April Newsletter
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Spring in the Vineyards - Update from Zachary Adams, Vineyard Manager & Austin Brown, Viticulturist
As you make the drive up the rolling hills to Villa Raffaldini you will start to see the first signs that our vines are coming out of dormancy. We have reached the phases of bud swell (left) and bud burst (right) in which leaves, shoots and clusters start forming. This season, you will also see the addition of 2,500 vines that include Nero D'Avola, Vermentino and Sagrantino across the vineyard.
Vermentino Superiore Wins Gold at San Francisco Chronicle Wine CompetitionPurchase Vermentino Superiore
We're excited to announce that our very own Barbara Raffaldini is a nominee for the 2017 Governor's Volunteer Service Awards in Winston-Salem! Barbara serves on the board of Bookmarks, Piedmont Opera, and coordinates giving at Raffaldini Vineyards. Please vote for Barbara by clicking here. You can vote once per day until April 9. Help us share the word!
Purchase Tickets Now
Sunday, April 9| 10:30am - 1pm | $50 + tax per person
Join Owner and Winemaker Jay Raffaldini and long time NC resident and outdoorsman Steve Nelson as they take you on a moderate hike around the Raffaldini property! Wear sensible walking shoes and prepare yourself for a delightful morning out. Enjoy a unique vineyard perspective as you hike through the woods and up the hill overlooking the vineyard and Blue Ridge Mountains.
The hike will be followed by a hearty luncheon of soup and fresh Italian breads paired with Raffaldini wine. Forty-five dollars plus tax per person includes hike, lunch and two glasses of wine. This event is for those aged 21 and over. Stop by the tasting room, visit our web site, call 336.526.1078 or email us for more information or to make a reservation.
Reserve Now
Saturday, April 8 12pm-5pm | Sunday, April 9 1pm-5pm | Free Admission
La Ruzzola Del Formaggio
Saturday, April 15 | 1pm,2pm & 3pm | Free Admission
The tradition of la ruzzola, which dates back to the ancient Etruscans is still played on Little Easter in many small towns across Italy. Join in the rolling of the cheese with your entire family to celebrate Little Easter and the arrival of Spring! Each winner of la ruzzola will receive their choice of cheese from Heritage Homestead Goat Dairy, who will be on-site sampling and selling their delicious assortment of cheeses. This is an event for the entire family. Stop by the tasting room, visit our web site, call 336.526.1078 or email us for more information.
Pino Vino VIII Entry Deadline
Thursday, April 25 | Email a photo of your living rescue dog and a story in 50 words or less to pinovino@raffaldini.com
Attention animal lovers! Raffaldini Vineyards is searching for a rescue dog to be featured on the label of its red wine, Pino Vino IX. Part of the proceeds of the sale of this wine benefit local animal rescue organizations.
Raffaldini Vineyards Pino Vino I through VIII wines each featured a picture of a rescue dog that was chosen from entries submitted by their owners. Pino Vino IX will feature the picture of the winning dog chosen from this year’s entries. The wine will be released at a special unveiling ceremony on Saturday, June 17. Send us a photo of your rescue dog along with a story in 50 words or less. Entries must be received by April 25th.
Submit Your Living Rescue Dog
Wine Club Referral Day
Saturday, April 29 | 12pm - 4pm | Free Admission
Share your love of Raffaldini wines. Bring your friends and family to spend the afternoon at the winery with Owner and Winemaker, Jay Raffaldini. While you are there, tour the winery and taste directly from the barrel. For every wine club you refer, you will be entered into a raffle to win some prizes. Stop by the tasting room, visit our web site, call 336.526.1078 or email us for more information.
Spring Wine Club Package Now Available | Click here to purchaseFeaturing First Vintage of New Varietal Sagrantino
We are excited to announce the release of our 2017 Spring Wine Club Package containing the inaugural release of our newest red varietal, Sagrantino. This varietal hails from Umbria and is one of the rarest in the world with less than one-thousand acres planted worldwide. Our debut Sagrantino is from the spectacular 2015 vintage that was hot and dry, just like in Sagrantino's native Umbria. The Spring Wine Club Package will also contain the 2016 vintage of our classic white, Vermentino Superiore, and the 2015 Bella Misto. In addition to the wines, each package contains a letter from the Raffaldini Family, winemaker's notes and recipes to pair with the wines, a list of upcoming events including an invitation to our Summer Four Seasons Wine Tasting Dinner.
Important Info for Wine Club Members
We’ve recently rolled out a new, fully-integrated guest relations management system. For your security, we ask that everyone please take a brief moment to create a new login and password. We here at Raffaldini Vineyards are very excited to introduce this new system which will enhance the customer experience. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Gianno’s Wood-Fired Pizza
Sunday, April 30
Sunday, May 21
Monday, May 29
Porchetta
Saturday, April 1
Sunday, April 2
Snack Wagon
Sunday, April 9
Saturday, April 15
Sunday, April 16
Sunday, May 14
Mark Your Calendars!
May Events
Fri., May 5-Sun., May 7 - Vineyards of Swan Creek Herb Celebration Make Reservations
Sat. May 13 - Barrel Tasting with the Winemaker - Wine Club Make Reservations
Sun. May 14 - Mamma Mia! Mother's Day Brunch Make Reservations
Sat. May 20 - Yadkin Valley Wine Festival offsite in Elkin, NC (Our Tasting Room will be open too!)
Mon. May 29 - Memorial Day Celebration (We are open)
Sat. June 3 - Sagra Delle Salsicce Winery Grilling Luncheon Make Reservations
Raffaldini Vineyards is open year-round and there is something for everyone on our full 2017 Events Calendar. Check out our calendar for the perfect Spring outing.
Salute!
La Famiglia Raffaldini
Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery, LLC
Best in Show, Best Red Vinifera 2014 Montepulciano Riserva | 2017 NC Fine Wines Competition
450 Groce Rd
Ronda, NC 28670
tel.336.835.9463
fax. 336.835.9330
www.raffaldini.com
Hours: Weekdays & Saturday: 11am-5pm, Sunday: 12pm-5pm, Tuesday: closed
Ship to States: DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, MN, MO, NC, NY, OH, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV
Please have photo ID available to present to our staff. Pets are not permitted on the premises. Picnics are welcome at our designated picnic areas; however, outside picnics and coolers are not permitted at the Villa. Only alcohol purchased at Raffaldini may be consumed on the premises. To insure the highest quality experience for all our visitors, we are unable to accommodate groups of eight or more for wine tasting without a reservation. Groups of eight or more need to reserve a private tasting package that will be held with an expert Raffaldini staff member. Please call 336.526.1078 or email us to check availability or make reservations for you group.
Comments (243)
Searching For Pino Vino IX
Ronda, N.C., March 22, 2017—Attention animal lovers! Raffaldini Vineyards is searching for a rescue dog to feature on the label of its red wine, Pino Vino IX. This is the ninth release of Pino Vino, and like previous vintages, a portion of Pino Vino IX wine sales is donated to local, no kill animal rescue organizations in support of all rescue animals.
“Our goal for this competition is to raise awareness for rescued pets and provide them with the compassion that all animals deserve,” said Owner and Winemaker Jay Raffaldini. “We are touched by the unconditional support demonstrated by our participants towards animals in need, and in the end, we are all winners because of the impact and inspiration these special creatures have on our lives.”
Raffaldini Vineyards is accepting submissions of rescue dogs until April 30, 2017. The winning rescue dog will be revealed at a special unveiling ceremony at 1pm on Saturday, June 17.
Entries can be sent to pinovino@raffaldini.com. Please include your name, contact information, your dog’s name, a digital photo of your rescue dog, and their rescue story in 50 words or less. The Pino Vino IX winner will be notified on May 5.
About Raffaldini Vineyards
One of Wine Business Monthly’s Top Ten Hot Small Brands in North America, family-owned Raffaldini Vineyards is known as “Chianti in the Carolinas,” producing Central and Southern Italian varietals such as Vermentino, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese and Montepulciano. This year, the Raffaldini Montepulciano Riserva was named “Best in Show” and “Best Red Vinifera” at the NC Fine Wines Competition. Raffaldini hosts public and private events throughout the year. Visit the web site, www.raffaldini.com, call 336.835.9463 or email info@raffaldini.com for more information.
Acclaimed Yadkin Valley Winemakers Collaborate on Red Wine Blend
Ronda, N.C., March 8, 2017 – JOLO Vineyards in Pilot Mountain and Raffaldini Vineyards in Ronda will release a special wine commemorating the friendship of owners JW Ray and Jay Raffaldini on Saturday, March 11th.
“What an honor and privilege to make a wine with a good friend that represents our respective passions for the winegrowing craft and the Yadkin Valley,” JOLO Founder JW Ray said. “What a pleasure to put this magic in a bottle with my dear friend Jay.”
The wine is a collaboration among long-time friends, JW Ray and Jay Raffaldini, two of the Yadkin Valley’s most passionate winemakers. Raffaldini and Ray are dedicated to producing ultra-premium wine and believe deeply in the incredible potential of this wine region. The wines contents, name and packaging are being kept secret until release day.
“I’m very fond of JW and the wines at JOLO.” Owner and Winemaker Jay Raffaldini, said. “I’m excited to create a wine that represents our storied friendship and the many years of dedication to our craft.”
The day’s events kick off at noon at Raffaldini Vineyards where Raffaldini and Ray will lead an intimate gathering, discussing the winemaking technique and their personal stories over light refreshments. At 3p.m. the party moves to JOLO for more storytelling, tasting and passed hors d’oeuvres.
A very limited number of bottles will be available for sale at JOLO and Raffaldini Vineyards while supplies last. Bottles are priced at $40.
About JOLO Winery & Vineyards
JOLO Winery & Vineyards is an award-winning, family-owned, boutique winery in the picturesque Yadkin Valley AVA in Pilot Mountain. We produce extraordinary wines that reflect the terroir. We are open for wine tastings most Thursdays through Sundays and we pour at many local wine tasting events throughout the year. Wines are available for purchase at the winery, on the website, and at selected retail locations.
About Raffaldini Vineyards
Known as “Chianti in the Carolinas” Raffaldini currently produces North Carolina’s highest rated red wine, Sangiovese, and other varieties including Vermentino, Pinot Grigio and Montepulciano. Raffaldini hosts public and private events throughout the year. Please visit our web site, www.raffaldini.com, call 336.835.9463 or email info@raffaldini.com for more information.
Mar 8, 2017 at 9:12 AM
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March Newsletter
Hello,
Montepulciano Riserva Wins Best in Show, Best Red Vinifera Wine
Our 2014 Montepulciano Riserva took home top honors at the North Carolina Fine Wines Society inaugural competition on Saturday, February 18th. Our 2014 Sangiovese Classico was also named one of the top 12 wines in North Carolina and awarded a coveted space in the NC Fine Wines Case. All of the wines that we submitted earned medals, including Montepulciano Riserva, Sangiovese Classico, Grande Riserva, Vermentino Superiore and Girasole.
Our friend James Suckling recently tasted and scored a round of our current vintages. James awarded our Grande Riserva 89 points and described the wine as "a fun and fascinating blend of montepulciano-based red with dried fruit, stem and rose petal character. Medium to full body, plenty of fruit and a savory finish. Shows promise. Drink now."
Montepulciano Riserva 2014, Best In Show, Best Red Vinifera - NC Fine Wines; 89 Points, James Suckling. "A medium fruity wine with firm tannins and a juicy undertone. Tangy acidity and a clean finish. Has the earthy, fruity character of montepulciano. Drink now."
Sangiovese Classico 2014 - NC Fine Wines Case Award. 88 points, James Suckling. "Good quality with dried berry, orange peel and cedar character. Medium body, light tannins and savory finish. Drink and enjoy."
Spring Wine Club Package Now Available | Click here to purchase
We are excited to announce the release of our 2017 Spring Wine Club Package containing the inaugural release of our newest red varietal, Sagrantino. This varietal hails from Umbria and is one of the rarest in the world with less than one-thousand acres planted worldwide. Our debut Sagrantino is from the spectacular 2015 vintage that was hot and dry, just like in Sagrantino's native Umbria. The Spring Wine Club Package will also contain the 2016 vintage of our classic white, Vermentino Superiore, and the 2015 Bella Misto. In addition to the wines, each package contains a letter from the Raffaldini Family, winemaker's notes and recipes to pair with the wines, a list of upcoming events including an invitation to our Afternoon in Tuscany.
Click Here to Purchase
Important Info for Wine Club Members
We have a new, fully-integrated guest relations management system. For your security, we ask that everyone please take a brief moment to create a new login and password. We here at Raffaldini Vineyards are very excited to introduce this new system which will enhance the customer experience. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Don't miss the first opportunity to pick up your all-new Spring Wine Club package! Enjoy a complimentary food and wine tasting featuring one of the new Wine Club releases paired with a recipe from your Wine Club Package. On Saturday, join Owner and Winemaker Jay Raffaldini for a unique look into this new vintage at one of our 30-minute information sessions at 1pm and 3pm. Exclusive wine club tastings and pairings will be held from 12pm-4pm on all three days. Tasting room hours are: Friday, 11am-5pm; Saturday, 11am-5pm; and 12pm-5pm on Sunday. Stop by the tasting room, visit our web site, call 336.835.9463 or email us for more information.
Not Currently A Wine Club Member? Sign up for La Famiglia Raffaldini Wine Club
Secure your allocation of our highly-coveted wines by joining our wine club. Receive semi-annual, six bottle, winemaker selections of our most expressive wines. Enjoy membership benefits such as discounted tastings, event admission, and wine club member exclusive experiences. Click to sign up or learn more.
Saturday, March 5 | 11am-5pm | Sunday, March 6 | 12pm-5pm | Free Admission
Join Raffaldini Vineyards and the Vineyards of Swan Creek as each vineyard on the Swan Creek wine trail pairs one of its wines with a unique, local cheese from Ashe County Cheese. Enjoy complimentary samples at each vineyard for a delicious way to spend your weekend. Please visit the Vineyards of Swan Creek web site for directions, details and business hours for each of the five vineyards. This event is for those aged 21 and over. Stop by the tasting room, visit our web site, call 336.835.9463 or email us for more information.
Saturday, March 11 | 12pm-2pm at Raffaldini | 3pm-5pm at JOLO Winery & Vineyards | Free Admission
The day’s events kick off at noon at Raffaldini Vineyards where Raffaldini and Ray will lead an intimate gathering, discussing the winemaking technique and their personal stories over light refreshments. At 3p.m. the party moves to JOLO for more storytelling, tasting and passed hors d’oeuvres. A very limited number of bottles will be available for sale at JOLO and Raffaldini Vineyards while supplies last. Bottles are priced at $40.
NC Fine Wines Showcase Event
Tuesday, March 14 | 5:30pm - 7:30pm |at the Duke Mansion | Charlotte, NC
Join Owner and Winemaker Jay Raffaldini at The Duke Mansion on Tuesday March 14 from 5:30p.m. - 7:30p.m. to taste the 12 best North Carolina wines accompanied by succulent hors d'oeuvres, including our 2014 Montepulciano Riserva, named Best in Show and Best Red Vinifera Wine, and the 2014 Sangiovese Classico. Both wines are a part of the twelve wines making up the NC Fine Wines Case which includes wines from Addison Farms Vineyards, Cellar 4201, Grove Winery, Herrera Vineyards, Jones Von Drehle, Raffaldini Vineyards, Shelton Vineyards, and Surry Cellars.
The winning vineyards from the NC Fine Wines Competition will pour the best wines that North Carolina has to offer and tell the story behind each one, along with great food and ambiance offered in these locations. This is a great educational and networking opportunity for wine lovers to increase their knowledge of the quality of North Carolina wines and interact directly with the owners and winemakers that made them. Tickets to this showcase event are limited and will sell out quickly. The Duke Mansion would love for you to continue your evening in their restaurant and spend the night in their AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel.
Barrel Tasting with the Winemaker - Wine Club Member Exclusive
Saturday, March 18 | 1pm - 3pm | $25 per person
Enjoy an exclusive opportunity to sample wines from our cellar straight out of the barrel with Owner and Winemaker Jay Raffaldini. This intimate, wine-focused event is limited to the first 36 Wine Club Members to RSVP. Be among the first to sample our exciting new vintages! Stop by the tasting room, visit our web site, call 336.526.1078 or email us for more information or to make a reservation.
Reserve Now
Friday, March 24 | 7pm | $85 per person plus tax & gratuity
Join Raffaldini Vineyards as we partner with Paul's Fine Italian Dining in Winston-Salem for an incredible wine and food experience. Guests will have the opportunity to dine alongside Owner and Winemaker Jay Raffaldini while he serves up the latest releases from Raffaldini Vineyards and describe the winemaking techniques that make Raffaldini Vineyards unique. Click on the menu to learn more or contact Paul's to make your reservation.
Contact Paul's To Reserve
Tue. Mar 28 - NC Fine Wines Showcase Event - at the Omni Grove Park Inn | Asheville, NC
Make Reservations Now. Space is filling up fast!
Join Owner and Winemaker Jay Raffaldini at The Omni Grove Park Inn on Tuesday March 28th from 5:30p.m. - 7:30p.m. to taste The winning vineyards from the NC Fine Wines Competition will pour the best wines that North Carolina has to offer and tell the story behind each one, along with great food and ambiance offered in these locations. This is a great educational and networking opportunity for wine lovers to increase their knowledge of the quality of North Carolina wines and interact directly with the owners and winemakers that made them. Tickets to this showcase event are limited and will sell out quickly. The Omni Grove Park Inn would love for you to continue your evening in their restaurant and spend the night in their AAA Four Diamond Rated Hotel.
Reserve Now
Four Seasons Winter Wine Tasting Dinner - A Few Tickets RemainSaturday, April 8, 2017 | 6pm-9pm |$85+tax per person
Reserve NowTake a Hike! with Jay Raffaldini and Steve Nelson
Sunday, April 9 | 10:30am - 1pm | $50 + tax per person
Join Owner and Winemaker Jay Raffaldini and long time NC resident and outdoorsman Steve Nelson as they take you on a moderate hike around the Raffaldini property! Wear sensible walking shoes and prepare yourself for a delightful morning out. Enjoy a unique vineyard perspective as you hike through the woods and up the hill overlooking the vineyard and Blue Ridge Mountains.
The hike will be followed by a hearty luncheon of soup and fresh Italian breads paired with Raffaldini wine. Fifty dollars plus tax per person includes hike, lunch and two glasses of wine. This event is for those aged 21 and over. Stop by the tasting room, visit our web site, call 336.526.1078 or email us for more information or to make a reservation. *Cancelations with a full refund are accepted up to 7 days prior to the event. If you cancel less than seven days prior to the event, you will receive a full refund only if your reservation is re-booked.
Reserve Now
La Ruzzola Del Formaggio
Saturday, April 15 | 1pm, 2pm, 3pm | Free Admission
Celebrate Little Easter and the return of Spring at Raffaldini Vineyards with the Italian tradition of rolling the cheese! The tradition of la ruzzola dates back 3,000 years to the Etruscan Tomb of the Olympiads but is now played with each Pasquetta in select Italian villages. Each winner of la ruzzola will win their choice of cheese from Heritage Homestead Goat Dairy. Heritage Homestead will be on-site sampling and selling their delicious assorted cheeses. This is an event for the entire family!
Accepted through April 25th
Sales of Raffaldini Vineyards' Pino Vino I - VIII helped benefit all animals in need through donations to local animal rescue organizations. If you have a rescue dog that you would like to be considered for the Pino Vino IX label, send us a photo and back story in 50 words or less between February 1-April 25. An independent panel of judges will narrow down the entries and then vote on a winner. The winning dog will then go on to represent all animals in need as the new Pino Vino ambassador featured on the label of our Pino Vino IX red wine.
Click here to see the Pino Vino rescue kennel of champions.
The winner will be revealed on the labels of Pino Vino IX at a grand unveiling ceremony on June 17, 2017.
Food Truck Dates
Snack Wagon
Sunday, April 9
Saturday, April 15
Sunday, April 16
Gianno's Brick Oven Pizza
Sunday, April 30
La Famiglia Raffaldini
Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery, LLC
Double Gold Medal 95 pts. 2012 Montepulciano Riserva | 2015 San Francisco International Wine Competition
450 Groce Rd
Ronda, NC 28670
tel.336.835.9463
fax. 336.835.9330
www.raffaldini.com
Hours: Weekdays & Saturday: 11am-5pm, Sunday: 12pm-5pm, Tuesday: closed
Ship to States: DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, MN, MO, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV
Please have photo ID available to present to our staff. Pets are not permitted on the premises. Picnics are welcome at our designated picnic areas; however, outside picnics and coolers are not permitted at the Villa. Only alcohol purchased at Raffaldini may be consumed on the premises. To insure the highest quality experience for all our visitors, we are unable to accommodate groups of eight or more for wine tasting without a reservation. Groups of eight or more need to reserve a private tasting package that will be held with an expert Raffaldini staff member. Please call 336.526.1078 or email us to check availability or make reservations for you group.
La Ruzzola Del Formaggio
Mar 3, 2017 at 11:59 AM
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