Photo by Duke Energy Whether you are new to the world of wine or a seasoned expert, knowing how to hold a wine glass correctly can elevate your drinking experience. Not only does it allow you to fully appreciate the aroma and taste of the wine, but it also shows that you have proper etiquette and knowledge of the art of drinking wine. In this blog, we will guide you on how to hold a wine glass like a pro. How You Hold Your Wine Glass Matters Properly handling your wine glass is crucial for maximizing your wine experience, and here are three key reasons why it matters: 1. Preserving the Wine ..read more

North Carolina is known for its unique and delicious grapes that bring a distinctly southern flavor to many different recipes. From Muscadines to American “bunch” grapes, each variety has its own aromatic aroma and tart sweetness that makes it perfect for winemaking. Here we explore the different types of grapes found in North Carolina and discuss how each type can be used to create delicious wines. Grape Varieties of North Carolina Wines can be crafted either from 100% or primarily from a single grape variety or through a harmonious blend of multiple grape varieties. Acquiring knowledge abo ..read more

Are you looking to take your appreciation of wine to the next level? Whether you’re a novice or an experienced wine connoisseur, there’s so much to learn about serving, storing, and selecting wines. To help answer your questions, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions the experts get asked into this blog post. Keep reading as we uncork the secrets of wine! What Is the Best Temperature to Serve Wine At? This really depends on the type of wine you’re serving. Generally speaking, it’s best to serve white wines and Rosé chilled between 50-60°F and red wines at room temperatur ..read more

Are you curious about the winemaking process? Let us take you behind-the-scenes to show how RayLen Vineyards & Winery creates its award-winning wines. From tending vines in the rolling hills of our vineyards and harvesting ripe grapes each autumn, to fermentation and aging techniques used in the wine cellar, come along with us as we explore the journey of a fine bottle of wine from start to finish. Picking The Grapes RayLen Vineyards has over 35,000 vines spread across its lush vineyard. Every August, our skilled team hand-selects the ripest and healthiest grapes from the vines for harve ..read more

Photo Credit: Duke Energy As we head into August, it’s time to reflect on all of the exciting wine releases from RayLen Vineyards & Winery this year. From Cabernet Sauvignon to Chardonnay and everything in between – there’s plenty for wine lovers to celebrate! At Raylen Vineyards & Winery, each release is carefully crafted and full of unique flavor blends that are sure to please vino enthusiasts in the Yadkin Valley and around the globe. Let’s take a look back at what’s been released so far in 2023 and raise a glass to all the awards received in the 2023 NC Wine Competition! 2022 Dry ..read more

Photo Credit: Coral Lindsay Photography Summer is all about lazy afternoons, bright sunshine, and the satisfying smells of grilled food wafting through the air. Whether it’s a weekend cookout with friends and family or a weekday dinner on the deck, summer food is simple, flavorful, and best enjoyed with a good bottle of wine. At RayLen Vineyards, we are passionate about wine and food pairings that enhance the flavors of your meal and elevate your experience. In this post, we’ll take you on a journey through some of our favorite RayLen Vineyards wines and grilled food pairing ideas for your ne ..read more

White wines are a classic representation of elegance and sophistication in the world of wine. They come in a variety of styles, from crisp and refreshing to rich and complex. With so many different types of white wines available, it can be challenging to understand the differences between them. This comprehensive guide will take you through the distinct characteristics of white wines, from the grapes they’re made from to the flavors and aromas they possess. By the end of this guide, you’ll be an expert on white wines, knowing exactly which varietals are best for your taste buds and occasions ..read more

If you’re hosting a party, it’s important to consider the alcohol you’ll serve. Wine is a popular option for many events, but how much should you buy? Serving too little wine may lead to guests leaving early or feeling unsatisfied, while too much wine may lead to waste and unnecessary expenses. In this blog post, we’ll explore factors to consider when deciding how much wine to buy for your next party. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of how much wine to purchase and how to provide the best experience for your guests. Guest Count The number of guests you invite will ..read more

Etiquette has certainly evolved over the years, and now, when it comes to bringing your own wine to a restaurant, many of us are left wondering – is this even allowed? How do I go about doing this without offending anyone or making a social faux pas? Thankfully, there are certain do’s and don’ts that will help guide you through the process of bringing your own wine to a restaurant. Read on for tips and tricks to confidently navigate these waters. DO Your Research – Know the Rules and Restrictions of the Restaurant’s BYOB Policy Before You Show Up The first thing you should do before you even t ..read more

Have you ever opened a bottle of wine, poured it into your glass, and noticed strange little crystals at the bottom? Don’t panic! These mysterious ‘crystals’ in your glass are known as wine diamonds and they are actually a naturally-occurring phenomenon due to the presence of tartaric acid in wine. In this blog post, RayLen Vineyards & Winery is here to answer all your questions about these tiny crystals, and explain why you should not be worried next time you see them! What are Wine Diamonds? Wine diamonds, or tartrate crystals, are harmless and tasteless deposits of crystallized potassiu ..read more