Even though we gather often at the Moore's Ferry Clubhouse for LHWS educational tasting events, this year our members have enjoyed traveling to NC vineyards, meeting the owners, winemakers, and enjoying touring the vineyards and outstanding wine and food pairing tastings explicitly prepared for us.  Our visits have included: Mountain Brook, Rayson, Dobbins Creek, Piccione, and in November, 40 members participated in the Raffaldini Assemblaggio event.  Our table #6 won the competition of blending a magnificent wine.  Presented in the barrel room, Jay Raffaldini (Owner) and winemaker Thomas explained the five pure juices based on appearance, nose, palate, and overall evaluation.  The juices to be blended were: Montepulciano Passito (dry), Sagrantino Passito, Petit Verdot Passito, Sagrantino/Tannant Co-fermented Passito, and Tannat Passito.  Using measuring devices, we tracked our percentages, smelled, tasted, dumped, or accepted our blend.  It was very educational, fun, and competitive.  Jay is a character entertaining us all.