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A North Carolina destination boasts views that “rival Italy’s vistas” — and people are taking notice.
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Now, the scenic spot of Raffaldini Vineyards ranks as the No. 1 winery in the state. The Wilkes County destination reigned supreme on a list from food and drink website Tasting Table, which studied factors ranging from the quality of the wine to the opinions of people who love drinking it.
“To choose the best winery in every state, we looked at far more than medal counts, though national and international awards certainly mattered,” the website wrote in its Sunday, July 12 report. “We considered wineries earning attention for their vineyard sites, architecture, hospitality, dining experiences, and commitment to innovative winemaking.”
Raffaldini Vineyards is in Ronda, a little more than a one-hour drive from uptown Charlotte and about a two and a half-hour drive from downtown Raleigh.
Tasting Table said the destination grows European grape varietals “such as sangiovese, montepulciano, and petit verdot — producing wines that reflect both Old World traditions and the distinctive character of North Carolina terroir. Consistently recognized by critics, Raffaldini has helped elevate the profile of Southern wine while offering visitors views that rival Italy’s vistas.”
Those views come from the winery’s hillside location in the Yadkin Valley, a popular area for vineyards. The region has unique grapes thanks to its climate, according to the Visit N.C. and N.C. Wine websites.
“Cool nights and granite soils slow our growing season, steadily building the acidity and structure that gives Italian varietals their unmistakable depth and character,” Raffaldini Vineyards wrote on its website.
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Though the winery said it practices the “centuries-old tradition of classically dry winemaking,” it got its start more recently in 2001. Today, visitors to the property can go on tours, take in the smells of roses and herbs — and of course, taste the wine.
Raffaldini Vineyards — which produces 72,000 bottles each year — hasn’t always ranked No. 1 in North Carolina. In 2022, the review website Yelp said the state’s best place for wine production was Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards in Hendersonville.
If you’re a fan of beer, places in North Carolina also have made their mark. Asheville and Charlotte rank among the best U.S. cities to grab a pint, and several of the state’s breweries have earned spots on national lists, CharlotteFive previously reported.
Location: 450 Groce Rd, Ronda
Instagram: @raffaldini
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This story was originally published July 15, 2026 at 11:16 AM with the headline “This scenic winery near Charlotte ranks No. 1 in NC. What makes it special.”
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