Fall 2012
Chef Mario Batali has a saying: “There are two kinds of people; Italians and those who want to be Italian.” That seemed to be true as hundreds of Italians and Italian enthusiasts descended on Raffaldini Vineyards for the 7th Annual Festa Italiana” in September. Billed as a celebration of Italian culture, art, music, and, of course, wine, the event drew attendees from all around the region. On a picture perfect late summer day, the parking areas were filled with cars bearing license plates from North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and several other states. “The Festa Italiana is our most popular event of the year,” says managing partner Jay Raffaldini, who estimated this year’s attendance at around 1,500 to 1,800. And the event is growing in popularity. “We had…
Published in
Fall 2012
Raffaldini Vineyards’ 2010 Montepulciano was awarded the Winegrower’s Cup for Best in Show at the 2012 North Carolina State Fair Wine Competition out of a record 471 wines entered. Two other Raffaldini Vineyards wines garnered top awards. The 2011 Girasole, a dry Rosé, and the La Dolce Vita, a Moscato d’ Asti-style sparkling wine, both topped their respective classes making Raffaldini Vineyards the overall winner in three out of 11 total wine categories. “We are honored to accept the Winegrower’s Cup for the top wine made in North Carolina,” Owner Jay Raffaldini said. “These awards validate our pursuit of Central to Southern Italian varietals in North Carolina and our continuing experimentation in both the vineyard and winery.” About Raffaldini Vineyards…
Published in
Fall 2012
After taking over Elkin Creek Vineyard in April, the Jeroslows and Whites have opened cabins at the vineyard. “The idea for the cabins started with the original owner Mark Greene,” Louis Jeroslow said. “We came with the push to take things to the next phase.” Nick and Jennifer White and Louis and Carrie Jeroslow each was involved with the Blue Man Group theater company. The Whites were married at Elkin Creek in 2008 and fell in love with the area. “When Mark was deciding to sell the place, he really handpicked us to take over,” Jeroslow said. “That was really an honor that he chose us to carry on the vineyard and knew we would give it love and respect. We have encouraged him to stay…
Published in
Fall 2012
Old North State Winery is a spirited place — not just because its visitors enjoy the occasional glass of wine, but because of the guests who supposedly visit from another plane of existence. The Mount Airy winery is nestled in the heart of downtown and provides wine drinkers with a unique experience in the Yadkin Valley. Instead of the wooded farmlands of the wineries that surround the area, visitors can enjoy an urban atmosphere and some downtown shopping. A spooky past The winery began as a coop in 2002. Winery president Ben Webb describes a co-op as a group of farmers who collectively pool their fruit together for one end result. Webb said that he grew up in Mount Airy and left…
Published in
Fall 2012
Shelton Vineyards in Dobson will hold its annual Holiday Open House Nov. 17 and Nov. 18. On Saturday the event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday the event will take place from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free to the public and will feature caroling through the winery and vineyard, case specials for purchase, free hayrides, mulled spice wine, local arts and crafts, a special dinner menu at the Harvest Grill and gifts to help you get your early Christmas shopping out of the way. For more information visit www.sheltonvineyards.com or call 336-366-4724.
Published in
Fall 2012
Matthew Mayberry’s epiphany to open a winery came to him late in life. And a similar story is the case of 82-year-old Andy Duncan, the new coowner of Brushy Mountain Winery. The idea to open Brushy Mountain came to Mayberry one afternoon in January 2005 while driving home. “I call it a shazam moment,” Mayberry said. “It all came to me at once, and I knew I wanted to open a winery in downtown Elkin. I saw every detail of the idea in a matter of seconds.” Now, seven years later, Mayberry and his wife Ann have decided to sell their business to Duncan and his daughter Beth, both originally from Tampa, Fla. “We’re just…
Published in
Fall 2012
Things are heating up at Twenty One & Main with new Chef De Cuisine, Jeremy Clayman. After four years of business, Twenty One & Main owners, Erika Bullock and Jeffery Gibbs, are welcoming a new addition to the restaurant’s culinary family. “We feel that every year we are getting stronger, and this has given us an opportunity to continue to grow and not get lackadaisical,” said Bullock. “Our passion is first and foremost cuisine, it’s the Yadkin Valley wine region, and it’s to be entrepreneurs. And without Jeremy, it wouldn’t be possible for us to continue to grow.” Clayman, who attended Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, has cooked at five star, five diamond hotel restaurants and highly acclaimed restaurants throughout the South, gaining a reputation…
Published in
Fall 2012
Digital Editions
Upcoming Events
| No events |