NC's Raffadini Vineyards named "Hot Small Brand" of 2009

Wine Business Monthly has ranked North Carolina's Raffaldini Vineyards in the top ten of its 7th Annual “Hot Small Brands” list featured in the magazine's February issue.

Raffaldini, located in the Swan Creek region of NC's Yadkin Valley, is ranked tenth on the list, which also includes wineries from California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Canada. According to WBM, there are now 6,223 wineries in the U.S.

“Raffaldini Vineyards is honored to be in this prestigious list,” Jay Raffaldini, family member and managing partner, said. “We believe that lesser-known Italian varietals like Vermentino and Montepulciano offer people an exciting alternative to more commonly found wine. We are convinced that with diligent vineyard management and thoughtful winemaking that wines can be crafted that are both distinctive and affordable.”

Wine Business Monthly has the largest circulation of any wine trade publication in North America. According to WBM, the Hot Small Brands List of 2009 includes “some of today’s most exciting brands from small- and medium-sized producers.”

“We gravitate toward wineries and brands that represent market trends or innovation, that take leadership position in their regions, or that make unusual varietals or unexpected wines,” the article’s author, Cyril Penn, writes. “Smart marketing only goes so far, these wines need to pass the taste test. Consider this list to be a collection of wines our editors would serve at a party. We do serve them during a gathering we host during the annual Unified Wine & Grape Symposium.”