Who: Gareth and Barbara Genner

Where: Montaluce Winery and Estates, Dahlonega

CHRISTOPHER OQUENDO/Special (ENLARGE)

The courtyard of Barbara Genner's home at Montaluce recalls an Italian villa. 'We fell in love with the architectural style,' says Barbara.

GETTING THERE Take I-85 north to Ga. 400 to Dahlonega. Turn left on Ga. 19/60 and travel for 5.5 miles. Go a quarter around Dahlonega town square and bear right onto East Main/52 Business. At the first stoplight, turn left on Ga. 19/60 Business/Grove Street. Travel 1.3 miles, then turn left on Oak Grove Road. Travel for 3.8 miles, turn right on Hightower Church Road. Montaluce is 1/2 mile on left. WEB RESOURCES Montaluce Winery and Estates Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce

Moved in: December 2007

Their home: A yellow Tuscan-style villa with three bedrooms, three baths and a basement with another full bath, study and media room. The home, which is about 3,000 square feet, boasts extras such as a wine cellar.

How far from home: About 65 miles from their primary home in Sandy Springs. It's close enough to travel there on Friday after rush-hour traffic for the weekend, or for shorter trips. "We've actually gone up on Sunday morning, hung out for the day and come back in the evening," Barbara said.

How they found it: Montaluce was in the early stages when they took a look, checking out the undeveloped property with a real estate agent. "At the time, they didn't have the roads in. It was really, really rough. [They] showed us a big map, some designs, and we signed on the dotted line," Barbara said.

Why it attracted them: The couple had a log home in the area and already enjoyed the destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But they wanted more room and were drawn to how the community was built around a winery. "We just fell in love with it having vineyards; we fell in love with the architectural style," said Barbara, who is Italian. "We felt it was just us."

How often they're there: At least two weekends a month.

What they do when they're there: "My husband and I go out there and relax. We're away from home, we're away from work. We can read, we can walk," Barbara said. "We enjoy food, we enjoy wine."

What they love about it: The amenities, including the vineyards, a restaurant, boccie ball court, clubhouse and green space. And the opportunity to get to know people who also share an appreciation for wine. "Certainly if you're buying there it's because you enjoy the food and the wine," Barbara said.

Montaluce Winery and Estates

The 400-acre Montaluce Winery and Estates is being developed by Beecham Builders, who worked with architecture firm Harrison Design Associates to create a feel of Italy in the Georgia mountains. The development, which is next to the Chattahoochee National Forest, will have nearly 300 homes – cottages, villas, estate homes and homes on the Etowah River. Lots range from the $70,000s to the mid-$600,000s, cottages from the mid-$300,000s to high $400,000s and villas from the high $700,000s to more than $1.3 million. In addition to the 9,500-square-foot winery, there's the Le Vigne restaurant and wine bar, rooftop owner's club, event space and more. The winery, M Vineyards, encompasses 35 acres. The developers plan to bring in wine seminars, culinary classes, artists and farmers markets. A 10-acre recreation park will include a pool and tennis courts. Plans call for a day spa and amphitheater.

EVENTS

Villa Rossese Spring Show House

When: Through Father's Day (11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday); private tours available Monday-Wednesday by appointment

Cost: $15 adults; $6 ages 13-18; free, children 12 and under

Info: 706-867-4060, 1-866-991-8466, Montaluce

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