A Day at Raffaldini

Raffaldini Vineyards

Located in Ronda, NC

Chianti in the Carolinas is what they like to call it, and it’s fitting. As you ascend the hill to get that first glimpse of the grounds and the Villa, you forget that you are in North Carolina and instead get hit with the overwhelming sensation that you are somewhere magical, somewhere foreign, someplace Italian. With brilliant views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this family-owned Vineyard brings an Old World feeling to the Carolinas.

Walking through the Vineyard, visitors are greeted by rows of meticulously tended vines. The air is filled with the heady aroma of ripening grapes and the earthy scent of rich, fertile soil. The Vineyard’s layout is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Raffaldini Vineyard is spread over 100-plus acres of undulating terrain, offering stunning vistas that change with the seasons. In spring, the Vineyard is a sea of emerald green as new vines awaken from their winter slumber. Summer brings a lush, verdant landscape with vines heavy with clusters of ripening grapes. Autumn is the most magical time at Raffaldini, as the Vineyard transforms into a tapestry of red, gold, and purple, heralding the harvest season. Even in winter, the bare vines against the backdrop of frost-kissed hills offer a stark, serene beauty.

Jay Raffaldini

Jay Raffaldini began his trading career on Wall Street in 1985 and, along with his partners, manages $9 billion in hedge fund assets for global investors. He is also a founding member and currently serves as President of the NC Fine Wines Association. Jay divides his time between his home in North Carolina and his offices worldwide, enjoying the challenge of managing both his hedge fund business and Raffaldini Vineyards.

Barbara Raffaldini

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Barbara has long been involved in community activities. Upon her arrival in Winston-Salem in 2015, she began volunteering at Bookmarks and now serves as President of its Board of Directors. Raffaldini Vineyards proudly provides wine for Bookmarks events and, in 2015, became a sponsor and the official winery of The Piedmont Opera, where Barbara also serves on the Board of Directors. Additionally, she is a founding member of the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Fine Wine Society, which funds a scholarship for local students attending North Carolina colleges who are pursuing careers in enology, viticulture, hospitality, or agritourism.

The two examined over sixty parcels before discovering the perfect one: an abandoned farm that, as Jay Raffaldini described it, immediately tugged at his heart and soul.

On Jay’s birthday in 2001, they finalized the purchase of the initial forty-two acres where their vines, the Villa, and other structures now stand. Shortly after, they acquired an additional sixty acres, forming the complete Estate.

Today, Raffaldini Vineyards stands as one of the most visited estates, renowned for producing some of the highest-rated wines on the entire East Coast.

The Vineyard’s moderate elevation of 1,200 feet and its cooler-facing aspects create temperature variations during the growing season, gradually building acidity and complexity in the grapes. Most importantly, the Vineyard exudes an indescribable sense of totality and energy, a unique blend of spirituality, vitality, and historic legacy.

Wine in North Carolina is making a solid comeback, yet it can still be hit or miss in terms of quality. Raffaldini is undoubtedly one of the better vineyards we have visited and sampled. Their wine selection is excellent, and we were pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety.

Raffaldini Vineyards currently produces Italian varietal wines, including Vermentino, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Sangiovese Riserva, and Montepulciano and Montepulciano Riserva, as well as Italian-style proprietary blends. Raffaldini also hosts public and private events throughout the year.

Raffaldini also hosts public and private events throughout the year. Please visit their web site, www.raffaldini.com, call 336.835.9463 or email info@raffaldini.com for more information.

Raffaldini Vineyards is located 10 minutes from the I-77—Hwy. 421 interchange. Visit www.raffaldini.com/directions.php for detailed directions. Plan your visit now. You won’t be disappointed.