Ciao Amici -

There is nothing more glorious than the start of Summer in the vineyard. The flowers are in full bloom, the vineyard is bursting with color, and the fruit that will become the next vintage is here, signaling the countdown to harvest.

To celebrate the season, I've curated some experiences that complement and highlight what we do to make Raffaldini Vineyards unique. The Salon Tasting is a comparative tasting of our Sangiovese alongside stellar examples of this classic Italian grape. The long-awaited release of our 2017 Grande Riserva, a wine that highlights the fullest potential of our estate and exemplifies the laborious Appassimento drying method. Finally, Afternoon in Tuscany is everything I love about Italy -the wine, the food, and the music-right here in the Carolinas, set to the stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

I look forward to sharing our journey with you.

A presto,


Jay

Salon Tasting: Sangiovese Classico
Saturday, May 18 | 1pm-3pm
$45 General Public | $40 Wine Club Members

Enjoy this opportunity to join owner Jay Raffaldini in an exclusive salon wine tasting. Held in the barrel room of the winery, guests will enjoy a blind tasting of four Sangiovese wines, two from Raffaldini Vineyards and two others from highly rated vineyards throughout the world. This intimate, wine-focused event is limited to 48 guests. Gourmet antipasti will be provided by Bottles & Boards.

2017 Grande Riserva Release
Saturday, May 25 | 1pm-3pm
$25 plus tax per person | General Admission
$20 plus tax per person | Wine Club Members

Join owner Jay Raffaldini as he presents our 2017 Grande Riserva! Grande Riserva, as the name implies, represents the utmost and very best efforts of all that we do from the vineyard to the winery. In making this limited quantity wine, we used the finest and oldest Montepulciano, Petit Verdot, and Sagrantino grapes, harvested at optimal ripeness and then triple sorted.

We applied the Appassimento drying process to further concentrate the grapes’ natural flavors and aromas. Finally, we placed the grapes in oak fermenters to further deepen the profile and aged the wine in the best oak barrels available.

Event ticket includes a glass of 2017 Grande Riserva and light Hors D'oeuvres from Bottles & Boards.

Click Here to Pre-Purchase Grande Riserva

Afternoon in Tuscany
Sunday, June 2 | 1pm-3pm
$70 plus tax per person | General Admission
$60 plus tax per person | Wine Club Members

Indulge your senses and take off to Tuscany right here at Chianti in the Carolinas, Raffaldini Vineyards. Immerse yourself in the vineyard at the peak of the growing season and enjoy a stroll through the vines, traditional Tuscan lunch followed by a concert of Italian music, all nestled beautifully among the vines. 

This event is for those age 21 and over. Stop by the tasting room, visit our website, call 336.526.1078 or email us for more information or to make a reservation. 


Sample Menu
Panzanella Salad
marinated tomato, crusty bread, red onion, fresh herbs, Tuscan herb EVOO, 18yr Balsamic
 
Grilled Asparagus
served cold with toasted almonds, citrus gremolata, extra virgin olive oil
 
Grilled Breast of Chicken
artichoke salad, sundried tomato, capers, fresh herbs
 
Zucchini-Bean Salad
summer vegetables, tomato, cannellini beans, fresh herbs
 
Torta Della Nonna
lemon-ricotta pastry cream, pine nuts, flaky pastry
 
Fresh Strawberries
18yr Balsamic, fresh basil, whipped mascarpone

 

Food Trucks:

Saturday, May 25 - Mojito Mobile Kitchen
Saturday, May 25 - Beyond Decadence

Sunday, May 26 - Mojito Mobile Kitchen

Monday, May 27 - Taco Mobile

Live Music:

Sunday, May 19 - Shelley Ruffin + Soul Revival

Sunday, May 26 - Colin Allured