Earl Moore Photography
Villa Raffaldini


“Fortune favors those who dare.” – Raffaldini family motto

Of course this famous phrase originates from Roman times, BC, but still rings as true today. Little can be gained unless you reach for it.

Earl Moore Photography
Roses - Villa Raffaldini

The Villa Raffaldini at Raffaldini Vineyards sits upon a hill surrounded by grapes growing in the North Carolina sun. The Raffaldini family has a long history of wine making. Family roots can be traced back to 1348 in the town of Mantua, Northern Province of Lombardy, Italy, where they still have an ancestral home.

My connection to Italy?

In the late 70’s I spent 18 months in southern Italy with many opportunities to sample the local homemade Italian wines — they were inexpensive and always available making them the drink of choice for most meals and social events. With time I grew to appreciate the honesty of these local wines. They were not tailored to the American pallet, many were rough around the edges, but the taste was clear and truthful.

Memories of this were brought forth during a recent wine tasting at Raffaldini Vineyards — afterwards, as we pulled away, a few bottles of our favorites rode safely in our car’s trunk. It seems these are the days of nostalgia.

It’s time again to wish everyone a wonderful weekend — live, enjoy, and share!


12 Comments
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Anita Jesse
13 years ago

You always manage to tell such marvelous stories of your adventures. Even though am not a wine drinker, you made my mouth water with your description. The quote is a grand one and one we would all be wise to heed. The photos, especially the one of the villa, manage to make me fantasize about Italy. (Forget that they were taken in North Carolina.) As usual, a post that reminds me why I don’t want to miss anything going on at Meandering Passage.

Don
Don
13 years ago

It’s a beautiful home in a great setting. I enjoyed reading of your background experiences with wines here and in Italy. Nice post.

Ken Bello
13 years ago

Even though I don’t drink wine, I appreciate the variety and complexity of wine and the process of producing and bottling it. It’s not as simple as one might think. This looks like a prosperous estate, it’s gorgeous. And nice framing on the photo, too.

Journey Photographic
13 years ago

It must have been wonderful to be able to spend 18 months in Italy… I can understand why sometimes you feel nostalgic!

Monte Stevens
13 years ago

Seven or eight years ago I made a trip to Napa Valley. What I remember is the aroma of wine emanating from the vineyards. Even though I no longer drink, you brought up those memories. And, the family history of these wineries is amazing to me as is the architecture they present. Enjoy your favorites and have a good weekend also!

yz
yz
13 years ago

la dolce vita…