Raffaldini Vineyards
Located in Ronda, NC
Chianti in the Carolina’s is what they like to call it, and it’s fitting. As you ascend up 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. It is 102 acres of pastoral hills sprinkled with fig and olive trees, and rose bushes. They have cute tables that look out over the vineyard and there is plenty of room to stretch out on the grass for a picnic or even a nap.
Then there is the Tuscan Villa which is stunning in it’s own right.
The Raffaldini family, whose lineage stretches back to the 14th century, traces its origins to Mantua, Italy, where for generations the family produced wine on their family farm. The Raffaldini family chose the Swan Creek Region of North Carolina because the area closely resembles the winemaking region of Tuscany with rolling hills, rocky soil, gentle breezes and constant sun.
Wine in North Carolina is making a strong comeback , yet it can still be hit or miss when it comes to quality. We can say that Raffaldini is certainly one of the better vineyards we have visited and sampled. Their wine selection is extremely good and we were pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety.
We sampled 8 different wines.
- 2015 Pinot Grigio
- 2016 Vermentino Superiore
- 2015 Girasole
- 2014 Sangiovese Classico
- 2015 Bella Misto
- 2015 Sagrantino
- 2014 Montepilciano Riserva
- La Dolce Vita
Out of the 8, we ended up buying two bottles, (2016 Vermentino and the 2014 Montepilciano Reserva) and we had an extra glass of the 2015 Girasole and the 2014 Sangiovese Classico as we walked the grounds. I would say that out of the 8, we enjoyed all but 1, which is pretty impressive and the one we didn’t really care for (2015 Sagrantino) just needs to sit a little longer to age.
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. 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.
The Southern Blueprint 