Monte Vista

Monte Vista is the seventh world from The Sims 3 Store, released for purchase in The Sims 3 Store on December 6, 2012. Monte Vista is an Italian-themed world that seems to be modeled off of the city of Monteriggioni in Tuscany, with hills surrounding the world and a coast which leads to an open sea.

The world is available for purchase through retail stores, or through The Sims 3 Store. In The Sims 3 Store, it can only be purchased in cash and not with SimPoints. However, part of the purchase price of the world is a bundle of SimPoints for use in The Sims 3 Store. Currently the two bundles are:
 * Monte Vista, plus 100 SimPoints, at US$25
 * Monte Vista, plus 1900 SimPoints, at US$35

Description
''At Monte Vista you can discover a landscape rich with charm and money, where villas featuring sweeping views dot the gently rolling hills. Explore the vibrant community by visiting renowned museums, taking a stroll across the piazza, or learning the culinary arts on an authentic wood-fire oven. Fill your Sims’ homes with the smell of fresh-baked pizzas, calzones, lasagnas and breads. Will your Sims find the inspiration to fuel their culinary fires?''

Backstory
Recipes from the Beyond 

Vol. 1

I know what you’re thinking. What does a dead guy know about baking? This dead guy knows it all. I’m Valentine Monty and the Montys have been a part of Monte Vista for as long as anyone can remember. Now that I’ve gotten my second chance I’m giving you all of the “to die for” Monty dishes in my new series: Recipes from the Beyond!

Now here’s the recipe for my world famous Pizza Margherita and it all starts with a fresh lump of dough and a wood fire oven:


 * 1. Pull a lump of lightly-oiled dough from your refrigerator.
 * 2.Lay the dough on the counter and knead it carefully and thoroughly until fairly flat
 * 3.Toss the dough in the air to achieve perfect flatness and perfect lift.

Now for the hard part:


 * 4. When the dough is flat, sprinkle it with “Monte Vista Magic Seasonings”. This invisible magic seasoning is a MUST for any wood fire oven recipe.
 * 5. Once properly sprinkled use the paddle to place the pizza in the Wood Fire Oven. Safety First!
 * 6. Cook until nice and toasty.

What about the cheese and tomatoes you ask? What did you think we were doing with all of that sprinkling? When your pizza comes out of the oven, the toppings will be perfectly arranged making for a *perfect* pizza margherita. That’s it from me. Until next time, Buonasera!

Features

 * The Wood Fire Oven - Expand your Sims' culinary world with new recipes! Make a variety of Breads, Calzones, Lasagnas and Pizzas!
 * A Whole New World Awaits - Meet new Sims, explore new locations, and experience the gorgeous views of Monte Vista!
 * Exclusive New Items - Customize your game with dozens of all-new exclusive objects and clothing that are only available in Monte Vista.
 * The Sims 2 Legacy Family – Meet the Monty Family from Veronaville! Before they started their dire feud with the Capps, the Monty family spent their time whiling away their days peacefully in Monte Vista.

Families
There are 27 families in Monte Vista.

New families

 * Almeria family 21 Verona Way
 * §20,000
 * Difficulty: 3
 * Adora Almeria, Diego Almeria, Marta Almeria
 * Adora and Diego Almeria came to town looking for a fresh start. They've always had trouble fitting in, but want more for their perfect baby girl Marta. Can Marta's bright future compete with her parent's awkward past?


 * Bianchi family 6 Regalia Court
 * §20,000
 * Difficulty: 3
 * Franco Bianchi, Kaela Bianchi, Beppe Bianchi
 * Franco Blanchi had a dream of being a sports star, but when his whirlwind romance brought a new wife and a son, he realized that it may be time to leave his dreams to support his family. He thinks a life of crime can bring the quick money he needs, but can he keep his family safe?


 * Costa family 11 Regalia Court
 * §30,000
 * Difficulty: 4
 * Dante Costa, Giovanna Costa, Cipriana Costa, Victoria Costa
 * Costa is the name to fear in town. If you see a Costa, make room. If you cross a Costa, you'll pay. Dante Costa is the king of crime and he's heavily devoted to his family and his people. Your best chance is to get on his good side...and fast.


 * DeLuca family 31 Verona Way
 * §10,000
 * Difficulty: 3
 * Teresa DeLuca, Dario DeLuca, Veronica DeLuca
 * The DeLuca family has a lot of love. Dario is a sweet, sloppy scientist married to the love of his wife Veronica, the smart, sharp squad leader, with their daughter a stylish, self-confident student named Teresa. What's not to love?


 * Ferrari family 16 Regalia Court
 * §20,000
 * Difficulty: 1
 * Gino Ferrari
 * Gino Ferrari isn't just a world famous chef, he's a household name! Between the photoshoots, television appearances, and a demanding relationship with the most beautiful girl in town, he spends all of his time working out instead of enjoying his food! Will this foodie get out of gym long enough to enjoy life?


 * Giordano family 83 Chorus Court
 * §6,000
 * Difficulty: 3
 * Georgia Giordano, Paloma Giordano, Alessandra Giordano
 * The Giordano Sisters couldn't be any different. Though all pretty and smart, their personalities clash. Georgia is rude, Paloma is shy, and Alessandra is just trying to find her place in the world. Without their parents to guide them, can the Giordano Sisters stay together?


 * James household 731 Bella Vista Drive
 * §15,000
 * Difficulty: 2
 * Jayden James, David Haynes
 * Jayden and David are the hottest men to walk the catwalk in years. Every fashion designer wants to book them and every girl wants to be with them. All they want is to live a normal life. In town for work, they still do their best to blend in with the crowd in the hopes that the only photos taken of them will be the ones they get paid for.


 * Lin family 14 Regalia Court
 * §45,000
 * Difficulty: 1
 * Erika Lin
 * Erika couldn't believe her luck when she was offered a position at the hospital in town. Goodbye snow drifts and hello sun-kissed hills! Though she did technically have to take a demotion and leave behind all of her family and friends. But it will all be worth it...right?


 * Lombardi family 729 Bella Vista Drive
 * §12,000
 * Difficulty: 1
 * Nicoletta Lombardi
 * Nicoletta likes the Rossi family, but remembers the stories her grandmother used to tell her about the Lombardi royalty before they were shamed and their fortunes lost. As the last in the Lombardi line, she wants to restore the name of Lombardi in town, but she's going to have to work her way up the political ladder, one rung at a time.


 * Mancini family 2 Regalia Court
 * §20,000
 * Difficulty: 2
 * Camillo Mancini, Carlo Mancini
 * Carlo Mancini is used to calling the shots and from an early age he was prepped to take over the family business. But when his father suddenly passed away he was left with more responsibility than he could handle, including the happiness of his younger brother. Can Carlo keep it all together?


 * Modena family 80 Desdamona Drive
 * §25,000
 * Difficulty: 1
 * Giacomo Modena
 * Giacomo likes to steal...a lot. He can't help himself! When he finds something he's interested in, he has to have it! When he saw Florence Taylor he knew he had to steal her heart. Can she ever love him and his thieving ways?


 * Moretti family 23 Verona Way
 * §18,000
 * Difficulty: 1
 * Pepe Moretti
 * For Pepe Moretti sports is life. Wife? Kids? Hobbies? No time! The game is his family now. Who needs balance when you have sports?! His fit figure will last forever, right?


 * Perry family 726 Bella Vista Drive
 * §10,000
 * Difficulty: 2
 * Noel Perry, Emma Perry
 * Noel and Emma knew living together would be fun! Sisters who just reached adulthood, in a beautiful town, living the good life! Both girls loves to party and have fun, but Emma wants to be responsible too. Can she convince her sister that it's time to grow up?


 * Rasi family 16 Via Veronaville
 * §5,000
 * Difficulty: 1
 * Lia Rasi
 * After retiring last year from a successful opera career, Lia has spent her time gardening and collecting fine art. By all accounts, she has a wonderful life, but she can't help but wonder what life would be like with a partner. Can there be a romantic ending to Lia's aria?


 * Rivers family 12 Regalia Court
 * §25,000
 * Difficulty: 1
 * Jalissa Rivers
 * Jalissa Rivers is the toast of the town and she knows it. If there is an event, she's on the list. If there is a new style, she's had it first. Her confidence is clear but she wonders if her talented colleagues can take her seriously at her new position at the symphony?


 * Romano family 727 Bella Vista Drive
 * §16,000
 * Difficulty: 3
 * Paola Romano, Orlando Romano, Luigi Ricardo
 * Paola was living a good life when her husband suddenly passed away. Very quickly her life turned from comfortable to barely making ends meet. Luckily her brother offered to move in to help with bills and providing a male role model to her young son Orlando. Orlando hasn't smiled in months and she can't help but wonder if her family can ever recover.


 * Rossi family 13 Regalia Court
 * §100,000
 * Difficulty: 2
 * Constanzo Rossi, Adalina Rossi
 * As the mayor of the town, Constanzo Rossi believes he has it all: love from his beautiful wife, respect and friendship from the townspeople, and all the money he could need. When he finds out that his lovely wife Adalina is pregnant he can't help but wonder, can any one man really be this lucky?


 * Russo family 3 Via Veronaville
 * §10,000
 * Difficulty: 1
 * Sebastiana Russo
 * Whatever it is, Sebastiana hates it. Cookies from small children? Gross! Sweet smelling roses? Ugly! Visitors? Never! Sebastiana has no friends, has no family and that's the way she likes it.


 * Seng family 723 Bella Vista Drive
 * §12,000
 * Difficulty: 3
 * Vanna Seng, Kannitha Seng, Chan Seng, Khang Seng
 * Kannitha feels like the odd girl out. She excels in school, has plenty of friends, and is heading towards a bright future, but to her fitness buff she might as well be invisible. Her parents and brother are the pinnacle of health and in her family longer sprints are far more exciting than chess awards. Can Kannitha stand out in a family of winners?


 * Stefani family 67 Stella Street
 * §10,000
 * Difficulty: 3
 * Su Lin Chang, Marcello Stefani, Rosaria Stefani
 * Su Lin Chang always gets what she wants. A husband? Done. A child? Done. A corporate reputation that makes everyone fears the name Chang? Done! She's smart and ruthless but will her lack of consideration for others catch up to her?


 * Taylor family 37 Bard Boulevard
 * §4,000
 * Difficulty: 1
 * Florence Taylor
 * Florence has always been a hopeless romantic. When Giacomo Modena asked to go steady she thought she'd found the one, but she's been hearing some nasty rumors about his sticky fingers. Is Giacomo really her perfect prince?


 * Toledo family 719 Bella Vista Drive
 * §10,000
 * Difficulty: 1
 * Luis Toledo
 * Luis was happy to pass on his restaurant to Gino Ferrari and spend his spare time out on the water fishing. All of his time is his own now and all the food he cooks, he enjoy. He recently started thinking that maybe it would be a little more fun cooking for two?


 * Valenci family 33 Verona Way
 * §7,000
 * Difficulty: 1
 * Simona Valenci
 * Simona doesn't have much money or a very big home but you'd never know it by looking at her. She keeps her money woes to herself, always dresses her best, and eats well from her home grown garden. Having to cook from her garden gave her a few skills in cooking, so she's trying her hand at the culinary career. Can she cook her way to a new life?

Returning families

 * GilsCarbo family 8 Via Veronaville
 * §14,000
 * Difficulty: 3
 * Eduardo GilsCarbo, Carlotta GilsCarbo, Goopy GilsCarbo
 * The GilsCarbo family lives the simple life. Eduardo expresses his passion for music and Carlotta joyfully cares for her family. They love their happy baby, Goopy, and find his early obsession with cowboys and plaid endearing.


 * Monty family 718 Bella Vista Drive
 * §10,000
 * Difficulty: 2
 * Valentine Monty, Silvia Monty
 * Silvia lived a full life with a loving husband and a perfect son. After her son left to start a family and her husband passed away she was worried about spending her final years alone. But with grandchildren nearby, topped with the fact that she's starting to see her husband around again lately; Silvia knows that she won't be alone for long.


 * Monty family 33 Summer Street
 * §13,000
 * Difficulty: 4
 * Patrizio Monty, Isabella Monty, Bianca Monty, Antonio Monty
 * The Monty's are everything that a family should be: happy, successful (sic), loved. They have a rich and wonderful life with a large family and tons of friends. There is no way they could one day meet another family who would become their ultimate rivals...


 * Pantalone Family 5 Via Veronaville
 * §10,000
 * Difficulty: 2
 * Francisca Pantalone, Vincentio Pantalone
 * Vincentio and Francisca Pantalone had one beautiful daughter and their one beautiful daughter got married and gave them MANY beautiful grandchildren. Will they be able to keep up with the multiple bundles of joy.

Deceased Sims
One Sim is already deceased at the start of the game, but still playable as a ghost: In the Monte Vista cemetery, there are five Sims already deceased. Unlike Valentine Monty, they are not playable at the start of the game.
 * Valentine Monty (Old Age)
 * Octavius Capp (Electrocution)
 * Portia Monty (Old Age)
 * Marco Mancini (Starvation)
 * Malvolio Romano (Drowning)
 * Dara Graham (Old Age)

NPCs

 * Elma Rizzo (Paper Delivery Girl)
 * Amalea Ricci (Babysitter)
 * Tamara Leung (Maid)
 * Lupita Duarte (Mail Carrier)
 * Gillian Johnson (Firefighter)
 * Giulia Capp (Repairwoman)
 * Maria Monty (Pizza Delivery Girl)
 * Elisa Alaria (Repo-woman)
 * Andrea Marina (Burglar)
 * Chiara Goth (Social Worker)
 * Gina Avanetta  (Social Worker)
 * Daniela Rossari (Policewoman)
 * Claudia Caro (Science Geek)


 * Lai Yoon (Paper Delivery Child)
 * Hudson Thomas (Babysitter)
 * Luca Gallo (Maid)
 * Eugenio Conti (Mail Carrier)
 * Vikas Shah (Firefighter)
 * Sergio Acosta (Repairman)
 * Hajime Himowari (Pizza Delivery Boy)
 * Raul Bolivar (Repo-man)
 * Antonio Bruno (Burglar)
 * Loyd Baker (Social Worker)
 * Oscar Franco (Social Worker)
 * Cliff Gains (Policeman)

Townies

 * Michelle Harris
 * Suriya Nguyen
 * Pedro Robles
 * Tara Lee
 * Vaughan Robinson


 * Ace Delacruz
 * Giuseppe Esposito
 * Arona Bhatt
 * Irene Medina
 * Alrigo Colombo

Announcement
Monte Vista was announced on October 10, 2012 in the Maxis live broadcast. There were no rumors to the world before the announcement. It also features a premium content known as The Woodfire Oven, which Sims cook new recipes such as pizzas, calzones and lasagnes. On November 21, there was an announcement stating that Monte Vista would be available for purchase from the store in December 6, 2012 and from retail stores in January 8, 2013.

Live Chat
A live chat was announced on November 21st 2012 and broadcast on November 27th at 10am PST/6pm GMT. Lisa Smith and Sarah Holding, the producers of Monte Vista and the hosts for the chat, gave an in-depth walkthrough of the town and questions from the community were answered.

According to the live chat:
 * Monte Vista is fully compatible with The Sims 3: Seasons.
 * There are various mixed rabbit holes.
 * Several Sims from Veronaville from The Sims 2 made a comeback to this town for The Sims 3, such as the Monty family.

Trivia

 * Several street names are referenced to make Monte Vista Italian-themed.
 * Desdamona Drive - Desdamona (in a play Othello) is the name of a character who is Venetian, a person who lives in Venice, Italy.
 * Verona Way and Via Veronaville - Verona is a city in the Veneto region at northern Italy. Verona is famous for the play Romeo and Juliet and in The Sims 2, for Veronaville.
 * Toscana Drive - Toscana is Tuscany in Italian, a region in Italy.
 * Bella Vista Drive - Bella is "beautiful" in Italian. It may be referenced to Bella Goth as well, and "Bellavista" is also the Italian name for Pleasantview.
 * Stella Street - Stella is "star" in Italian.
 * Regalia Court - Regalia means the privileges (e.g. executive power) and the insignia (e.g. crowns and other symbols of office) characteristic of a sovereign, or ruler, in Latin.
 * A few street names are used from Veronaville.
 * Avon Avenue
 * Bard Boulevard
 * Chorus Court
 * Stratford Street
 * Via Veronaville
 * "Monte Vista" is a partial phonetic anagram of "Mona Lisa", a famous painting made by an Italian artist called Leonardo Da Vinci. The phrase itself roughly translates to "Mountain View".
 * Monte Vista is themed after a typical Italian hilltop town and resembles Volterra and Monteriggioni to an extent.

Gallery
"Promotional images"=