The Best NC Vineyard

For years I’ve been saying that NC is soon going to be referred to as the “Napa of the East.” I especially feel that way for the area in which I was born and raised; Ronda, NC. Ronda is a very small and rural area and still is, but now its also a tourist attraction for wine lovers! Crazy to think that people come from all over to visit little ol’ Ronda, NC!

I have such a love for Raffaldini Vineyards for many reasons, and yes some are biased considering I grew up less than 5 minutes away. Nonetheless, this winery speaks to my heart. I mean just look at these endless views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I’ve been to many NC wineries, even the namedroppers like Childress and Biltmore. While I love both of those wineries, neither have views like this.

Ciao bella, welcome to Tuscany, Italy… wait, wait nope you’re still in North Carolina! Upon arriving at Raffaldini Vineyards you are instantly transported to Italy. Once you arrive tour the Tuscan inspired tasting room. Now go grab a bottle or two and breathe in that fresh mountain air.

One of my favorite things to do at a winery is to pack a picnic. It’s so easy to do, and not all wineries have extensive food menus. Raffaldini on the weekends has been providing food trucks. A weekend at the winery is such a great way to escape from 2020. Get outside, drink wine and enjoy yummy food truck vendors, who wouldn’t love that?

My #1 winery tip is to bring someone who loves wine equally as much as you do! For me that’s my sister, we have the same taste in pretty much everything in life, but especially in wine! Raffaldini has a huge Italiana Festival every September, and I’m so excited to attend this year! Be sure to mark your calendar for September, 19th from 11-5pm. {Click this link for festival details}.

I hope I inspired you to get out and explore the “Napa of the East” as I’ve coined it, also commonly referred to as Yadkin Valley Wine Country. It really is a beautiful part of North Carolina, and I’m so proud to call it home. Be sure to check out other wineries in the area. There’s several very close to Raffaldini! Honorable mentions are Piccone Vineyards, Laurel Gray Vineyards, and Shelton Vineyards.

Give my winery of choice a try and wine down at Raffaldini Vineyards.