Raffaldini Vineyards, Ronda NC

When I was a young lad growing up in Reidsville, NC one of my favorite television shows was the Lone Ranger, a classic western about a masked man that went about doing good contrary to the mask he wore usually donned by villains. To coin a phrase; they just don’t make them like they used to! Even those who went to the cinema remake featuring Johnny Depp will attest to that! Anyone who recalls this western classic will also remember the unique way each episode ended. Without fail, after saving the day the masked man would bid a hasty retreat with Tonto at his side while someone said in dismay “who was that masked man”? Immediately the reply would come “why that was the Lone Ranger”! And with that and a hardy “hey yoo Silver” the episode would end.

Whenever I think of Raffaldini Vineyards, located in Ronda, NC two things very quickly come to mind. One of which is the unique way I first met Jay Raffaldini (the owner) and the well deserved nickname of this Tarheel jewel…”the Chianti in the Carolinas”.

First the story of how I met Jay Raffaldini, the owner and founder of Raffaldini Vineyards. Early in our Tarheel winery travels my wife and I attended a wine festival hosted by Flint Hill Vineyards located in East Bend, NC. We were enticed to attend not only based on what we had read about the host vineyard but by the array of local wineries that would also be in attendance. The impressive list included Rag Apple Lassie and Divine Llama as well as other local wineries. 

We had a wonderful time among the shade trees on the property of Flint Hill and enjoyed the music wine and even chocolate which were available to be sampled and purchased. While walking the grounds I noticed a distinguished gentleman with an entourage also enjoying the festival. After a few hours we decided to venture to nearby Stony Knoll Vineyards located in Dobson.

When we arrived the entire vineyard was decked out for a wedding and thanks to the good fortune to have our tasting conducted by the owner himself (a rare treat I have learned to savour) we found out that it was the owner’s very own daughter who had been married there the same day! It was entertaining to hear the proud but tired father recount the events of the day that is surely special to any father on his daughter’s wedding day. 

While standing at the tasting counter talking with the owner, the same distinguished gentlemen walked through the tasting room of Stony Knoll! When he saw me, he stopped, pointed toward me and informed his entourage “…see that man, he knows good wine!” While standing there in utter amazement with my mouth agape the owner of Stony Knoll turned to me and calmly said “…so, you know Mr. Raffaldini?” 

To this day, that remains the sole opportunity I have had to engage Mr. Raffaldini in conversation. Like the Lone Ranger of legend I had no idea of his true identity until he was gone. Should the opportunity ever present itself again to speak to this visionary I can assure you that I would take full advantage! 

The other item that I am must mention is their nickname “the Chianti of the Carolinas”. Without a doubt this facility has to be one the most beautiful in the Tarheel state! Perched high on its knoll in Ronda it has a vantage point that not only has a view to die for but can readily be seen from the neighboring countryside for miles in all directions.  The building and grounds are not only aesthetic but incredibly functional. I was a witness to this firsthand because the day I visited them a tour bus pulled up in front of me! As the barrage of wine drinkers descended on the tasting room before me they were skillfully and adeptly handled and the quality of my wine tasting was never in jeopardy as a result.

In the competitive market that the North Carolina wine industry has become Raffaldini Vineyards has something that can be more valuable than good grapes, fine weather and ambiance…they have a niche! Obviously that niche as their nickname alludes is that their specialty is Italian wine. In a land dominated by muscadine and scuppernong with Chardonnay, Merlot and pinot noir closing the gap Italian varietals such as Sagrantino, Vermentino and Nero D’Avalo are not part of the vocabulary of even the most studious wine aficionados. Nevertheless, these exquisite and rare varietals are skillfully cultivated at this vineyard modeled after a Tuscan villa.

In the space allotted me here I could never do justice to the vast array of wines they offer and the skill, craftsmanship and history that go into everything they do. But I would be remiss to share with you my wine epiphany during my visit and that was when I sampled the Raffaldini Montepulciano. This ruby red wine with moderate acidity and tannins was reminiscent of strawberry, plums, leather and flowers and was our favorite during the tasting. I left that day with a bottle of this exquisite wine vintage 2010 and I still keep it safely tucked away in my wine cellar just waiting for the perfect moment to enjoy this incredible dry Italian wine.

Raffaldini Vineyards should be on anyone’s list of North Carolina vineyards and wineries to visit. When you combine the ambiance and décor of their impressive facility and its picturesque location in the Yadkin Valley with the quality of their unique product they are easily elevated to the must see category of North Carolina vineyards and wineries!

Raffaldini Vineyards is located in Ronda, NC and is open for wine tastings Mondays and Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00am until 5:00 pm, Sunday from 12:00 noon to 5:00pm. They are located at 450 Groce Road, Ronda, NC 28670, Phone:  336-835-9463. Their website is www.raffaldini.com.

Zimmerman Vineyards, Trinity NC

Zimmerman Vineyards, Trinity NC

What do North Carolina, great wine and the Greek god Sisyphus have in common? If you are not sure than you have never been to Zimmerman Vineyards! This quaint operation located in Trinity, NC just outside High Point makes outstanding wines in a picturesque setting framed by the Uwharrie forest. Their rustic country location is only exceeded by their bold and innovative approach to making wine.

I confess that as a native North Carolinian (and proud of it) I am always in awe of vineyards that dare to grow European vinefera as opposed to the native muscadine and scuppernong varietals that have long called this area home. From latitude to soil to humidity there is a myriad of barriers and obstacles to growing these grapes in this part of the country but the owners of Zimmerman Vineyards excel at their craft.

You need look no further than their Viognier wine that many local wineries consider unfeasible to nurture from grape to wine. Not only is the Viognier varietal extremely susceptible to disease but it’s small clusters do not yield nearly the same amount of juice that other varieties of grape do. Oddly enough, just one state north (Virginia) and the same grape is so embraced that it is the official state grape! Recent I have even read of a growing contingency that want to change the official slogan of the state from “Virginia is for Lovers” to “Virginia is for Viognier”! From what I have sampled, they would be well served to embrace the change. The version of Viognier produced at Zimmerman is delicious and a welcome alternative to chardonnays.

This winery bears the distinction of being the first in Randolph County and was established on land that has a rich history and legacy. I remember very well the owner (wife) explaining to us how they wanted the land to “work for them” and considered many alternatives including a plant and shrub nursery. However, a visit from a N C State horticultural student set in motion a chain of events that resulted in the present day vineyard. Wine is crafted and bottled offsite, but all grapes are grown on the property.

If you visit be prepared for a small intimate tasting room. Should it prove too confining for you and weather permitting then you would be well served to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the stone terraced patio that overlooks the forest below. But, be forewarned, the owner’s pet dogs that zealously welcome you as ambassadors will gladly accept food in return for services rendered!

By the way, what about the references on the wines to Greek mythical characters? Well, for the life of me I can’t remember the connection but I assure you that the owners will be glad to elaborate. May I suggest that you plan your visit to coincide with their Sisyphus Saturdays which occur on the last Saturday of each month from April through October and feature live music.

Zimmerman Vineyards is located in Trinity, NC and is open for wine tastings Saturday from 12:00pm until 6:00 pm, Sunday from 1:00am to 6:00pm and by appointment. They are located at 1428 Tabernacle Church Road, Trinity, NC 27370, and Phone:  336-861-1414. Their website is www.zimmermanvineyards.net.

The terrace at Zimmerman Vineyards

Wolfe Wines LLC, Snow Camp, NC



Wolfe Wines, LLC, Snow Camp, NC



A quick glance at the calendar a day or so ago reminded me that March is quickly winding down which not only heralds the entrance of spring but the availability of strawberry wine at Wolfe Wines! Although I have never tasted it I have had the privilege of smelling it as it waited patiently in a large glass jar (carboy?) during a tour of Wolfe Wines by owners Floyd & Nina Wolfe. I must point out that this was not just any tour; as in the tours that walk you around the grounds, gift shop, etc. but show you little to none of the actual wine making process. My tour with the owners was an actual behind the scenes look at the wine making process. It was obvious that they take a lot of pride in their craft and I was fascinated! So much so that I have signed up for a recent groupon that gets me into my first wine making class! Being inspired by my trip to Wolfe Wines to test the winemaking waters myself was not my only “aha” moment of my brief visit and tasting.

Like most vineyards, Wolfe Wines offers a tasting of all their offerings but this vineyard does something very unique; they offer a sweet and dry (or semi dry) wine for virtually each of the selections in their impressive repertoire! I was shocked as Floyd Wolfe repeatedly poured us this startling contrast in each of the wines he makes and the difference between the two wines was always noticeable. I was skeptical when the owner announced the ability to pour dry and sweet for each wine but quickly became a believer.

What Wolfe Wines is able to do with their fruit wines is nothing short of miraculous. For consummate European varietal drinkers like myself who prefer a chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon to a sweet fruity wine I was impressed enough to walk away with multiple bottles of their fruit wines. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for blackberry wines based on my days of picking the wild variety in my youth and Wolfe’s blackberry wine was good enough to bring a bottle home. But, where else would you dare buy a bottle of cherry wine? Well, I did at Wolfe Vineyards!

In addition to their expertise with fruit wines and the rare opportunity to have a behind the scenes look at the winemaking process, I will always relish my visit to Wolfe Wines for the hospitality and privilege to interact with the winemaker/owners on a personal level. It is becoming more and more difficult to get the ear of a winemaker and have a dialogue unless you are attending a very expensive wine dinner or are attending a mega wine festival with several hundred people. Even rarer is the opportunity to find a winemaker who is willing to answer your questions and share their passion.

Just a day or so ago I literally drove an hour to purchase a bottle of Wine from Wolfe. In addition, it was not just any wine but a bottle of the coveted strawberry wine that Floyd & Nina had allowed me to savor the aroma of just a few months prior before it had even been bottled. Since it was only my second visit to this quaint rustic winery I just expected Floyd & Nina to be behind the counter conducting tastings as they did that Sunday several months ago.

Upon entering and seeing a smiling and pleasant face (that was not one of the Wolfes) I realized how lucky and blessed I was to have had my tasting conducted by the owners. They readily answered all my questions about the winemaking process and gave me several insights into the operation of a vineyard. For example, I never knew until my visit to Wolfe that a winery’s labels must meet certain criteria and the designs and wording are tightly controlled by state regulatory agencies.

Wolfe Wines is not one of the larger winery or vineyard operations in the state but don’t let their small size fool you. Their size may be small but their passion and expertise are as large as any winery I have visited. This passion and expertise coupled with the hospitality and rustic charm of this winery make it a must visit.

Wolfe Wines, LLC is located in Snow Camp, NC and is open for wine tastings Thursday through Friday from 1:00pm until 6:00 pm, Saturday from 12:00pm to 6:00pm and Sunday 1:00pm to 6:00pm. They are located at 8973 Old Plank Rd, Snow Camp, NC 27349, and Phone:  336-376-1401. Their website is http://wolfewines.com/Home_Page.html.

Rock of Ages Winery & Vineyard, Hurdle Mills NC

If the name of this Person County winery conjures up remembrances of that beloved Baptist hymn, the relevance is not coincidental; Rock of Ages Winery  & Vineyard located in Hurdle Mills used to produce communion wine for local churches in the early 1900’s under the watchful eye of Ernest Moore. Now the winery is owned and operated by his grandson Kevin Moore and his wife Kimberly. Together they have created a beautiful winery with many different varieties of wine and a first class structure to call home. Kevin Moore, in addition to being a former stockbroker, also owns Hard Rock Marble & Tile located in Hillsborough, NC. He was also the general contractor and laborer for what is truly a breathtaking edifice. Nestled on 18 picturesque acres with a 4 acre lake, this winery is an experience to be savored!

Kevin used his obvious expertise in stone and marble to create one of the most aesthetically pleasing tasting rooms and main tasting bar I have encountered. The main tasting bar is fashioned from dry stack Tennessee fieldstone and accented with Brazilian granite tops. It was obvious that the Moores had more in mind than just creating an inviting space to sample wine. The building is perfectly suited to weddings and corporate events and even boasts its own kitchen and culinary staff. The day my wife and I visited they were busily decorating and preparing for the upcoming Christmas holidays.

So, let’s talk about their wine. Seldom do I see wineries produce the impressive repertoire of wines that are offered at Rock of Ages. In addition to producing easily recognizable varietals like Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon they also make wine from grapes that not only had I not heard of them but I actually had to do some research on some of their grape varieties that are not as well known. For example Petit Manseng, Lemberger and Toriga are lesser known varieties of grape that this winery expertly crafts into wine.

As if a world class winery and vineyard, exquisite wine and a beautiful building were not enough, I will always remember this winery for “cork and pork”. Cork and Pork is not only the name of one of the wineries sweet wines but it also is the namesake of their spicy barbecue sauce that they sell. For a real palate puzzle try the sauce before and after a sip of the namesake wine and marvel in the difference. At an upcoming wine tasting I intend to pair a spicy shrimp dish with the cork and pork. I am sure my guests will be impressed as I was.

Rock of Ages Winery is located in Hurdle Mills, NC and is open for wine tastings Monday through Thursday from 1:00pm until 5:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00am to 6:00pm. and Sunday 1:00pm to 5:00pm. They are located at 1890 Charlie Long Road, Hurdle Mills, NC 27541, Phone:  336-364-7625. Their website is www.rockofageswinery.com

Stony Mountain Vineyards, Albemarle, NC

The View From Stony Mountain Vineyard

In all my travels across the state of North Carolina visiting vineyards and wineries, never have I encountered a more beautiful winery than Stony Mountain Vineyards located in Albemarle. This family run operation located on top of Stony Mountain adjacent to the Morrow Mountain State Park overlooks the tranquil lower Yadkin Valley and provides visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the Uwharrie Mountains and the Pee Dee River. The particular day my wife and I visited the outdoor deck of the winery was full of customers enjoying a glass of wine and the view. Later on in the visit we were informed that most of these patrons were taking advantage of a living social/groupon deal that was especially popular. In addition to the view, our visit there was made even more memorable by a tour of the winery conducted by the son of the family. Not every winery provides this inside look into the process by which they actually make the wine and it is becoming a rare treat. I felt lucky to be a part of the experience because the passion of the son and his family permeated every story he told and every question he answered. Plus, he and I both being middle school teachers made us kindred souls. Since he is also an assistant principal at a local school he has reached a level I still hope to ascend to. Never before had I been in a tasting room that was as busy as the day I visited! As a result, when it was our turn we were anxious and excited to sample their vintages. This small family operation produces several varieties of wine including chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, Grenache, syrah, pinot noir as well as wines crafted from our native muscadine. In addition, several fruit based wines are also available. I highly recommend a trip to this winery; the spectacular views coupled with the family charm that permeates the staff and operation is sure to lure you back.