Charlotte Happenings is your monthly guide to events and things to do in and around Charlotte, NC.
Issue link: http://charlottehappenings.epubxp.com/i/753156
WEEKEND warrior By Bryan Richards Our pick for the best way to make that sweet 48 hours of freedom count. As Mother Nature blankets the Queen City with a winter chill, the warmth of Tuscany is only an hour drive north at Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery. Located along the Swan Creek Wine Trail in the Yadkin Valley, Raffaldini is dubbed the most Italian of the North Carolina wineries, laboriously incorporating the ancient Italian grape drying method of appassimento into many of its wines. Throughout the winter months, Raffaldini brings the Italian countryside to the Charlotte region with festive events in its Tuscan-inspired tasting room. Notable offerings in December include the VOSCA Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 3, which brings unique holiday vendors as well as complimentary tastings of Raffaldini's peppermint chocolate wine-infused brownies and mulled apple cider. On Sunday, Dec.11, An Afternoon of Holiday Cheer features a special guest—La Befana, an Italian Santa Claus. The Tuscan warmth continues in January with a Four Seasons Winter Wine Tasting Dinner on Saturday, Jan. 14 (reservations required) and an Italian cooking demonstration event on Sunday, Jan. 29. The tasting room is open every weekend during the winter (with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day), offering a reprieve for those looking to escape the city in favor of a relaxing, agenda-free afternoon of refined wines. To plan your weekend wine retreat, visit raffaldini.com 74 WINTER 2016