I really do try to keep the whole interwebs/social media current. If you are going to take the time to visit my website, or our Facebook page, or our Instragram page (I've been assured we have one of those), the least I can do is keep it current. And I really do try, let's be honest, during harvest I barely have time to keep up with how the Giants are doing in the pennant race!
Please accept my apologies if things are not as up-to-date on this website as they should be. Yes, we are open! Saturday & Sunday, noon-5pm. No reservations required. No mask required when seated outdoors. We are back to requiring masking when inside the winery, and limiting access to the winery. We are pouring lots of terrific wines, including our unique Negroamaro, and highly regarded Teroldego.
Please accept my apologies if things are not as up-to-date on this website as they should be. Yes, we are open! Saturday & Sunday, noon-5pm. No reservations required. No mask required when seated outdoors. We are back to requiring masking when inside the winery, and limiting access to the winery. We are pouring lots of terrific wines, including our unique Negroamaro, and highly regarded Teroldego.
Services
Mark Henry is the owner, vineyardist and winemaker. Julianne Henry's official title is "Wine Muse", a designation that belies her efforts at keeping things under control. Together, they welcome the opportunity to walk you through the vineyards, fountains, "go-ahead, pick some" herb garden and, of course, the winery.
We are located in the agricultural hamlet of Chicago Park, California. Never heard of Chicago Park? Well, that's because for some odd reason the CalTrans signs on Interstate 80 send you up Hwy 49 to get to Grass Valley/Nevada City, instead of on the much faster, more scenic Hwy 174. Trust me, all the locals avoid Hwy 49 if at all possible.
So, Woman of the Mountains. This vino tavola white wine blend takes its cue from a more modernist Italian approach, using certified organically grown Sauvignon Blanc as the base. Tropical fruit and grapefruit are very expressive in the nose and mid-palate. This wine has a bright, clean finish that is sure to make it a favorite around the BBQ.
A special release club, offering exclusive opportunities to sample and purchase pre-release and limited release wines. Montoliva Vineyard & Winery is small. In fact, we are small by "Small" standards, most years producing less than 1,500 cases. And boy, do we love making wine from unusual, hard-to-get varietals.
Chicago Park, California is on the western slope of the Sierra Foothills at 2200 ft elevation, about equidistance from Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. Warm summers, cool evenings and soils of decomposed igneous rock create a very happy home for our 1820 Sangiovese and 80 Aglianico vines.
This, combined with the old world tradition of close planting (4ft x 3ft), means that Montoliva Vineyard & Winery is blessed with an annual bounty of high-quality fruit.In 2015 we embarked on an exciting new chapter in Montoliva history as we expanded our estate vineyard, more than doubling in size, adding Negroamaro, Teroldego, Aleatico, Canaiolo Nero and Primitivo to our plantings.
This, combined with the old world tradition of close planting (4ft x 3ft), means that Montoliva Vineyard & Winery is blessed with an annual bounty of high-quality fruit.In 2015 we embarked on an exciting new chapter in Montoliva history as we expanded our estate vineyard, more than doubling in size, adding Negroamaro, Teroldego, Aleatico, Canaiolo Nero and Primitivo to our plantings.
Reviews (27)
Susan Powell
Oct 03, 2021
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Sam Powell
Sep 16, 2021
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Nell Anitra Scannon
Aug 18, 2021
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Bill Carnes
Aug 15, 2021
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Irene A.
Aug 08, 2021
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Marie Elizabeth
Jul 19, 2021
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The wine was nice, the order served was nice as well; the experience, not so much. Unfortunately the owner exudes an incredible arrogance to him that was quite off-putting. It makes sense if one desires to be a sommelier so badly that they build a winery. However, he was insulting to both of us. He made a jab at the college I went to, until I mentioned I studied plant breeding and genetics alongside the viticulturists. He dominates a conversation in volume and length, while notably speaking down to others while presenting. He adores history, and studied it in college. My husband studied engineering
T. S.
May 31, 2021
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I can't believe that over all the years driving to Lake Tahoe we never strayed off the beaten path to visit this winery. Humble, peaceful, beautiful, and consistently great Italian varietals- no Chardonnay here!
Do yourself a favor and swing by on your next trip to/from Tahoe and visit fir a few hours.
ps: free tasting!
Do yourself a favor and swing by on your next trip to/from Tahoe and visit fir a few hours.
ps: free tasting!
Tom Martella
May 29, 2021
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Mark S.
Apr 19, 2021
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Spent the afternoon here and wanted to give it another good review. My wife and I brought lunch, did a wine tasting and took a bottle home with us. Ryan, the owners daughter did most of our pours for the tasting, she was so nice to talk to and very informative about the wines as well as the winery itself. She made the entire experience pleasurable and fun. We will continue to return.
Jaimie Harvey
Feb 16, 2021
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A fantastic winery! The owner took the time time to talk about his passion for Italian wine and all sorts of things. So interesting! The daughters were so friendly and informative about each wine we tasted (and there were a lot!). Very impressed and highly recommend! Beautiful scenery to look out on! I could happily spend time there again :)
Colleen B.
Feb 14, 2021
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Paul L.
Jul 06, 2020
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We decided to go for a ride today to go to Montoliva and really like everything. These are Covid-19 times and mask were worn but more importantly the tasting was done outside with nice breeze and tables at least 6 feet apart. Many winery have cut back on the different wines that they taste. Mark served us 10 different wines. Almost all of his wines are reds. Mark did a great job entertaining us as he gave us the history of each wine. I liked almost every one of his wines which is rare. We signed up for their wine club. Give Montolia a try you will not be sorry.
Paul P.
Jul 04, 2020
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The closest winery to Reno (outside of Truckee) and what a delightful find on July 4th. Super informative and the owner and producer of the wine, Mark, was very thorough in his explanation.
This was off the Colfax exit and located in the Chicago Park area of Grass Valley. Parking in the field next to the home unless you luck out in front of the home. Entrance to the winery on the west side of the garage.
Seating area in the back with a view of the vineyards. Mark brought us through about 11 wines. Mark was "alone" today but did an outstanding review of all the wines we tasted.
The
This was off the Colfax exit and located in the Chicago Park area of Grass Valley. Parking in the field next to the home unless you luck out in front of the home. Entrance to the winery on the west side of the garage.
Seating area in the back with a view of the vineyards. Mark brought us through about 11 wines. Mark was "alone" today but did an outstanding review of all the wines we tasted.
The
Julia Robinson
Jun 16, 2020
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Mark is a wonderful owner/vintner/winemaker/host. The outdoor seating and view of the vineyards were just what we were wanting. Homey/guest house feel with many loyal patrons buying by the cases during our short visit. The wine list included many rare Italian varietals and we learned so much about each one. Great experience.
Scott S.
Mar 02, 2020
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Winery up in Colfax,Ca. about 50 min from sacto. up I 80 to colfax,
Hwy 174 for 5 +min. to Mount Olive Road left turn. 4min later on the left.
Gina in the tasting room is very nice and helpful. Mark Henry - owner wine maker, if present can give you a lot of information and understanding of what goes into his wines. The wines are very good, if you've had or enjoy italian wines by all means visit. Your sure to find wines you'll want to take home.
Sangiovese,Teroldego,Barbera, Negroamaro, and the blends +++
highly recommend
Hwy 174 for 5 +min. to Mount Olive Road left turn. 4min later on the left.
Gina in the tasting room is very nice and helpful. Mark Henry - owner wine maker, if present can give you a lot of information and understanding of what goes into his wines. The wines are very good, if you've had or enjoy italian wines by all means visit. Your sure to find wines you'll want to take home.
Sangiovese,Teroldego,Barbera, Negroamaro, and the blends +++
highly recommend
Erin B.
Nov 18, 2019
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Came here this weekend & loved it! It's a small little winery hidden in the back of a home. They make Italian wines and I'm happy to say we loved each one! They do not serve food or snacks so if you're looking to stay awhile I recommend bringing a few things to eat. The views are amazing and the drive is adorable! We will definitely be back.
Paul M.
Oct 25, 2019
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Deb S.
Apr 12, 2019
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So enjoy this lovely place and Mark and his wife are lovely people. Mark knows a LOT about wine. Learn from him.every time I'm there. Wines r delish too. Many varieties to choose from. Movies in the orchard in summer are a blast. Many fun things to do there often. Very nice place and I am so happy they r here!
Dan O.
Nov 28, 2018
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Heard this winery was not part of either the placer county wine trail or the sierra vitners so wanted to check it out. It was a little further up I-80 but definitely worth the drive.
The driveway is small and generic with the exception of a "Montoliva" sign pointing us toward the tasting room. As we follow the sign around the corner we are immediately graced by beautiful views of the rolling hills laced with endless rows of vineyards. Once we caught our breath from the stunning backdrop we turned around to see a charming tasting room.
Walking up to the tasting room we were greeted
The driveway is small and generic with the exception of a "Montoliva" sign pointing us toward the tasting room. As we follow the sign around the corner we are immediately graced by beautiful views of the rolling hills laced with endless rows of vineyards. Once we caught our breath from the stunning backdrop we turned around to see a charming tasting room.
Walking up to the tasting room we were greeted
David K.
Aug 20, 2018
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This is an absolute gem of a winery with varietals you won't find elsewhere. We've done many of the CA wineries , from snobbish Sonoma to laid back Paso Robles. This reminded me of some of the smaller wineries we've visited in southern France. Completely chill, generous with the pours and Mark is so knowledgeable about his craft. Picked up four bottles and joined his wine club. If you find yourself in the vicinity, this is a must.
Lisa S.
May 01, 2018
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Melinda S.
Mar 16, 2018
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Jack O.
Oct 29, 2017
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We went there on a Groupon today and very much enjoyed Mark and his knowledge about the industry! We have a small Vineyard and learned so much about the Italian varietal grapes and the different way wines are made. We really loved the Barbara, but ended up getting some Sinistra (sp?), which is a blend and in MHO the best blend I have had in years - Good job!
Thanks for a great afternoon!
Thanks for a great afternoon!
Natalie B.
Sep 30, 2017
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Decided to stop in based on the yelp reviews....when we pulled in there was signage but it looked like a private home and there was no place to park. We contemplated leaving but decided to wait for another car to pull out.
It's definitely a "mom and pop" type operation but we had a great time! The owner Mark was processing some newly harvested grapes, fun to see.
Kate handled the wine tasting, there are a ton of tasting options. Our faves were Marks Magia and Vin Santo. They have a small patio with a couple of tables that overlook a vineyard. We brought snacks so we sat out
It's definitely a "mom and pop" type operation but we had a great time! The owner Mark was processing some newly harvested grapes, fun to see.
Kate handled the wine tasting, there are a ton of tasting options. Our faves were Marks Magia and Vin Santo. They have a small patio with a couple of tables that overlook a vineyard. We brought snacks so we sat out
Ari B.
Nov 13, 2016
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From the first time we visited this hidden gem about 7 years ago, the wine, experience and beautiful views have been consistent (aka: wonderful). We moved 3 hours south 5 years ago and yet this is the ONLY winery we continue to make the drive for at least 3 times a year. Mark Henry, the owner/wine maker is so passionate about his wines and it truly shows in the well balanced Italian blends he makes. This is much more than just a wine tasting. You leave there feeling like you made a friend and learned something new. Mark, his wife and staff are so friendly and down to earth which make you feel right
Kyle T.
Jul 18, 2016
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The owner is so knowledgeable and passionate. He really explained the history of the land and the wine that has been grown there for years. All of the wines were excellent. My metric for that is that there are none that I wanted to pour out! They were all very delicious and unique and varietals you can't necessarily find at other wineries in California. I would highly recommend this place.
I usually buy ONE or TWO bottles if I like a winery. My party of 4 tasters walked out with 3 CASES! (between us) Granted, they were having a sale that day which helped.
In any case, definitely
I usually buy ONE or TWO bottles if I like a winery. My party of 4 tasters walked out with 3 CASES! (between us) Granted, they were having a sale that day which helped.
In any case, definitely
Libbi R.
Jan 18, 2016
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I would highly suggest this winery.
We walked in the owners building where he had barrels of wine, and had the tasting of wine too. He was very knowledgeable about his wines as he makes them his self and does everything else that is involved in the process. You can really tell he enjoys what he does and his wine shows it. I am not a fan of red wine at all, and after after tasting his wine, I walked away with 2 bottles of red wine! I live in the area and will definitely go back when I have visitors.
We walked in the owners building where he had barrels of wine, and had the tasting of wine too. He was very knowledgeable about his wines as he makes them his self and does everything else that is involved in the process. You can really tell he enjoys what he does and his wine shows it. I am not a fan of red wine at all, and after after tasting his wine, I walked away with 2 bottles of red wine! I live in the area and will definitely go back when I have visitors.
