Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery LLC

Raffaldini October Newsletter

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Beyond The Vines...Into the Community While we were fortunate to have been spared any major impact from Hurricane Florence, we are sensitive to the needs of our fellow Carolinians who did not fare as well. So for the month of October we will be partnering with the Second Harvest Food Bank to collect and deliver canned food and other non perishable food items to those in need. We ask you to please bring in a canned food or non perishable food item with you when you visit Raffaldini Vineyards. We will be taking donation through the month of October and will deliver all donations to Second Harvest Food Bank to distribute to those in need. Look for the Donation Barrel by the entrance of the Villa. October is Italian American Heritage Month This month we honor our family who made the journey from Italy to the United States in search of a better life and the American Dream. The Raffaldini family celebrate their maternal grandparents, Urbano and Amelia, who came to the US from Abruzzo in 1910s, and their father (pictured above on the left next to their mother) who came to the US in early 1950s. We would love to hear your story so please share with us using the hashtag #IAHM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For more info, visit: National Italian American Foundation PBS-Destination America Raffaldini Vineyards Supports Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC Join us for a unique and flavor-filled Forklift Dinner featuring Raffaldini Wines, Thursday, October 11, 2018, at WInMock at Kinderton, followed by an afternoon on greens at our annual Tee Off Against Hunger Golf Tournament, Friday, October 12, 2018, at Tanglewood Park. All proceeds will support Second Harvest programs that provide healthy food for families, nutrition education that empowers, culinary job training and more. Get the details at forkliftnwnc.org 13th Annual Festa Italiana Now Saturday, October 20th (Rescheduled from 9/15 due to Hurricane Florence) 11AM-5PM Experience Chianti in the Carolinas at our biggest event of the year, the 13th Annual Festa Italiana. This day-long event is a celebration of Italian culture, food, art, music, and of course wine. Admission includes parking, festival entry, all day live music, commemorative Festa wine glass, and either a tasting of three Raffaldini Wines or a glass of wine. VIP seating and advance ticket purchase are still available. Please see links below. Admission Price on the day of Festa is $20, but if you bring in a donation of canned food or other nonperishable food item then your admission price will be $15.    Music, provided by jazz ensemble, Triple P, and classical guitarist, Samuel Taylor, of Winston-Salem, NC and other live entertainment sets the mood of the festival while guests enjoy authentic Italian favorites from local restaurants such as pastas, paninis, brick oven pizzas, espresso, gelato, sausages, and more. You can also take the chance to brush up on your Italiano with the Triad Friends of Italy Chapter at the Italian Spoken Here tent, or browse the selection of homemade and handcrafted items from one of our many local vendors. Buy Now VIP Experience Table of 8 VIP Experience Half-Table Take a Hike! With Jay Raffaldini Sunday, October 14 | 10:30am - 1pm $50   Join Owner Jay Raffaldini and long time NC resident and outdoorsman Steve Nelson, as you hike through the Raffaldini woods and vineyards. Wear sensible walking shoes and prepare yourself for a moderate 90 minute hike followed by a hearty lunch which of course includes wine! During the hike, Jay will share details of the vineyard and Steve will share his love of the woods. Ticket includes a  guided hike, lunch and two glasses of wine. If you are attending the Fall Four Seasons Dinner on Saturday, October 13, make it a weekend!  Buy Now Sagra Delle Salsicce - Sausage Cookout at the Winery Saturday, October 27 | 1pm - 3pm $50   Enjoy a traditional Italian-style afternoon of food and wine as we enjoy grilled salsicce (sausages), sipping wine and socializing at the winery. This event is hosted by Owner Jay Raffaldini and is sure to be a relaxed and enjoyable Saturday afternoon. Ticket price is $50 plus tax per person and includes admission to event, grilled traditional Italian sausages, with grilled peppers and onions and assorted sides such as Italian pasta salad, Italian potato salad, green salad, tiramisu, and Raffaldini wines. Buy Now Live Music Dates Colin Allured Sunday, October 21 Sunday, October 28 Food Truck Dates Gianno's Brick Oven Pizza Saturday, October 27 Sunday, October 28 Porchetta Saturday, October 13 (12pm-3pm)  Sunday, October 14 Snack Wagon Sunday, October 21   Assemblaggio! Grande Riserva Blending Trials Saturdays & Sundays in November | 1pm - 3pm $35 GA / $30 WC   Our reds are ready for blending and we need you to help us create the blend for the Raffaldini Grande Riserva! Each session is a two-hour education wine experience led by Owner Jay Raffaldini and will be held in the barrel room allowing you to experience the winery during the winemaking season. 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.  Buy Now Yoga, Hike & Lunch at Raffaldini Vineyards with Village Yoga Studio Sunday, November 4 | 9:30am - 1pm     Unwind and reconnect in a beautiful natural setting with a yoga class, vineyard hike and lunch.  A 75-minute all-level yoga class will be led by Maureen Stitt  and Bonnie Phillips of Village Yoga Studio, overlooking the vines of Raffaldini Vineyards in the glory of fall foliage. Class will be followed by a hike through the vineyard led by Jay Raffaldini. Afterwards, enjoy a luncheon paired with a glass of our award-winning wine. The yoga class and hike are suitable for those in good physical condition. Please bring your yoga mat.   Questions? Email us at villageyoga@triad.rr.com Location: Raffaldini Vineyards 450 Groce Road Ronda, North Carolina 28670     All-Inclusive Special Event Cost - $55 You must pre-pay by via pay-pal here, or with the link on our event page to reserve your spot!   Looking for the perfect venue for your upcoming event? Raffaldini Vineyards is currently booking for the 2019 season. Click Here to view.   Copyright © Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery, LLC, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 450 Groce Road, Ronda, NC 28670 Want to change how you receive these emails?

Oct 3, 2018 at 11:43 AM Permalink

Hurricane Florence, Festa Italiana, and Harvest Update

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Hi All, Jay Raffaldini here. With so much happening this past week, I wanted to take the time to provide you all with an update. Hurricane Florence could not have come at a more challenging time given its remnants hit the weekend of our annual Raffaldini Festa Italiana. We have held this event for 12 years always on the third Saturday of September. The event has become so popular we routinely have 1500 to 2000 people attending with folks driving in from multiple states to join in the celebration. Hence, we made the decision to move Festa to Saturday, October 20th after significant discussion. Even if the storm had detoured around us, I found it very hard to have a joyous festival when many of our fellow North Carolinians were risking life and property. Our thoughts and prayers go to everyone impacted by this storm. I hope you are all able to attend this signature Raffaldini event in October and apologies for any inconveniences it has placed upon anyone.   On a much less important note, as most of you know we hang our grapes as long as possible to get the deepest and most fruitful extraction to create the "big" house style of our wines. Given the cooler and wetter than normal July we had, the grapes were behind schedule, so we were faced with the decision to either bring in less than perfectly-developed, ripe grapes and make a leaner style of wine or let the grapes hang through the storm, take the losses and see what happens. My career on Wall Street has taught me one thing and that is the only bad risk is the one you don't take. So, with that mantra we decided to let 42 tons of Montepulciano, Sagrantino and Petit Verdot hang. We took some losses but survived and we are letting the fruit hang as long as we can. If we can get another week of sunny and dry weather, we will have "weathered the storm" so to speak. Just another reminder that no matter how much we believe otherwise, we are all passengers on life's journey.   Best always,   Jay Copyright © Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery, LLC, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 450 Groce Road, Ronda, NC 28670 Want to change how you receive these emails?

Sep 19, 2018 at 1:58 PM Permalink

FESTA ITALIANA MOVED TO OCTOBER 20

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13th Annual Festa Italiana RESCHEDULED FOR Saturday, October 20th 11am-5pm DUE TO THE THREAT OF HURRICANE FLORENCE, WE ARE MOVING THE 13TH ANNUAL FESTA ITALIANA TO SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 FROM 11AM-5PM.  Day of admission will be $20 at the gate. To assist in hurricane relief efforts and alleviate food insecurity in our area, we encourage you to bring canned food or other non-perishable food items that we will deliver to local relief organizations. With your donation you will receive $5 off the day of admission price.   All pre-purchased Festa Italiana admissions will be honored on October 20th. If you have already purchased admission for the Festa Italiana and are unable to attend, please contact us at info@raffaldini.com.   This day-long event is a celebration of Italian culture, food, art, music, and of course wine. Admission includes parking, festival entry, commemorative Festa Italian wine glass, and either a tasting of three Raffaldini Wines or a glass of wine. Buy Now Copyright © Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery, LLC, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 450 Groce Road, Ronda, NC 28670 Want to change how you receive these emails?

Sep 11, 2018 at 9:59 AM Permalink

Raffaldini September Newsletter

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13th Annual Festa Italiana Saturday, September 15 11am-5pm Our biggest event of the year! Our Festa Italiana is our annual celebration of Italian culture, food, art, music, and of course, wine. Tickets on admission day are $20 per person and include parking, admission to the festival, commemorative Festa Italiana wine glass, and either a tasting of three Raffaldini Wines or a glass of wine. Tickets are available pre-sale through Friday, September 7 or at the gate on the day of the Festa. Festa Italiana will be held rain or shine.   Sip wines while you enjoy live music and Italian food for sale including: paninis, sausage, meatballs, pizzas, gelato, espresso and other treats. The entire family will be entertained by jugglers, face painters, dancing the Tarantella and much more! Take a photo with a real Roman Gladiator. Shop our Farmer's Market with local vendors. Festa will be held rain or shine. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Buses and all ages welcome. Alcohol consumption for ages 21 and over.  Buy Now Last Chance! Vine to Wine An Immersive Harvest Experience Friday, September 7 Work side-by-side with Owner Jay Raffaldini and the rest of our winemaking team as we harvest our 2018 vintage! We are offering oenophiles the chance to participate in every step of the grape harvest from vine to bottle. This is your chance to learn about the grape varietals, harvesting and the wine-making process at Raffaldini Vineyards. You will also have a taste analysis of wines that are currently in production and enjoy an exclusive harvest dinner featuring our award-winning wines paired with traditional Italian fare. This event will be led by Owner Jay Raffaldini, the Winemakers, and the Vineyard Manager and will give you complete access to the behind the scenes process of wine production. Due to the intimate nature of this event, there are only twenty spaces for this unique experience. Buy Now Fall 2018 Wine Club Now Available!  Includes: 2017 Auguri - 1 bottle We are thrilled to offer our very first traditional sparkling wine made in true Prosecco style.  2017 Girasole - 1 bottle A delicious rose that boasts flavors of honeysuckle, citrus notes and melon flavors.   2016 SPQR - 2 bottles This rustic, Tuscan-style red made with Sangiovese delivers fresh, strawberry aromas with notes of rhubarb and baking spice.   2016 Montepulciano Riserva - 2 bottles Our flagship red will impress you with its bold, complex fruit flavors, opulent mouthfeel and ripe tannins.  Buy Now An Afternoon in Tuscany Sunday, September 30 | 12pm - 2pm   This is the event that you have been waiting for if you can’t book the airfare to Tuscany! Enjoy a stroll through the vines followed by a lovely family-style lunch (pranzo) while enjoying acoustic guitar by Samuel Taylor.   Menu from our Autumn Afternoon in Tuscany 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   Buy Now LABOR DAY WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT: Justin Nelson, Solo Piano Sunday, September 2 Colin Allured, Acoustic Guitar Monday, September 3 Gianno's Brick Oven Pizza Saturday, September 1 Sunday, September 2 Monday, September 3 LABOR DAY MONDAY, SEPTEMEBER 3 OPEN 11AM-5PM Music Dates Colin Allured, Acoustic Guitar Sunday, September 9 Shelley Ruffin + Soul Revival, Acoustic Blues/Soul Sunday, September 16 Food Truck Dates Snack Wagon, Street Food Favorites Sunday, September 9 Sunday, September 16 Beyond the Vines...Into the Community Bookmarks 14th Annual Festival of Books and Authors   The largest book and author festival in the Carolinas celebrates 14 years with the 2018 festival in downtown Winston-Salem September 6 - 9. The four-day festival celebrates "the power of story," encouraging reader and attendees to "travel all over the world" exploring a wealth of subjects and issues. Special events are also hosted in Bookmarks Bookstore downtown on Fourth Street. Enjoy enriching panel discussions with national best-selling authors, Eat & Greet events and exciting family activities that engage young readers. More than 50 guest authors attending have written a cumulative 300 New York Times best sellers and are winners of prestigious awards. September is NC Wine Month!    Celebrate with one of NC's nearly 200 wineries across the state with events and specials throughout the month. NC Wine Facts: 2300 acres of vines 1.1 million cases produced annually, 11th in the U.S. Economic impact of more than $1.97 Billion annually and employs more than 5000 NC residents Visit www.NCWine.org to learn more. By drinking local you are making a difference in our community! Thank you for your support and encourage you to ask your favorite retailer or restaurant to carry North Carolina wines!   Looking for the perfect venue for your upcoming event? Raffaldini Vineyards is currently booking for the 2018 season and beyond. Click Here to view.   Copyright © Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery, LLC, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 450 Groce Road, Ronda, NC 28670 Want to change how you receive these emails?

Aug 31, 2018 at 12:03 PM Permalink

Exciting Addition to the Winery, Join us for Harvest

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New Italian Botti Installed At The Winery In Time For Harvest   Our new arrivals are finally here. We are starting to move away from smaller oak barrels to the more traditional large casks called "botti" in Italian. Each of these giant botti are the equivalent of eleven of the standard barrels and hold about 275 cases. Unlike the standard barrels which have a life of five years, these botti can last well over twenty. We are slowing making this transition as the quality of our grapes continues to evolve and get more complex and we don't want to mask it in strong oak. We have three now and expect to add another four next year and more thereafter. We are incredibly excited to move forward by going back into history.  Learn More About Botti Fall 2018 Wine Club Now Available!  Includes: 2017 Auguri - 1 bottle We are thrilled to offer our very first traditional sparkling wine made in true Prosecco style.  2017 Girasole - 1 bottle A delicious rose that boasts flavors of honeysuckle, citrus notes and melon flavors.   2016 SPQR - 2 bottles This rustic, Tuscan-style red made with Sangiovese delivers fresh, strawberry aromas with notes of rhubarb and baking spice.   2016 Montepulciano Riserva - 2 bottles Our flagship red will impress you with its bold, complex fruit flavors, opulent mouthfeel and ripe tannins.  Purchase Wine Club Mark Your Calendars: Vine to Wine Friday, September 7 Work side-by-side with Owner Jay Raffaldini and the rest of our winemaking team as we harvest our 2018 vintage! We are offering oenophiles the chance to participate in every step of the grape harvest from vine to bottle. This is your chance to learn about the grape varietals, harvesting and the wine-making process at Raffaldini Vineyards. You will also have a taste analysis of wines that are currently in production and enjoy an exclusive harvest dinner featuring our award-winning wines paired with traditional Italian fare. This event will be led by Owner Jay Raffaldini, the Winemakers, and the Vineyard Manager and will give you complete access to the behind the scenes process of wine production. Due to the intimate nature of this event, there are only twenty spaces for this unique experience. Reserve Now Mark Your Calendars: 13th Annual Festa Italiana Saturday, September 15   This day-long event is a celebration of Italian culture, food, art, music, and of course, wine. Tickets on admission day are $20 per person and include parking, admission to the festival, commemorative Festa Italiana wine glass, and either a tasting of three Raffaldini Wines or a glass of wine. Be a part of this unique celebration of culture, music, arts, food and of course, wine! Last chance for discounted general admission tickets through this Friday. Buy Now - General Admission Music Dates Justin Nelson, Solo Piano Sunday, August 26 Sunday, September 2 Colin Allured, Acoustic Guitar Monday, September 3 Sunday, September 9 Shelley Ruffin + Soul Revival, Acoustic Blues/Soul Sunday, September 16 Food Truck Dates Gianno's Brick Oven Pizza Saturday, August 18 Sunday, August 19 Sunday, August 26 Saturday, September 1 Sunday, September 2 Monday, September 3 Raffaldini Farmers Market, local farmers and vendors Sunday, September 24 Beyond the Vines...Into the Community Bookmarks 14th Annual Festival of Books and Authors   The largest book and author festival in the Carolinas celebrates 14 years with the 2018 festival in downtown Winston-Salem September 6 - 9. The four-day festival celebrates "the power of story," encouraging reader and attendees to "travel all over the world" exploring a wealth of subjects and issues. Special events are also hosted in Bookmarks Bookstore downtown on Fourth Street. Enjoy enriching panel discussions with national best-selling authors, Eat & Greet events and exciting family activities that engage young readers. More than 50 guest authors attending have written a cumulative 300 New York Times best sellers and are winners of prestigious awards.     National MS Society Greater Charlotte Great Gatsby Gala Saturday, August 25, 2018 from 7pm This premier Charlotte event transports our guests back to the roaring 20’s. Enjoy Raffaldini wine, a live orchestra, swing dancing, heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts from celebrated Charlotte restaurants, and an extensive silent auction.   Last year, more than 500 flappers and dappers helped to raise more than $120,000 to benefit important research and services that improve the lives of people affected by MS.    Looking for the perfect venue for your upcoming event? Raffaldini Vineyards is currently booking for the 2018 season and beyond. Click Here to view.   Copyright © Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery, LLC, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 450 Groce Road, Ronda, NC 28670 Want to change how you receive these emails?

Aug 29, 2018 at 9:01 AM Permalink

Raffaldini August Newsletter

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Join us as we unveil our first-ever traditional method sparkling wine, Auguri, and three other new releases this weekend. Join us at Villa Raffaldini as we release the Fall Wine Club Package featuring our highly-anticipated new traditional method sparkling wine, Auguri. Owner Jay Raffaldini will be on site Saturday, August 4th talking about the wines.  The new wines will be available for tasting and purchase beginning this Friday. Stop by and enjoy a sample of the new wines with a food pairing. Gianno’s brick oven pizza will be on site all weekend. Sunday will feature live music from Samuel Taylor. Our Fall 2018 Wine Club Includes:   2017 Auguri - 1 bottle We are thrilled to offer our very first traditional sparkling wine made in true Prosecco style. Early harvest Vermentino, Sangiovese, and other white grapes are skillfully combined in a high acid style with a crisp, clean finish. The wine enjoys a secondary fermentation in bottle to give a creamy, bubbly texture.  2017 Girasole - 1 bottle You will love this delicious "summer red" that boasts flavors of honeysuckle and fresh sliced pear. A bright rush of acidity carries citrus notes and melon flavors to a beautiful raspberry finish.    2016 SPQR - 2 bottles This rustic, Tuscan-style red is made with Sangiovese and delivers fresh strawberry aromas with notes of rhubarb and baking spice. A perfect red for late summer grilling or cellar it until winter and pair with a savory, slow cooked Italian meal.    2016 Montepulciano Riserva - 2 bottles Our flagship red will impress you with its bold, complex fruit flavors followed up by a savory palate of leather and spices. This smooth, rich wine will whisk you away to Italy with its opulent mouthfeel and ripe tannins.  Friday, August 3 - Sunday, August 5 - Fall Wine Club Pickup Join us for a wine club celebration featuring new wines, including our first-ever traditional method sparkling wine, food pairings and more. Taste our brand new releases along with a special food pairing. Enjoy live music from guitarist Samuel Taylor, and hot, brick oven pizza made fresh from Gianno's of High Point.  To learn more about our wine club options, click here.   Learn More About Our Wine Club Sunday, August 12 - Ferragosto - Music in the Vineyard August 12th is a day in Italy when all work stops while friends and family venture to the countryside to relax and celebrate a break from busy city life. Take advantage of this Italian tradition and spend Ferragosto at Raffaldini Vineyards to escape the bustle of the city and savor La Dolce Vita with your family and friends. Enjoy delicious treats from Snack Wagon Concessions, gourmet antipasti from our deli case, or bring your own picnic. Classical guitarist, Samuel Taylor, will be performing live from 12pm-4pm. Enjoy award-winning Raffaldini Vineyards wines and relish in the ease of an afternoon at the vineyard.   Mark Your Calendars: Vine to Wine Friday, September 7 Work side-by-side with Owner Jay Raffaldini and the rest of our winemaking team as we harvest our 2018 vintage! We are offering oenophiles the chance to participate in every step of the grape harvest from vine to bottle. This is your chance to learn about the grape varietals, harvesting and the wine-making process at Raffaldini Vineyards. You will also have a taste analysis of wines that are currently in production and enjoy an exclusive harvest dinner featuring our award-winning wines paired with traditional Italian fare. This event will be led by Owner Jay Raffaldini, the Winemakers, and the Vineyard Manager and will give you complete access to the behind the scenes process of wine production. Due to the intimate nature of this event, there are only twenty spaces for this unique experience. Reserve Now Mark Your Calendars: 13th Annual Festa Italiana Saturday, September 15 This day-long event is a celebration of Italian culture, food, art, music, and of course, wine. Tickets on admission day are $20 per person and include parking, admission to the festival, commemorative Festa Italiana wine glass, and either a tasting of three Raffaldini Wines or a glass of wine. Discounted pre-sale general admission is now available along with a select number of VIP tables. Be a part of this unique celebration of culture, music, arts, food and of course, wine!  Buy Now - General Admission Buy Now - VIP Music Dates Samuel Taylor, Classical Guitar  Sunday, August 5 Sunday, August 12 Justin Nelson, Solo Piano Sunday, August 26 Sunday, September 2 Colin Allured, Acoustic Guitar Monday, September 3 Sunday, September 9 Shelley Ruffin + Soul Revival, Acoustic Blues/Soul Sunday, September 16 Food Truck Dates Gianno's Brick Oven Pizza Saturday, August 4 Sunday, August 5 Saturday, August 18 Sunday, August 19 Sunday, August 26 Saturday, September 1 Sunday, September 2 Monday, September 3 Snack Wagon Concessions Saturday, August 11 Sunday, August 12 Looking for the perfect venue for your upcoming event? Raffaldini Vineyards is currently booking for the 2018 season and beyond. Click Here to view.   Copyright © Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery, LLC, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 450 Groce Road, Ronda, NC 28670 Want to change how you receive these emails?

Aug 1, 2018 at 8:55 AM Permalink

Sign Up For Our Fall Wine Club

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Fall Wine Club Pickup Friday, August 3 - Sunday, August 5 Join us at Villa Raffaldini as we release the Fall Wine Club Package featuring our highly anticipated new traditional method sparkling wine, “Auguri." Owner Jay Raffaldini will be on site Saturday, August 4th talking about the wines.  The new wines will be available for tasting and purchase all weekend. Stop by and enjoy a sample of the new wines with a food pairing. Gianno’s brick oven pizza will be on site all weekend. Sunday will feature live music from Samuel Taylor. Our Fall 2018 Wine Club Includes:   2017 Auguri - 1 bottle We are thrilled to offer our very first traditional sparkling wine made in true Prosecco style. Early harvest Vermentino, Sangiovese, and other white grapes are skillfully combined in a high acid style with a crisp, clean finish. The wine enjoys a secondary fermentation in bottle to give a creamy, bubbly texture.  2017 Girasole - 1 bottle You will love this delicious "summer red" that boasts flavors of honeysuckle and fresh sliced pear. A bright rush of acidity carries citrus notes and melon flavors to a beautiful raspberry finish.    2016 SPQR - 2 bottles This rustic, Tuscan-style red is made with Sangiovese and delivers fresh strawberry aromas with notes of rhubarb and baking spice. A perfect red for late summer grilling or cellar it until winter and pair with a savory, slow cooked Italian meal.    2016 Montepulciano Riserva - 2 bottles Our flagship red will impress you with its bold, complex fruit flavors followed up by a savory palate of leather and spices. This smooth, rich wine will whisk you away to Italy with its opulent mouthfeel and ripe tannins.  Wine Club Tiers We have re-purposed our Classico Tasting Pass to the Classico Tasting Club for those members looking for a little bit less of a commitment. Below are the two tiers of our wine club available for purchase. Classico Club: 6 bottles, 2 times a year 5% off 6 bottles of more 1 free tasting per visit (or glass of wine) Invite to Wine Club Appreciation Day Classico Club Membership Card No substitutions Classico Club Superiore Club: 12 bottles, 2 times a year Raffaldini picks 6, Customer picks 6 5% off 6 bottles, 10% off 12 bottles, 15% off 24 bottles 2 free tastings per visit (or glass of wine) Discounted tickets on select events Invite to Wine Club Appreciation Day Superiore Club Membership Card   Superiore Club Copyright © Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery, LLC, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 450 Groce Road, Ronda, NC 28670 Want to change how you receive these emails?

Jul 19, 2018 at 8:31 AM Permalink

All About Botti

Our new arrivals are finally here. We are moving away from smaller oak barrels to the more traditional large casks called "botti" in Italian. Each of these giant botti are the equivalent of eleven of the smaller barrels and hold about 275 cases. Unlike smaller barrels which have a life of five years, these botti can last well over fifty. We are moving to do this as the quality of our grapes continues to evolve and get more complex and we don't want to mask it in strong oak. We have three now and expect add another four next year and more thereafter. We are incredibly excited to move forward by going back into history. 

Raffaldini has recently acquired several botti, or large oak wine casks, from Gamba, the foremost manufacturer of botti outside of Turin, Italy. Even though the factory currently utilizes the most modern technology, the Piedmontese cask construction method has not changed over time: meticulous wood selection, all-natural seasoning, and a curvature running the entire length of the staves. Meaning that they have the same thickness and the heads and at the height of the faucet hole.

This increases the casks strength over time and allows for the renewal of the inner surface by shavings the wood without reducing the stability of the stave. The bottom of the cask is concave in order to make them as resistant as possible from the Iiquid they will contain. The heads are curved in two directions to support the pressure created when full without the use of cross boards.

Gamba makes its products exclusively from oak and specifically the Quercus genus, which consists of no less than three hundred species. But a qualified cooper uses only three of them: Quercus Pendunculata, Quercus Sessilis and Quercus Alba (American White Oak). Quercus Pendunculata and Sessilis can both be found in the same forests in France. 

The Quercus Alba species can be found in many regions throughout North America though we mainly source our American White Oak from forest in Northern Iowa, Western Illinois or Minnesota. The accelerated use of Quercus Alba over the last few years is largely due to a better understanding of seasoning and advancement in toasting techniques.

In addition to the origin of the wood, another important factor is the soil; where this variety of oak grows. Exposure to the sun, wind and rain affects its texture and ultimately its grain, as well as its aromas.

Jul 11, 2018 at 7:02 AM Permalink

Raffaldini Vineyards Releases Rescue Dog Red Wine Saturday; Honors Dr. Ruth Gillis

Ronda, N.C., (June 14, 2018)—Saturday, June 16th, Raffaldini Vineyards will release and Pino Vino X, a limited-edition red wine featuring the Raffaldini family rescue dogs with proceeds benefitting local animal shelters. 

“The enthusiasm and support for this competition demonstrates the love we all share for our rescue animals,” said Raffaldini Vineyards owner, Jay Raffaldini. “We hope this competition will continue to raise awareness of the need for and importance of animal rescue.”

For the last decade, Raffaldini Vineyards has supported local animal rescue organizations by donating proceeds from the sale of each Pino Vino wine release. The first label featured Pino, who Jay and Maureen Raffaldini rescued from a kill shelter when she was 1 ½ years old. On this 10th year, Raffaldini will unveil the labels of Pino Vino X that will feature puppy photos of the newest members of the Raffaldini family, Dolce and Nero. Pino Vino X sells for $20 per bottle.

On Saturday, guests can meet the Raffaldini family, rescue dogs Dolce and Nero, as well as taste and purchase bottles of Pino Vino X while supplies last. Raffaldini Vineyards will also honor Dr. Ruth Gillis, Vet and Owner of Forsyth Veterinary Hospital, who has been immersed in the Triad animal welfare and rescue community for more than 17 years. Adoptable pets from Ashe Humane Society, Surry Animal Rescue and the Humane Society of Davie County will be in attendance.  

About Dr. Gillis

Dr. Gillis earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science degree from Tuskegee University. In 1985, she began practicing small animal medicine in upstate New York and moved to Winston-Salem, N.C. in 2001. Dr. Gillis purchased Forsyth Veterinary Hospital in 2005.

About Raffaldini Vineyards

Raffaldini Vineyards is a family-owned winery and vineyard nestled in the Yadkin Valley Region of North Carolina. They specialize in Italian-style blends and varietals which have earned them the reputation of ‘Chianti in the Carolinas.’ For more information, please visit their website at www.raffaldini.com, or contact their tasting room at 336.835.9463.

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For More Info, contact:

Thomas Salley
Tasting Room Manager & Media Relations

Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery, LLC
450 Groce Road
Ronda, NC 28670

(d) 336.835.1547 (direct)

Watch Jay Raffaldini's Ted Talk, "Be a Jellyfish" at www.Raffaldini.com
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Office Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm

Jun 14, 2018 at 10:18 AM Permalink

New Rescue Dog Red Wine, Father's Day Brunch This Weekend

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This Saturday, Pino Vino X Release! Please join us on June 16, 2018 from 12pm-3pm for a fun filled family afternoon when we release Pino Vino X. Join owners Jay Raffaldini, his wife, Maureen, and his sister, Barbara and show your support for the furry friends in your life by attending this special release from 12pm-3pm. At 1pm, Raffaldini Vineyard will honor the work of Dr. Ruth Gillis of Forsyth Veterinary Hospital for her many years of volunteerism in the animal rescue community, and unveil the new Pino Vino X and ambassadors, Dolce and Nero. Gianno's Brick oven pizza will be on site serving up your favorite pizza pies to pair with Raffaldini wine. You can even pet, love, and adopt your very own rescue animal from Ashe Humane Society, Humane Society of Davie County, and Surry Animal Rescue who will bring a furry friends to Raffaldini!    For the last decade Raffaldini Vineyards has officially supported local animal rescue organizations by donating proceeds from the sale of each of its Pino Vino wine releases. The first label featured Pinot, who Jay and Maureen Raffaldini rescued from a kill shelter when she was 1 ½ years old. On this 10th year we are pleased to unveil the labels of Pino Vino X that will feature puppy photos of the newest members of the Raffaldini family, Dolce and Nero. Read More   Sunday, June 17 - Father's Day Brunch (!Few Tickets Remain) Celebrate tuo padre with a brunch at Raffaldini Vineyards! Enjoy a brunch buffet overlooking the mountains. Bring the entire family and your camera for a one-of-a-kind photograph opportunity. $50 plus tax per person Menu Andouille Breakfast Potatoes Waffle Bar Deviled Eggs Broccoli Salad Brats with Peppers and Onions Assorted Breakfast Breads and Pastries Juice and Tea Stop by the tasting room, visit our website, call 336.526.1078 or email us for more information or to make a reservation.  Buy Now Live Music Dates Samuel Taylor Sunday, June 17 Food Truck Dates Gianno's Brick Oven Pizza Saturday, June 16 Sunday, June 17   Looking for the perfect venue for your upcoming event? Raffaldini Vineyards is currently booking for the 2018 season. Click Here to view.   Copyright © Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery, LLC, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 450 Groce Road, Ronda, NC 28670 Want to change how you receive these emails?

Jun 13, 2018 at 11:50 AM Permalink