Montoliva Vineyard and Winery

Open: Year-round

About Us:

Some of the original settlers of Chicago Park were first-generation Italian-Americans from Chicago, Illinois. The orchards and vineyards of Chicago Park bear witness to their quest to start a community in the untamed West that mirrored their homeland. Their spirit lives on at Montoliva Vineyard & Winery. Founded in 2000, Montoliva Vineyard & Winery creates Tuscan-inspired wines of uncommon depth and character.

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.

A true Garagiste, the estate home and winery are one-in-the-same. In the winery, Mark takes his cue from the esteemed wines of Montalcino, Tuscany. Long, slow fermentations using special Tuscan yeasts, extended macerations and barrel aging all play to the strengths of Sangiovese and Aglianico grapes.  Besides Sangiovese and Aglianico, our current offerings include single varietal bottling of Nebbiolo, Teroldego, Negroamaro, Dolcetto, Primitivo, Barbera and Pinot Grigio.  

A combination of new and old French and Slovakian barrels allows us to blend to create wines that are muscular, deep, complex and yet still soft to the touch. Most of our wines are kept in 59 gallon barrels for 24 months before bottling. Reserve bottlings age a minimum of 3 years in barrel.