.m. If you missed Friday's event, stop by Saturday for a lunch serving. $14.95 per person.
>Lunch & Music for Father's Day, 12:30-3:30 p.m. More prime rib, desserts and wine by the glass. $14.95 (wine a separate charge).

Also Friday-Sunday, Tiger Mountain Vineyards: The Northeast Georgia Arts Tour featuring area painters and potters demonstrating their art. Wine and cheese at the winery, vineyard strolls; red barn open for sipping wine and taking in the scenery.

Saturday, Sunday: Three Sisters has a free Father's Day open house from 1 to 5 p.m. both days. Every visiting dad gets a gift, too. Dahlonega.

Sunday: Wolf Mountain: Father's Day is Sunday, June 21. Planned: Seventh Annual Father's Day BBQ Brunch. Dahlonega.

Road trip: Northwest Georgia Wine Tours/Wine News Vine will be in Dahlonega this weekend to sample some of the food offerings--and the wines. Hope to see you there. We will have some Twitter updates while on scene: www.twitter.com/ngawinetours.

More updates/what's ahead:

Yonah Mountain opens: Well, the testing room, that is. Go to 2454-B Ga. 17 in Sautee-Nacoochee Valley to sample Yonah Mountain's wines. Call 706-878-5522 for more. We'll have an expanded look at Yonah Mountain soon. And while in the area, dine at The Nacoochee Grill. Among the best restaurants in all of North Georgia.

Crane Creek's release party set for Tuesday, June 30. The Mountain Harvest Red just needs a few more days so the event has been reset for Tuesday, June 30, from 6-8 p.m. It will be worth the wait and the drive to Young Harris based on our earlier tastings at the country winery. Crane Creek is a perfect getaway.

Crane Creek release delayed until June 30

Crane Creek's release party set for Thursday, June 18, is being postponed until Tuesday, June 30. Here's the update:

"You've heard Mondavi say, 'No wine before it's time' and now Eric is agreeing and staying true to himself and his wine. The Mountain Harvest Red is just not quite ready for release; therefore, we are canceling the release party and postponing it until Tuesday, June 30, from 6-8 p.m. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause, but assure you that you will not be disappointed. Please call the tasting room if you have any other questions."--Megan Hearn
Tasting Room Coordinator

For more, please click Crane Creek

Wine News Vine update: Make it a 'grape' Father's Day

Wine News Vine's tip sheet--Father's Day:

Give Dad something different this Father's Day: A quick escape to Georgia's wine country. Try a Saturday or Sunday afternoon at the North Georgia wineries, complete with a series of special dinners both days. Let him take home a few bottles of his favorites, too. You'll find some sipping and dining options below with more to come in our midweek Wine News Vine update.

-BlackStock has huge Father's Day and more this weekend: Jazz, mountain music and prime rib are all on the menu for an extended weekend of fun. Click BlackStock events.

-June 19-21: Tiger Mountain Vineyards: The Northeast Georgia Arts Tour featuring area painters and potters demonstrating their art. Wine and cheese at the winery, vineyard strolls; red barn open for sipping wine and taking in the scenery.

-June 20, 21: Three Sisters has a free Father's Day open house from 1 to 5 p.m. both days. Every visiting dad gets a gift, too. Dahlonega.

-June 21: Wolf Mountain: Father's Day is Sunday, June 21. Planned: Seventh Annual Father's Day BBQ Brunch. Dahlonega.

Fresh from the Wine News Vine:

-Good show at Montaluce: The Tuscan-theme winery and estates released three wines from grapes grown on site, a first for Montaluce. What's new: 2008 Chardonnay, Viognier and Rose. Even more impressive was the turnout for the two-day release celebration: 700 people.

More updates by Wednesday afternoon. Let us know if you have something to share. Send notes to: druck@hometownheadlines.com of via Twitter (www.twitter.com/ngawinetours)

Wine News Vine for June 11-14

Two release parties, an arts tour and Father's Day highlight this week's edtion of the Wine News Vine:

-June 13, 14: Montaluce's first-ever white wines will be released to the public. Wines to be released: 2008 Chardonnay, Viognier and Rose. Scheduled: Vineyard tours, tastings, live music, special lunchtime wine pairing menu at Le Vigne, a wine dinner on Saturday night. Visitors to Montaluce have tasted a variety of imports and Georgia wines in previous visits. Starting next month, Montaluce's own labels will be poured as well.

-June 18: Crane Creek's Mountain Harvest Red release party, 6-8 p.m. Young Harris.

-June 19-21: Tiger Mountain Vineyards: The Northeast Georgia Arts Tour featuring area painters and potters demonstrating their art. Wine and cheese at the winery, vineyard strolls; red barn open for sipping wine and taking in the scenery.

-June 20, 21: Three Sisters has a free Father's Day open house from 1 to 5 p.m. both days. Every visiting dad gets a gift, too. Dahlonega.

-June 21: Wolf Mountain: Father's Day is Sunday, June 21. Planned: Seventh Annual Father's Day BBQ Brunch. Dahlonega.

This one's a few months off but you might want to order tickets now as it often sells out (and no tickets at the door):

Vineyard Fest 2009, Chateau Elan's 13th annual Vineyard Festival with wines from around the globe. Times: 1-5 p.m. Cost: $75 per person with a limit of 2,000 tickets being sold.

News Vine special: Montaluce's just begun

As Montaluce pours it's first wines,
the developer prepares for much more

Rob Beecham gets it.

He understands the immediate and long-term potential of North Georgia's wine culture and is gambling millions on it's success.

The first example: Montaluce Winery & Estates, a Dahlonega-based escape for regional wine lovers looking to escape the daily grind for a day--or lifetime. The winery itself, with three homegrown labels premiering this month, is a great day trip. Amid the Tuscan design is the region's top tasting room, the LeVigne Ristorante and a wonderful sprawling covered patio overlooking some of the Montaluce vineyards.

And then there's the lifetime option. Villas, estate homes and riverfront lots for future development are offered for those who share Beecham's passion for a Tuscan or Sonoma-like culture but want to stay on this side of the Atlantic or country. In all, 300 homesites are planned.

Up next is a third option: a hotel and day spa. The villas and homes already offer some a weekend and vacation escape. With a hotel and day spa, Beecham hopes to bring more guests to the Montaluce campus. A formal announcement is due soon.

Every weekend's a wine weekend

For now, Beecham and staff are focusing on the premiere of Montaluce's first wines: three white wines will be offered June 13 and 14 as part of the estate's first annual release weekend. This is the third season of production for Montaluce's vineyards and "we've had a really good harvest," says Beecham. He's already predicting more bountiful production in years four, five and six.

The release weekend is part of Montaluce's non-stop offerings to make each visit special. A recent Cinema in the Cellar--showcasing Roman Holiday--was a big hit, Beecham says, and it will be followed by Casablanca on June 26.

Also planned are "Wine U" tastings, a special Independence Day salute, a raffle on behalf of Solidarity School for a villa home worth nearly $600,000 plus a busy fall schedule. That's in addition to regular tastings, LeVigne specials an ongoing community outreach projects such as a recent hosting of the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours.

And then there's Beecham's aggressive social networking skills. Just check Facebook or Twitter or Meet Up. Montaluce has embraced the new-new media to help wine lovers and weekend travelers discover the winery.

So it comes down to millions of dollars in start-up investments; an events-driven winery to keep the experience fresh; involvement in the local community; and taking marketing and advertising online. The big question is: Why?


'Driven by a personal passion'

Beecham quickly labels himself as an entrepreneur, an Atlanta area developer who was caught in an all-too-familiar rat race of 70-hour work weeks. A trip to North Georgia ended with his buying five cases of wine -- and lots of ideas.

He wanted to build an enterprise around wine lovers who want to "stop and smell the grapes" for a day, weekend or lifetime. With the help of his brother, Brent and father, Harry--who, like Beecham, anchor Atlanta-based Beecham Builders-- and Atlanta developer Bobby Greenway, Rob Beecham jumped in. "I'm driven by a personal passion," he says.

The concept was to bring that $10,000 Tuscan adventure closer to home, to make that four-hour flight to Napa Valley into a 60-minute cruise up Ga. 400.

Dahlonega already was home to Frogtown, Three Sisters, BlackStock and Wolf Mountain. Plus more wineries were rumored (including Cavender Creek premiering next spring). The North Georgia wine country was here; Beecham just needed to develop something different with both tourism and community in mind.

"A place to hang out, to recharge the batteries," Beecham says when asked about the Montaluce mission.

In just a few years, Montaluce "already is bring more people up here" to the heart of North Georgia's wine country. Yes, the recession is a factor but as Beecham says, "the economy's got to recover."

And when it does, watch out. In the next five to six years, he predicts Georgia's wine country will boom. Never mind that it continues to sizzle as an emerging agri-tourism center.

Montaluce is ready for that boom, Beecham says. His wife and children already live on property. He's forming traditional bonds with his neighbors and the community. And he knows what to do to get both short-term and long-term visitors.

Say Beecham with a smile: "What an amazing place to retire . . . "

News Vine for June 9: Who's new at the wineries

Personnel updates from North Georgia's wineries:

At Montaluce: Brad Egnor joins the Dahlonega winery as General Manager of LeVigne. Brad is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University and brings years of restaurant management experience to Montaluce. Brad’s commitment to exceptional service and the overall guest experience are a welcome addition at Montaluce.

-LeVigne's new executive chef is Steven Hartman. Steven comes to us from The Capital Grille at the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, a Mobil five-star hotel. He brings a new commitment to fresh, locally sourced products and creative, seasonal menu items. You'll get a taste of what's ahead as the summer menu premieres June 15.

-Montaluce's wine program continues to move forward with Oliver Asberger now serving as Winery and Vineyard Manager, and Stefano Salvini as our Winemaker.

-At Persimmon Creek: The dinner with Virginia Willis and Tasia Malakasis will be on July 25th, not June 25, as has been posted in some areas.

News Vine: Bloggers on the wine festival; big weekend ahead

Several blogs are posting updates from the weekend events in Dahlonega. You'll find links below.

We got a special kick out of the update from the authors of The Bottle Report. Not only does it have some great commentary from the wine festivals but also some personal slices of life from the cyclist/author. For more, click:
http://thebottlereport.com/

We're also awaiting an OK from the authors to post a permanent link to their blog.

Another blog to check is Wine Tonite. They stopped by for a quick sip and look around. Click:
http://www.winetonite.com/2009/06/06/wine-festivals/

If you went to the festivals and have some comments to share, please comment here or on our Facebook page.

The week ahead:

We highlight two events, Thursday and Saturday-Sunday. The first is the special evening to help raise funds for UGA's expanding wine curriculum. The second is the first release of wines at Montaluce. The details are below.

Later this week from The News Vine: A closer look at what's ahead at Montaluce.

-June 11: An Alfresco Evening on the River: Georgia’s wine industry is growing fast, tripling its acreage in just the past five years. To provide the industry with the research and outreach it needs, the University of Georgia is expanding programs in viticulture and enology, the science of grape growing and wine making. The expansion includes a new endowed professorship. To help get the professorship started, the college will host a fund-raising event. “An Alfresco Evening on the River” will be June 11 and will feature great food from local chefs, wine and entertainment at the home of Richard and Sherri Smith in Atlanta. For the rest of the story and more on the benefit, please click http://tinyurl.com/c4rgz4

-June 13, 14: Montaluce's first-ever white wines will be released to the public. Wines to be released: 2008 Chardonnay, Viognier and Rose. Scheduled: Vineyard tours, tastings, live music, special lunchtime wine pairing menu at Le Vigne, a wine dinner on Saturday night. Visitors to Montaluce have tasted a variety of imports and Georgia wines in previous visits. Starting next month, Montaluce's own labels will be poured as well.

The News Vine for June 3-7

On The News Vine today

-A visit to Sharp Mountain Vineyards, Jasper (image to the left).
-Montaluce perfect setting for chamber's Business After Hours.
-Two big wine festivals in Dahlonega this weekend.
-What's ahead in the heart of Georgia's wine country.
-Wine country weekend forecast: Partly cloudy, highs in the 80s (details)





Sharp Mountain Vineyards: Perfect gateway to a wine getaway

By Carol Carter/For The News Vine

Sharp Mountain Vineyards is too small to be a destination in and of itself but it makes a pleasant stop for a picnic en route to points farther north or as part of a weekend trip to Jasper.

A small pavilion just outside the tasting room is available for picnickers, though you must bring your own food and drink as none is available at the winery. Of course, you may purchase a bottle of wine to accompany your meal. There is a wide choice: Chardonnay, Viognier, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet and Pinot Noir to name just a few. One guest on the day we visited preferred the Chardonnay; another – after a thorough tasting – went home with a bottle of Collage, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Owner Ron Rathgeb welcomes visitors to take a stroll around the vineyard, all of which is in close proximity to the tasting room and winery. If you opt for a tasting, you may browse as you sip, in a small gift shop that is just a step or two away from the tasting area.

Three Sharp Mountain wines – the Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon – won sliver medals at this year’s Finger Lakes International Wine Competition in upstate New York. And this may account for at least part of the reason that Rathgeb sells out of the 1,000 cases he produces every year.

“A lot of wine shops and restaurants want my wines,” he says,” but if I can keep selling out, why should I share my margins with them?” Rathgeb sells to local people from nearby Cherokee County and Atlanta as well as wine lovers from as far up as Rabun County. Likewise, he says, Floridians heading to cabins up in Ellijay and Blue Ridge stop by.

Growing 11 different varieties, Rathgeb is the only winemaker in Georgia who grows Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Grigio.

For the most part, Sharp Mountain Vineyards is just that – a place for growing grapes and making wine. From March through December, the winery is open Fridays and Saturdays from noon until 6 p.m.; Sundays, 12:30 until 4:30 p.m. In January and February, it is open Saturdays from noon until 6 p.m.

Accommodations: Consider the Woodbridge Inn Restaurant & Lodge. Located in downtown Jasper, it occupies a spot where the Cherokee Indians once worshiped, saying their prayers as the sun rose over Sharptop Mountain. The inn’s 18 guestrooms are yours for $50 to $65 per night. A one-night stay and a three-course dinner for two goes for $120. The restaurant is open for Sunday lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. The food rates a thumbs up and the atmosphere is most pleasant.

Shopping: If you are female, then don’t miss Daisy, on Mark Whitfield Street downtown. A boutique packed with trendy fashions plus a large selection of shoes and boots, Daisy carries clothing brands B.B. Dakota, Free People and Rafaella, among others. Check out handbags by Marc Chantal and Bagalini, to name two. Betcha can’t walk out empty handed.

More shopping: Just north of Jasper, take a right (if you’re traveling north) onto Anitoch Church Road and into the tiny town of Talking Rock. Follow the road until you come to a railroad track, beside which is a row of shops. Try them all, but do not miss Moonstruck Mountain. The small, utterly charming, shop packs a wealth of floor-to-ceiling surprises. Make your way around the store two or three times so as not to miss any of the very affordable, well-chosen, unique merchandise. Teacups, clocks, dinnerware, doormats, lamps, furniture, stuffed animals, decorative household items. And on and on it goes. 706-253-2270. Open Thursday through Sunday.

Photos by Carol Carter. For more, visit our Facebook page> Click

Montaluce/Chamber Business After Hours packs 'em in

It was a tough call for members of the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce--spend 90-plus minutes at the region's premiere winery sampling a bit of wine and some of the best hors d'oeuvres we've had in ages: thinly, cripsy crust flatbread-style pizzas, a salmon mousse, crab-stuffed mushroom crowns.

Tuesday night's Business After Hours at Montaluce was as eloquent as it was informative. The spacious wine tasting area and Ristorante Le Vigne as well as the surrounding porches provided plenty of room for chamber members to network and get updates.

Montaluce's Rob Beecham welcomed the guests and asked just one favor: come back with friends. He told members about upcoming events (first wine release next weekend) and a bustling summer ahead.

The North Georgia wine industry was well represented. Members heard plans about Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery due to open next spring (details, 770-823-9255). Also attending: representatives from Habersham Winery.

One more chamber and community note: With Independence Day on a Saturday this year (Friday holiday), take a look at spending the three-dayer in the North Georgia wine country. We'll have expanded details soon on what's ahead at the local wineries. This add-on: Dahlonega will have a huge holiday event, including a prestiege car show, parade and fireworks. Details: Click.

-June 6-7: Second Annual Georgia Fine Wine Festival at BlackStock Vineyards and Winery, Dahlonega. Included: wine, food, music and arts. Times: Saturday, June 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, June 7, 1-5 p.m. Scheduled: Sampling of more than 50 premium Georgia-grown wines as well as food from area restaurants. The Kip Dockery Jazz Quartet will provide the music. Tickets: One day, $35 per person. Two-day, $50. Both include two $5 food tickets as well as a "passport" glass. For more, click Fine

-June 6-7: Eighth Annual Georgia Wine Country Festival at Three Sisters Vineyards, Dahlonega. Wine, music and art. For more, click Country

-Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery's June calendar includes 'Tribute to Tuscany' brunches on June 7, 14 and 28. The seventh Father's Day barbecue is June 21.

-June 11: An Alfresco Evening on the River: Georgia’s wine industry is growing fast, tripling its acreage in just the past five years. To provide the industry with the research and outreach it needs, the University of Georgia is expanding programs in viticulture and enology, the science of grape growing and wine making. The expansion includes a new endowed professorship. To help get the professorship started, the college will host a fund-raising event. “An Alfresco Evening on the River” will be June 11 and will feature great food from local chefs, wine and entertainment at the home of Richard and Sherri Smith in Atlanta. For the rest of the story and more on the benefit, please click http://tinyurl.com/c4rgz4

-June 13, 14: Montaluce's first-ever white wines will be released to the public. Wines to be released: 2008 Chardonnay, Viognier and Rose. Scheduled: Vineyard tours, tastings, live music, special lunchtime wine pairing menu at Le Vigne, a wine dinner on Saturday night. Visitors to Montaluce have tasted a variety of imports and Georgia wines in previous visits. Starting next month, Montaluce's own labels will be poured as well.

The News Vine/Midweek edition, June 2-4

June is going to be a busy month for North Georgia's wineries and the events start today (Tuesday, 6/2). What's ahead in coming days:

-Tonight: Business After Hours, by the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce, 5:30-7 p.m., Montaluce. North Georgia Wine Tours will be at the meeting; look for updates first thing Wednesday.

-June 5: Café Crane Creek begins new season of prixe fix dinner menus under The Barn Swallow Pavilion. Special events include upcoming pasta dinners. Click Crane Creek

-June 6-7: Second Annual Georgia Fine Wine Festival at BlackStock Vineyards and Winery, Dahlonega. Included: wine, food, music and arts. Times: Saturday, June 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, June 7, 1-5 p.m. Scheduled: Sampling of more than 50 premium Georgia-grown wines as well as food from area restaurants. The Kip Dockery Jazz Quartet will provide the music. Tickets: One day, $35 per person. Two-day, $50. Both include two $5 food tickets as well as a "passport" glass. For more, click Fine

-June 6-7: Eighth Annual Georgia Wine Country Festival at Three Sisters Vineyards, Dahlonega. Wine, music and art. For more, click Country

-Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery's June calendar includes 'Tribute to Tuscany' brunches on June 7, 14 and 28. The seventh Father's Day barbecue is June 21.

-June 11: An Alfresco Evening on the River: Georgia’s wine industry is growing fast, tripling its acreage in just the past five years. To provide the industry with the research and outreach it needs, the University of Georgia is expanding programs in viticulture and enology, the science of grape growing and wine making. The expansion includes a new endowed professorship. To help get the professorship started, the college will host a fund-raising event. “An Alfresco Evening on the River” will be June 11 and will feature great food from local chefs, wine and entertainment at the home of Richard and Sherri Smith in Atlanta. For the rest of the story and more on the benefit, please click http://tinyurl.com/c4rgz4

-June 13, 14: Montaluce's first-ever white wines will be released to the public. Wines to be released: 2008 Chardonnay, Viognier and Rose. Scheduled: Vineyard tours, tastings, live music, special lunchtime wine pairing menu at Le Vigne, a wine dinner on Saturday night. Visitors to Montaluce have tasted a variety of imports and Georgia wines in previous visits. Starting next month, Montaluce's own labels will be poured as well.