From Wallstreet to the Vineyard with Jay Raffaldini

Life In the Carolina's Podcast

In this episode, we have invited Jay Raffaldini, owner of Raffaldini Vineyards, Which creates various Italian-style wines. Apart from that, Raffaldini offers public and private events throughout the year and is a regional go-to spot for wine enthusiasts. Today, Jay will share his journey in building his winery, the challenges he faced, and his learnings from around the world. He will also share some thoughts on how to have a better life and society.

Jay’s Winery Journey

[2:33] The idea behind the winery is that Jay loves wine and wants to connect it to a generational wealth transference.

[4:14] Jay’s desire to keep his family together and have a way to transfer wealth led him to build a plan and start his winery business.

[07:20] The first step was to find suitable land and bed. When we talk about the right land, we're talking about the wrong land for farming, which is the appropriate land for vineyard cultivation because you want the grapes to struggle to live. Happy Place

[14:38] Jay describes his vineyard as a yin and yang. It gives him balance in life, and that is the wonderful part. [16:08] Jay experienced drinking wine from a plastic milk jug. However, it was the best bottle of wine he had because it changed how whole day. And that is why Jay considered wine a very romantic notion, and it's about the totality of the experience more than anything else. Challenges Faced

[23:50] Jay and his winery faced numerous challenges. But these challenges add fuel for his business to grow further. Each time that they had a loss, they rose higher than before, allowing them to grow continually.

[25:59] The key is how you adapt to the problem. Plus, you got to be flexible.

[28:20] You have to focus on what's working and concentrate on that area. You also have to admit defeat because that's how you learn. That’s a very scarce personality trait. Learnings From Around the World

[31:24] Jay discovered that growing grapes east of the Rockies Mountains is difficult. This is because 90% of the grapes are cultivated in what is described as a Mediterranean environment. It equates to 3% of the world's land area. 3% of the world's surface grows grapes there because it’s easier.

[39:17] When meeting with the clients for the first time, bringing out a bottle of wine is an icebreaker at the table. Better Life and Society

[45:55] Jay’s father teaches him that no matter what he does in life, he should be the best at it and be the most passionate. Wine Club

[49:48] Jay’s wine club is successful, and they have 20,000 people visit every year. At first, they face a problem: too many people are coming. They needed to make a few adjustments. Jay’s Advice

[1:00:29] Jay often says, don't get too depressed. Just focus on your job, and be passionate.

[1:03:04] For Jay, something simple with the right person is meaningful at the right time. Thus, it becomes like a mantra for him to live a good life.

Go to www.raffaldini.com to learn more about Raffaldini Vineyards and their wines, and make a reservation for a tasting visit. For more on Life In The Carolinas, visit www.lifeinthecarolinas.com and www.lifeinthecarolinaspodcast.com