Raffaldini Wines Rewarded at Esteemed Winemaker Challenge
We are thrilled to announce the Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition, run by the team of esteemed wine icon Robert Whitley, recognized two of our wines which stood out from the pack, our 2019 Grande Riserva an 2021 Girasole. Keep reading to learn more and find out how to get these amazing wines!
 Grande Riserva - Platinum Medal, 94 points
Our 2019 Grande Riserva scored 94 points and earned a Platinum medal, a distinction which less than 1% of the wines entered in this competition received. The Raffaldini Grande Riserva combines Montepulciano, Petit Verdot, and Sagrantino grapes, harvested at optimal ripeness are triple-sorted and then dried heavily using the Appassimento drying process to further concentrate the grapes natural flavors and aromas.
Judges' notes: Raffaldini Vineyards (Swan Creek, North Carolina) Grande Riserva, Proprietary Red Wine 2019 ($65): Sagrantino, Petit Verdot and Montepulciano from North Carolina? Yep! This works by letting Sagrantino’s structure shine, tempered by the other grapes to reduce the youthful tannins and allow a black fruit, pepper and orange zest mix full quarter. This is going to sit beautifully alongside a well marbled rib eye steak or a saucy Italian dish – Osso Bucco comes to mind. 94
Grande Riserva Magnums Available April 16
Starting this weekend, we'll have limited quantities of large format magnums of Grande Riserva at Villa Raffaldini. Perfect for gifting or entertaining, these large format bottles will make a statement whenever they arrive at the party!
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 Best of Show Rosé, Best Dry Rosé
Girasole - Gold Medal, 92 Points
We are honored to share that our 2021 Girasole received a 92 Gold and was one of the highest rated rosés. Interestingly, this is the first year that we made our Girasole in a new way, using gently, whole-cluster pressed, 100% Sangiovese grapes, which brings out notes of watermelon, strawberry, and bubble gum on the nose of this delicious summertime rose wine. The solid acid backbone makes this wine refreshing on the palate as well as pairing well with lighter fare dishes like salads and fish.Just in time for warmer weather.
Saturday, May 7 - Girasole Release (Wine Club Only on Release Day)
Sample the highest-rated Girasole we have ever made for the first time and set your tastebuds to summertime. Rose all day! May 7 release will be a wine club member exclusive event. Girasole will go on sale to the general public on Sunday, May 8.
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Wine Club Member Barrel Tasting with Winemaker Chris Nelson
Saturday, April 16 | 1pm-3pm
Wine Club Members, we invite you to join Winemaker Chris Nelson as he will be sampling barrels ahead of our Spring Time Bottling! Chris is opening up this unique opportunity for 30 wine club members. Click below for more details and to reserve your space!
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 Buona Pasqua - Easter At Raffaldini Vineyards
Family DaySunday, April 17 | 12pm - 5pm
Bring the whole family and celebrate Easter with our friends from Heritage Homestead Goat Dairy as we host baby goats and the traditional Italian Easter Cheese Roll, or La Ruzzola Del Formaggio.
An Easter egg hunt for the kids will take place on the lawn, and we will have Heritage Homestead’s baby goats back out again this year for petting.
We will also have our annual La Ruzzola Del Formaggio competitions at 1pm and 3 pm on the lawn of the Villa. La “Ruzzola," a traditional Italian game of the rolling of the large wheels of cheese, dates back 3000 years to the Etruscan Tomb of the Olympiads but is now played every Easter in many Italian farming villages. Prizes will be awarded for each winner who can roll their cheese closest to the target.
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NC Fine Wines Gala Returns!
NC Fine Wines Annual Gala 
Friday, April 29, 2022 | 7pm - 10pm
The NC Fine Wines Competition is the toughest state-specific competition in the country, and you can be side by side with the owners and winemakers from across the state when the coveted NC Fine Wines Case awards are announced! This is your chance to attend the awards ceremony and enjoy an exquisite dinner paired with NC Fine Wines. There is a limited allocation of seating open to the public.
This event is at the Millennium Center, 101 West 5th Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.
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May Events! Mark Your Calendars!
May 1 - NC Wine Month / Open That Bottle of NC Wine Night!
Vinello Series: Release Party
May 21 | Wine Club Members Only | $30 per person
Raffaldini is pleased to announce our very limited production release of our Vinello series to our loyal wine club members. During the excellent 2021 grape harvest, we experimented with an old Italian winemaking method known as Vinello to great success.
Vinello is made from rehydrated grape pomace that has completed its work of making excellent wine. Rather than place the pomace in the vineyard to provide nutrition for vines, we decided to referment the pomace by adding enough sugar and water to produce a low alcohol, yet distinctly flavorful, wine. This delicious beverage has historically been consumed by vineyard and winery workers during their daily meal breaks. The French call their version Piquette. We made three different types of Vinello – a bianco made from Vermentino pomace, a rosato made from a co-fermentation of Appassimento Vermentino and Sagrantino, and a rosso made from Teroldego.
In total we produced 100 cases and look forward to sharing them with our wine club members during this release. Due to limited quantities purchases are limited to one case of each by wine club members. $20 a bottle for all three Vinello wines, case discounts are applicable. More info to come.
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Cinema Raffaldini: Dinner and a Movie Under the Stars with  A/perture Cinema at Raffaldini Vineyards
Save the Dates for the Raffaldini Summer Movie and Dinner series:
Saturday, June 11 – The Trip to Italy
Saturday, September 10 - Sideways
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Beyond the Vines...Into the Community
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Virtual Yoga in the Vineyards with Maureen
Mondays | 9am via Zoom
Join Maureen Stitt, a certified Kripalu yoga instructor, for a 60-minute yoga class designed for all students who have a desire to enhance their well-being through movement, breath awareness and self-inquiry. Set-up your mat and get ready to change the world, one breath at a time!
Cost: $10.00 per class
NOTE: After purchase, you will receive a link to join the class via Zoom. Please note, you must make the purchase at least 30-minutes before the class begins.
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Planning a Visit?
We encourage you to read our visitor experience guide. Your cooperation will help us provide the best possible experience for all our patrons.
We have partnered with Tock to provide a reservation system for tastings and flights at the Villa and on the Piazza. Our continued goal is to provide the best experience for you, our valued customers and friends. While walk-ins are welcome and a reservation is not required, we believe that making a reservation will enhance your visit.
As a general reminder to all our guests, to provide a safe, relaxing, and intimate experience for our guests, all visitors must be at least 21 years of age. Infants and children are no longer permitted at the Tasting Room, except on holidays and specially designated family days when we can appropriately staff and have children friendly activities available. Please see our calendar for a full list of Family days.
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