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Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery LLC

Raffaldini Vineyards
 
October 22, 2020 | Raffaldini Vineyards

A Personal Note From Jay Raffaldini

Jay Raffaldini in the Vines courtesy of Visit Winston Salem

Ciao Amici,

I hope this post finds everyone safe and healthy. As 2020 draws to a close it is hard not to reflect on what an extraordinarily unusual year it has been. All of us have been touched by COVID in one form or another. I remember celebrating my daughter Kristava’s birthday on St. Patrick’s Day and could not imagine in a mere few days how the whole world was about to change. This served as a stark reminder to me how short and precious life can be and to celebrate each and every day with passion and joy.

On a more mundane level it was a year of change at Raffaldini Vineyards as well. The arrival of COVID forced us to adjust our business model from stand-up tastings to the much nicer seated wine flights. This has proven so wildly popular that we decided to keep it and invest in a beautiful custom-made tent to enclose the piazza and also allow for more tables. We will be resuming reservations only tastings in December.

Next up, I need to mention the weather this year. For growing grapes to say it was a challenge would be a gross understatement. Between the April frost, Mother’s Day freeze in May and record rainfall it was a year I would like to forget. Our production is down about 75% and while the remaining 25% is excellent it doesn’t help in meeting the soaring demand for our wines. But, as we say in New York and in my new favorite movie, The Irishman, “it’s what it is.”

On a happier note, we managed to plant twelve thousand vines (to replace underperforming ones), significantly increasing our Sagrantino acreage while reducing Sangiovese and planted a new grape called Trebbiano to serve as the base of our Prosecco style sparkling Auguri. In 2021, we are planting six thousand more vines and as noted before none of this is about expanding our production but rather to put healthier vines into production so we can produce better wine year after year which is our ultimate goal – quality over quantity.

Speaking of 2021, this is the 20th anniversary of when we purchased an abandoned farm and began the long conversion of establishing Raffaldini Vineyards. To celebrate this special event, we will be introducing in May a limited-edition 20th anniversary wine made in a very special bottle that I hope will provoke as many happy memories for you as it does with me. Stay tuned for details.

Finally, on a personal level I received some rather devasting news with the irrational decision of the Coca Cola Company to permanently end the production of my beloved Tab. So, I am going to make an offer to everyone - for every 12 pack of Tab you bring to Raffaldini Vineyards I will exchange a bottle of Sangiovese from my personal cellar. Similar to two years ago when I did this and received over 150 12 packs, I am hopeful to receive more given the finality of this terrible outcome. 

During this holiday season please make as much time as you can to fill it with joy and happiness with the ones your hold most dear.  A toast to 2021 and our best wishes to all of you.

 

Jay

Time Posted: Oct 22, 2020 at 11:44 AM Permalink to A Personal Note From Jay Raffaldini Permalink
Raffaldini Vineyards
 
October 1, 2020 | Raffaldini Vineyards

Raffaldini October Newsletter

15th Annual Festa Italiana...Grazie!!!
Thank You!

 
A big thank you to all of our guests, staff, volunteers, vendors, musicians, entertainers and everyone else who helped make our 15th Annual Festa Italiana a wonderful day for all. Thanks to the wonderful feedback and demand for the event we will continue with a two day format in 2021! 


Save the date for our 16th Annual Festa Italiana!
Saturday, September 17 & 18, 2021
Photos Courtesy Monty and Brenda Combs
 
 
Photo Courtesy Seasons Magazine
Fortune Favors The Bold.
Raffaldini Vineyards Featured in Greensboro's Seasons Magazine. 

We're pleased to be featured in the Fall 2020 Issue of Seasons Magazine, produced by O'Henry Hotel.
Learn More
 
October Events
 

 
Join Raffaldini Vineyards at Poplar Tapas for Charlotte Wine + Food Week
Thursday, October 15 | 6:30pm

Charlotte Wine & Food brings together leading wine industry experts from around the world and pairs them with Charlotte’s top chefs to celebrate and advance knowledge of and appreciation for fine wine and food, while making significant contributions to charitable organizations that benefit children and their families in the Charlotte community. Join Jay Raffaldini and Winemaker Chris Nelson at this exclusive pairing experience in the heart of uptown at Poplar Tapas. This dinner is extremely limited and will sell out. Make reservations now. 

Details, Menu and Tickets

 

Raffaldini Farmers Market
Sunday, October 18 | 12pm-5pm

Celebrate all the season has to offer as you meet and shop with local farmers on the grounds of Raffaldini Vineyards! In addition to magnificent vineyard and mountain views, you will have the opportunity to sample and purchase locally sourced produce, cheese and baked goods. You can also enjoy a picnic from our fully-stocked deli case. 

Featured Vendors:
Apalachee Bee Company
Garnet Rose Soap Co.
Green Mesa Blueberry Farm
Heritage Homestead Goat Cheese
Megan's Vinyl Studio

Robinson House Collection

Halloween 80s Theme Murder Mystery Dinner
Sunday, October 31 | 6pm - 9pm 

Dinner + Shuttle $95 | Dinner $75

A Totally Rad Murder! An interactive 80s/Halloween Murder Mystery Experience! Put on your best retro outfit and join us for an exclusive evening filled with Mystery, Mayhem & Murder! This event will be held on October 31st from 6:00pm-9:00pm. Ticket includes: Totally Rad Four-Course Meal & Wine, Pre-Party 80s Trivia & Auguri, Interactive Murder Mystery where YOU play as a character to find the murderer! Solve the murder? WIN THE GRAND PRIZE! Best Dressed? WIN A PRIZE!

October Food Trucks

Saturday, October 3 - Kebab Soul Food Truck
Sunday, October 4 - Kebab Soul Food Truck

Saturday, October 17 - Wraps Around the World

Sunday, October 18 - Wraps Around the World


October Live Music

Sunday, October 18 - To Be Announced
 
 
Beyond the Vines...Into the Community


Presents:

 

Echoes from Carolina Matinee

October 16 & 18 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

 $20
 

Romeo and Juliet are reimagined in 1950’s North Carolina by Floyd, whose most popular opera, Susannah, would explore similar themes. Sadie, whose family belongs to the Disciples, is in love with Micah, a member of the Truelights, and Sadie’s Aunt Sue is against their marriage. American composer Carlisle Floyd’s Slow Dusk will be our first act. Floyd, a South Carolina native, has written a story set in the Sandhills of North Carolina. Raffaldini Vineyards, the official wine sponsor of Piedmont Opera, hopes you will join us in supporting the Arts. This production will be broadcast live from the Stevens Center of the UNCSA on October 16th and 18th.

Buy Now
 
 
Assemblaggio!
Grande Riserva Blending Trials

 

Available Dates:
Saturday, November 7
Saturday, November 14
Saturday, November 21

1pm - 3pm
$40 General Admission | $35 Wine Club

 

Our reds are ready for blending and we need you to help us determine the blend for the Raffaldini Grande Riserva! Each session is a two-hour education wine experience led by Owner Jay Raffaldini in our winery barrel room. Each blend you create will be carefully analyzed, sampled and help inspire our new vintage of Grande Riserva.

This is an opportunity to hone your winemaking knowledge and ability, learn more about grape varietals, and make a few new friends in the process. Blending trials will be held in the barrel room allowing you to experience the winery during the winemaking session.


 
Buy Now
 
 
Virtual Yoga in the Vineyards with Maureen
Mondays & Wednesdays | 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.

RSVP Wednesday, October 14
RSVP Monday, October 19
 

 
Raffaldini Vineyards is committed to Count on Me NC, a mutual pledge to keep everyone safe and healthy. Click to read our latest guidelines. As a general reminder, no one under 21 is allowed on premise during phase 2. We appreciate your cooperation.  
 
 
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Our mailing address is:
450 Groce Road, Ronda, NC 28670

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Time Posted: Oct 1, 2020 at 10:56 AM Permalink to Raffaldini October Newsletter Permalink

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