Barbara Raffaldini visits with Pietro Re, founder of Tamia, our olive oil partner
Hi Barbara Raffaldini here. This summer I had the opportunity to visit Tamia, the olive oil company who we have partnered with to bring you two of their fantastic extra virgin olive oils. Pietro Re, the founder of Tamia, took time off from his busy schedule, and in fact postponed his vacation, to spend the day with me and show me Tamia’s various olive groves and the different varieties of olive trees. Like grapes each variety of olives has a different size, color, shape, and flavor profile.
Pietro was such a gracious host, and his passion and desire to make the best extra virgin olive oil possible was clear and it certainly shows. Tamia olive oil is some of the best I have tasted and I am so happy to be able to share them with you.
Tamia and its oil groves are situated in the hills of Vetralla, in the northern part of the province of Lazio, only about an hour north of Rome. The cultivation of olive trees and the production of olive oil in north Lazio, known locally as La Tuscia, predates the Roman period and goes back to Etruscan times about 600 years BC. Vetralla was at the crossroad of 3 important Roman roads, via Cassia, via Clodio and via Aurelia. The history and beauty of this region, with its mountains and hills, clear volcanic lakes, hazelnut trees, vineyards and most importantly, centuries old oil trees, took my breath away. I will return.
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18th Annual Festa Italiana
Saturday & Sunday, September, 16th & 17th
Our biggest event of the year returns! The epicenter of Italian culture in the Piedmont is here on Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17 as food vendors, musicians, artists, and craftsmen from across the region descend on Chianti in the Carolinas for this annual celebration of Italian culture, food, art, music, and of course, wine. Enjoy the festival atmosphere or join one of our breakout sessions featuring in depth discussions with Jay Raffaldini and our team on winemaking, vineyard, Italian olive oil and more!
Visit our official Festa Page for the latest and stay tuned for upcoming artist and vendor announcements!
VIP Tables are selling fast!
Table of 4: $200
Table of 8: $400
Advance General Admission: $20
Day of Admission: $25
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Vertical Tasting
Saturday, August 19 | 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Owner, Jay Raffaldini and Winemaker, Chris Nelson will host a retrospective tasting of prior vintages of Raffaldini Sagrantino. Sagrantino is a grape that benefits significantly from aging as the wine gains complexity and aromatic nuances.
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Beyond the Vines and Into the Community
Join Barbara Raffaldini at "Dinner with Divas" a tapas triumph at Raffaldini Vineyards supporting Piedmont Opera.
Dinner with Divas
Saturday, August 12 | 6:00pm
Mary Haglund, the retired chef of Mary's Gourmet Diner, will be our star chef for an evening of tapas and songs in the rolling foothills of Raffaldini Vineyard and Winery. Board Chair Barbara Raffaldini will assist in bringing this evening to life!
All funds raised will be used to fund a rising soprano role at Piedmont Opera!
Call 336.725.7101 or click below for tickets.
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Local Accommodations
The Vineyard Cottage
Just a short 3-minute drive from us and with scenic views of Raffaldini Vineyards lies "The Vineyard Cottage". A unique Short-Term rental experience within the Boutique Vineyard of Chateau Jourdain. Escape to the tranquility of wine country with a stay at this stunning 3-bedroom Chateau. Situated within a private vineyard, this new build vacation rental offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards, ensuring that you will have an unforgettable stay. Learn more by clicking here.
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Upcoming Food Trucks:
August
Saturday, August 5th - Cheez Boss
Sunday, August 6th - Gianno's Brick Oven Pizza
Saturday, August 12th - Los Gordos Bistro
Sunday, August 13th - Dogs R Us
Saturday, August 19th - Old Richmond Grill
Sunday, August 20th - Southern On Main
Sunday, August 27th - Mr. People Feeder
September
Saturday, September 2nd - Southern On Main
Sunday, Septeber 3rd - Gianno's Brick Oven Pizza
Saturday, September 9th - Dogs R Us
Sunday, September 10th - Mr. People Feeder
Saturday, September 16th - Festa Italiana!
Sunday, September 17th - Festa Italiana!
Saturday, September 23rd - Dogs R Us
Sunday, September 24th - Mr. People Feeder
Saturday, September 30th - Dogs R Us |
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Raffaldini Wines Now Available Across NC
 After nearly two decades of having Raffaldini wines available exclusively at the Villa we have found a wholesale distribution firm that targets wine shops and restaurants rather than mass supermarket, etc. We sought to build connections with independent retailers and restaurateurs so we can still tell our story to the sales outlet and build on the connection that we have with all of you. To begin, we agreed to have two value-based wines (Bella Misto and Bianco) as well as higher end (Vermentino Superiore and Montepulciano Riserva) available for sale.
To locate a store near you, simply go to raffaldini.com then hover your mouse over shop on the header. When the drop down menu appears, click "Find Raffaldini Wines" at the bottom of the list. Once on the Raffaldini Store Locator, you can use the drop down to search by type or location or type in your zip code and search a radius for outlets near you. If you don’t see your favorite wine shop listed please email me directly at jay@raffaldini.com and I will work with our wholesale partner to get them in the store near you.
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Save The Date!
Be on the lookout for more information and RSVP details in future Newsletters.
An Afternoon in Tuscany
Sunday, October 1 | 1:00pm-3:00pm
This is the event that you have been waiting for if you can't book the airfare to Tuscany! Enjoy a lovely lunch (Pranzo) followed by a stroll through the vines joined by the musical talents of Jersey Roche and Justin Traxler.
Murder at the Masquerade Ball
Saturday, November 4 | 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Bring your sleuthing skills with you when you join us for a Murderous evening! Heavy hors d'oeuvres and wine will be served. You will be assigned a role to play. Costumes and masks advised but not required.
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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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Aug 17, 2023 at 3:36 PM
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