Raimondo Wines, Oils, Vinegars and Events

Raimondo Family Winery offers wine tastings every day at 3 p.m. If you haven’t been yet, it’s absolutely worth the drive – to taste the wine, and to meet Winemaker Margie Roelands. She’s good people, as we like to say here in the south.

Raimondo specializes in Italian and Iberian wines, and is a family-owned winery located on Lake Norfork near Mountain Home.  The wines are handcrafted using artisan techniques in small lots from premium California grapes. I bought a case of the Sangiovese last time I was there, but I really like the Barbera also. When it comes to white wine, give her Verdelho a try. In addition to the exceptional wines, Roelands also makes extra virgin olive oils and premium balsamic vinegars. My kitchen cabinets are stocked with several bottles of her flavored oils and vinegars (blood orange, chipotle…). If you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift, Raimondo can put the perfect basket together for you.

The winery is located at Blue Lady Resort, which is right on the lake. You can enjoy the view, play bocce ball, and rent a cozy room. If I had a boat, it would be fun to pull up to the marina to visit the wine store. She offers cooking classes as well.

Check out her calendar for information on wine tastings and cooking classes. She also holds some great events at the winery and resort, like the recent annual Swine & Wine. Here are some photos from the event, which I hope to attend every year from now on because I had a blast. It will be fun to take my girlfriends or husband along next time too.

(It seems about four of the photos below loaded wrong and I can’t get them to rotate properly.  Sorry for the sideways pics. I’m working on fixing it!)