Ronda, NC, Sept. 3, 2010—Raffaldini Vineyards will celebrate its 5th Annual Festa Italiana on Saturday, Sept. 18th, from 11am to 5pm.

The day-long event is a celebration of Italian culture, food, art, music and of course wine. Cost for admission is $15 and will include a wine and food tasting. “The Italian festival is our most popular event of the year,” Event Coordinator Annie Vorys, said. “It attracts Italians and Italian enthusiasts from all over the country and allows them to commune and celebrate a historic and unique culture while enjoying a fun-filled day out.” Guests can enjoy a glass or flight of their favorite wines from Raffaldini Vineyards along with a tasting of savory and sweet Italian cuisine. Authentic Italian food vendors will be on hand with calzones, pizza, espresso, gelato and more. Musicians will perform from 1pm-4pm, while visitors can come dressed as their favorite Italian character and compete in a costume contest for a Raffaldini Vineyards $75 gift certificate. There will also be an opportunity to speak Italian with the Triad Sons of Italy Chapter as well as pick up some specialty Italian food items such as Raffaldini’s Sangiovese marinara sauce, white truffle oil, wine-infused chocolate truffles and more. About Raffaldini Vineyards The Raffaldini family traces its origins to the 14th century in Mantua, Italy; where for generations the family produced wine on their family farm. The family chose the Yadkin Valley of North Carolina because the area closely resembles the winemaking region of Tuscany with rolling hills, rocky soil, gentle breezes and constant sun. Raffaldini Vineyards is located 10 minutes from the I-77—Hwy. 421 interchange. Visit www.raffaldini.com for detailed directions.

One of Wine Business Monthly’s Top Ten Hot Small Brands of 2009, family-owned Raffaldini Vineyards brings Old World charm to the Old North State. Known as “Chianti in the Carolinas” Raffaldini currently produces five single varietal wines and four blends: Vermentino, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Sangiovese Riserva 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.

Raffaldini Vineyards announced today the lucky dog that will be featured on the label of its next release, Pino Vino II, a red table wine.

The dog chosen for the label, Paddington, is an Old English Sheepdog from Lenoir, NC. As with Pino Vino I, a portion of the proceeds of the sale of Pino Vino II will be donated to local animal shelters.

Owner Jay Raffaldini sums up the sentiment of the contest in his letter to all contestants, “All of you care for and love your rescue dogs so much that it reaffirms to me the belief that at any moment in our lives something completely unexpected can enter and be an immense source of joy and happiness. In my mind, all the rescue dogs are winners but the real winners are us, for we get to have them in our lives.”

Raffaldini Vineyards invites you to meet Paddington who will be present for the unveiling of the new Pino Vino II wine at Villa Raffaldini on Saturday, June 12 at 2pm. Pino Vino II, featuring Paddington on the label, will be available for tasting and purchase at that time. About Raffaldini Vineyards Nestled in the Yadkin Valley Region of North Carolina, family-owned Raffaldini Vineyards brings Old World charm to the Old North State. Known as “Chianti in the Carolinas” Raffaldini currently produces both varietal wines and blends with its signature wines being Vermentino, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Sangiovese Riserva 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.comfor more information.

April 14, 2010

Ronda, NC, April 14, 2010—Five wines from Raffaldini Vineyards received medals at the San Diego International Wine Competition and the Lodi International Wine Competition in California.

Top honors went to the 2008 Pinot Grigio, which received a gold medal at the Lodi, CA competition. Also at the Lodi, CA competition, bronze medals went to 2008 Oenotria, Bella Misto and Vermentino. The 2008 Vermentino received silver medal at the San Diego International competition.

About the Competitions Courtesy www.lodiwineawards.com The Lodi International wine awards is the first and only judging to use a new evaluation methodology that takes into account issues of flavor distortion and palate fatigue that often occurs at tastings and judgings where many wines are evaluated over a long and extended session.

Courtesy Robert Whitley www.sdiwc.com The San Diego Wine Competition, in its 27th year, is one of the oldest wine competitions in the US. Every year they receive close to 2000 entries from more than 20 countries. The contest is directed by nationally-syndicated wine columnist, Robert Whitley, and judged by industry professionals from across the US. About Raffaldini Vineyards Nestled in the Yadkin Valley Region of North Carolina, family-owned Raffaldini Vineyards brings Old World charm to the Old Nor``th State. Known as “Chianti in the Carolinas” Raffaldini currently produces both varietal wines and blends with its signature wines being Vermentino, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Sangiovese Riserva 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.

posted by Thomas on 04/14/2010