24 Vermentino Superiore scores 94 points Platinum; Best Vermentino in Show at Winemakers Challenge

We are thrilled to announce that our 2024 Vermentino Superiore has been awarded a prestigious Platinum Medal and an impressive 94 points at the 17th Annual Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition. This esteemed panel of professional winemakers recognized our Vermentino for its vibrant layers of lemon, sage, soft dried herbs, and banana, all harmonized by lively acidity. As our signature white varietal, Vermentino thrives here, and this accolade underscores our commitment to crafting exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of North Carolina.
The Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition is one of the most prestigious and fiercely competitive events in the global wine industry. Judged exclusively by winemakers through a rigorous double-blind process, it ensures every entry is evaluated solely on its merit. With entries from top-scoring wines from the world's most renowned regions, earning a medal here is a mark of true excellence. The competition attracts world-class wines across a broad range of styles, making any award from the Winemaker Challenge a powerful testament to quality and craftsmanship.
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2025 NC Fine Wines Awards Gala
Wine and Dine with the Stars of the Wine Industry for A Cause

Friday May 9th | 6:45pm - 10:00pm
Welcome to the ultimate celebration of North Carolina's finest wines! Join us for a night of elegance and indulgence at the Millennium Center. Sip on award-winning wines, mingle with fellow wine enthusiasts, and witness the announcement of the best of the best wines. This in-person event promises an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, cheers, and of course, exceptional wines. Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of North Carolina's top-notch winemaking talents.
Get your taste buds ready for a night to remember. We'll greet you with a dry sparkling wine while you check in, and then you'll enjoy six wines paired with dinner. It's a night to get dressed up and enjoy Winston-Salem, the Gateway to the Vineyards.
Questions:
email info@NCFineWines.com
or call 336.721.1422
Dress: A night to get dressed up. Black Tie optional (most men come with a Jacket, women are in cocktail dresses)
We recommend you make arrangements to stay overnight at one of the area hotels - or arrange for a driver, Lyft or Uber.
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Mother's Day Tiramisu Making Class
Sunday, May 11 | 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Come spend the afternoon with us at Raffaldini Vineyards learning how to make tiramisu—the creamy Italian dessert everyone loves. Chef Nguyet, owner of Nougat Desserts, will walk you through each delicious layer while you sip wine and snack on some tasty bites. Chef Nguyet specializes in classic European techniques, and she is the winner of numerous awards in national and international competitions, including medaling in the Culinary Olympics representing New York City.
Looking for a sweet way to celebrate Mother's Day or just enjoy delicious desserts and amazing wine? Either way, this class is the perfect treat.
Your ticket includes the demo, recipe cards, a serving of tiramisu, small bites, and of course, wine. Class begins at 1:00 PM on Sunday, May 11, 2025, in the Fattoria. Spots are limited, so grab yours before they’re gone!
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Fresh Pasta Making Class with Chef Tony
Sunday, May 18, 2025 | 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Come spend the day with us and learn how to make fresh pasta from scratch! Chef Tony will walk you through the steps to make your own tortellini, ravioli, and pappardelle to take home and enjoy. Of course, you will be sipping on great wine while you cook and enjoy some cooked pasta. No cooking skills required—just good wine, food, and a fun time!
Fattoria 1 PM - 3 PM 21+ only Spots are limited—grab yours now!
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May is NC Wine Month!
Eager to learn more about NC wine ahead of NC Wine Month, Governor and First Lady Stein traveled to Raffaldini Vineyards where Barbara Raffaldini and our dear friend and colleague Sam Troy of UNCG Bryan School of Business hosted them during a recent trip to the Yadkin Valley. The Governor and First Lady toured the Villa, vineyards and winery while Barbara and Sam shared the importance of wineries as small businesses and their impact on the state's local economy.
The North Carolina wine industry annual economic impact exceeds$6.1 billion and supports over 44,937 jobs. It directly employs around 25,515 people and indirectly generates 8,701 jobs in related industries. The state also saw a total of $348.07 million in federal and state taxes collected from the wine industry in 2022.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Economic Impact:
- Annual Economic Impact: Over $6.1 billion.
- Total Jobs: 44,937.
- Direct Employment: 25,515.
- Indirect Employment: 8,701.
- Wages: $1.95 billion paid in annual wages.
- Taxes: $348.07 million in total taxes (including $245.57 million federal and $102.50 million state/local).
- North Carolina's Rank: Ranked 7th in the US for wine production in 2021.
Learn more about NC wine at ncwine.org and click here for economic impact report on NC Wine.

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Food Trucks
Saturday, May 3 – Love and Butter
Sunday, May 4 – Love and Butter
Saturday, May 10 - Dogs R Us
Sunday, May 11 – Sandwich Express
Saturday, May 17 - Love and Butter & Cannoli Man
Sunday, May 18 – Southern Noodle
Saturday, May 24 - Dogs R Us
Sunday, May 25 – Sandwich Express
Saturday, May 31 - Dogs R Us
Upcoming Family Days
Mother's Day Sunday, May 11
Memorial Day Monday, May 26
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Beyond the Vines...Into the Community

Raffaldini Vineyards invites to:
Reimagine the Renaissance
The 2025 Piedmont Opera Magnolia Ball
June 7, 2025, at the Millennium Event Center in Winston-Salem
Raffaldini Vineyards is the official Wine Sponsor of the 2025 Magnolia Ball. Themed, "Reimagine the Renaissance," this black-tie event celebrates the revival of a timeless art form as the company embarks on its own renaissance. The ball brings together the community’s most distinguished patrons to support the opera’s revitalization, ensuring its continued relevance and growth. Join us for a spectacular night that redefines the opera experience, shaping the future of the arts while paying tribute to its rich past.
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🍇 Join La Famiglia Raffaldini Online! 🥂
We invite you to join the vibrant La Famiglia Raffaldini on social media! Connect with us online to receive daily updates on new releases, exclusive offers, and upcoming events. Share your Raffaldini moments with us by tagging your posts with #Raffaldini.
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Raffaldini Wines Now Available Across NC
We understand that you can’t visit Villa Raffaldini every day, so we have partnered with a wholesale distribution firm that connected us with owners of boutique wine shops and restaurants all over North Carolina that will share our story as well as our wines with you. Click here to find restaurants and wine shops carrying Raffaldini wines near you:
Raffaldini Store Locator
Don’t see your favorite wine shop listed? Please email me directly and I will work with our wholesale partner to get our wine in a store near you.
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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 child-friendly activities available. Please see our calendar for a full list of Family days.
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