The impact of the two-story Italian inspired tasting room and event space was discussed by town and state officials over glasses of wine and a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
"It will be the perfect place for weddings, meetings and other group functions," Laurette Leagon, Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce president said. "We are finding out from an ASU study of the area, that weddings are going to be a big pull to our area." Leagon said that the Yadkin Valley Tourism Authority would like to have its next June meeting at the Villa.
Don Alexander attended the opening from the Wilkes Economic Development Corp. "This is a great thing for Ronda to have here," Alexander said. "It always has been a beautiful location, and now that many more people will see it."
Raffaldini Vineyards is part of the rolling farmland of east Wilkes County. Neighboring properties still grow tobacco or raise cattle as a part of the rural environment.
The Ronda and Hamptonville region is home to Raffaldini, Laurel Gray and Buck Shoals. The new Shadow Springs will be opening in May. The area, though rich in vineyards is lacking in ancillary tourism businesses like restaurants, lodging and entertainment. "Not everyone is going to be into wine, but will want to take part in the local experience," Jay Raffaldini said of the potential follow-up businesses needed. "Just like in Napa, artists and their crafts will pop up around the vineyards. It is symptomatic of a broader trend in agritourism." Jay Raffaldini chose the Ronda site with his sister Barbara Raffaldini and wife Maureen to grow the Italian grapes. Ronda's Mayor Victor Varela said it had been over a year since he last visited Raffaldini in its smaller tasting room, now dubbed "Fattoria Raffaldini." Varela said that he thought the Villa would stoke economic development in East Wilkes. "It's a tremendous asset to the community," Varela said. "I'm pleased to hear that they used so many local artisans and construction crews to build their Villa." Lois Draughn has been the designer behind all of the Raffaldini buildings. "It's been five years now and a very good match for us both." Draughn also was the local designer behind Yadkin Valley Bank in Elkin, Cedarbrook Country Club and Stony Knoll's tasting room. She enjoys working in the Italian style. "It's easy to work with, but you have to be careful not to overdo it," Draughn said. She worked with several local artisans on the project. "Resource Painting of Hamptonville did great work for us," Draughn said. "It's amazing what resources we have at our fingertips." Concrete Designs of Statesville worked on the exterior finishes, furniture came out of Mount Airy and even the large stone water fountain was ordered from High Point. "It's great that Raffaldini used local crafts people," Draughn said. "It's a potential boost to the economy from vineyards besides the wine tax." The Villa isn't the last project for the Raffaldini Vineyard expansion. The organization broke ground on an on-site winery this year and has plans for a restaurant in the future.
Paving the dirt road that leads up to the villa is also in the works. "We are very excited to be here," Barbara Raffaldini said. "People have been very inviting and accepting of our family and Italian heritage." It is a heritage, Barbara Raffaldini said, like the surrounding community's of the farm life celebrating good family, friends and food.
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