Cork Talk

Cork Talk

All things NC wine, mead, cider and more!

  1. −1 D

    Revisiting Raffaldini Vineyards

    In this episode, we’re revisiting Raffaldini Vineyards in Ronda, NC! This year marks the 25th anniversary of Raffaldini’s founding. We sit down with Jay Raffaldini to reflect on how the winery has evolved from its earliest days and what lies ahead for the next quarter century. We first interviewed Jay back in season 1, and a lot of things have changed over time so listen in for details. Raffaldini Vineyards has been known for its focus on Italian varietals and embracing Old World traditions. As Jay shares in our conversation, the story of Raffaldini is also rooted in perseverance, experimentation, and deep family connections. At its founding, the North Carolina Wine industry was just taking shape. Many practices, techniques, and vineyard practices for the North Carolina climate were being written in real time. Jay talks to us about those early challenges and what he’s learned over time to establish his house style and build on quality over time. Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back again! Join us as they talk about Tannat; a bold and structured grape that’s gaining in popularity here in North Carolina. For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at https://soundcloud.com/joshtime. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

    1 tim 4 min
  2. 21 JAN.

    Faith Family and Service – Castello Barone Vineyards

    Welcome to our first episode of Season 8 of Cork Talk! This episode features Scott and Elizabeth Barone from Castello Barone Vineyards in Ronda, NC! Located in the heart of the Swan Creek AVA, Castello Barone Vineyards is a boutique vineyard and winery that is grounded in Old World wine traditions, service to others, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. Their winemaking journey started as home brewers and home winemakers in Florida. Eventually the hobby became a passion and Scott and Elizabeth were looking for a way to make this into a larger project. They decided to settled in the Swan Creek AVA due to the higher concentration of vineyards in the area as well as on the traditional and homey feel that the region conveys. When you listen their story, you’ll find that the core beliefs of Faith, Family, and Service run throughout everything they do at Castello Barone. Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back again! For Season 8, they are going back through the vineyard and finding more grape varietals for us to discuss, most of them will be lesser known grapes that you’ll find here in North Carolina. We begin our discussions with Petit Manseng. For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at https://soundcloud.com/joshtime. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

    1 tim 7 min
  3. 2025-11-19

    A Family Legacy in the Big Woods: Sanders Ridge Vineyard & Winery

    In this episode, we sit down with Neil Shore and his daughter Jennifer Hiatt from Sanders Ridge Vineyard & Winery in Boonville, NC! Neil and Jennifer share the story of transforming a 180-year old family farm into a modern vineyard and winery. Family and heritage are at the heart of everything they do at Sanders Ridge (the name itself comes from Neil’s great great grandfather). While the vineyard is a relatively recent addition to the family farm, the legacy of working with the land has been a long standing tradition in the Big Woods. Throughout the conversation, you’ll hear stories spanning generations of the Shore family farming on the land and making connections throughout the community. We talk about their approach to creating wines that balance sophistication and fun and how they have created a welcoming space for making memorable experiences. Wine Class with the Wine Mouths is back again! Join us as they talk about ebulliometers and their importance in the winemaking process! For more information about the Wine Mouths, head to https://www.winemouths.com/ or find them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Winemouths. The Wine Mouths theme was written and performed by Joshua Morris. You can find him at twitter.com/joshtimejosh. If you like this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It really helps spread the word. Subscribing and sharing with a friend is another great way to support Cork Talk. This episode was made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Wine and Grape Council. For more information, please visit https://www.ncwine.org

    1 tim 8 min

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All things NC wine, mead, cider and more!