Raleigh Winery — Attraction in Raleigh

We stopped by Raleigh Winery for lunch, drawn in by the picturesque riverside setting and the appeal of trying locally produced wine. While the location was undeniably charming, the experience didn’t quite align with what one might expect from a working winery.

Upon arrival, the venue had a laid-back, almost café-like atmosphere—pleasant enough, but lacking the sense of identity or refinement typically associated with a winery.

I ordered a glass of the vineyard’s own red—unfamiliar by name, so I asked the waitress if it was similar to a Pinot Noir. Her response was, “Sorry, I have no idea.” While I appreciate she was young and likely not experienced with wine, it was disappointing nonetheless. For a venue that promotes wine tastings and produces its own label, you’d expect staff to have at least a basic understanding of the wines on offer. No technical description required—just a simple answer on whether it’s light or full-bodied would have sufficed.

For lunch, we ordered the fish tacos ($28). While passable, but seemingly thrown together with no real care. The tortillas were cold, and the fish appeared to be standard frozen battered fillets—far from what you’d expect at a winery kitchen. It filled the gap but felt rushed.

In summary, Raleigh Winery offers a nice view and a casual stop for a drink, but if you're looking for a genuine winery experience—with thoughtful food, engaged service, and a sense of connection to the wine—it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression. The potential is there, but the delivery just doesn’t rise to...

We’d been there for lunch a few times and always very impressed by the creativity and standards. That was why we took visitors from out of town to lunch today. The least that can be said is that it was extremely disappointing. We ordered a couple of sardine entrées to share among the 4 of us. While a little on the salty side (salted capers in the sauce) it wasn’t bad, although the second plate was delivered 15 minutes after the first one. Then the main came, with no cutlery. Two minutes to attract the young waitress’ attention and she dumped a bunch of forks, spoons and knives in the middle of the table then left. We asked for salt and pepper and were given two salt grinders. As for the main... Two of us had the squid ink linguini with prawns, which were totally drowned in a thickish yellow sauce with a skin forming on top, more re-heated bechamel than saffron spiced. The prawns tasted like cheap frozen product (ie no taste), the overall impression, a stodgy soup rather than a serve of pasta. We could barely eat half of our plates before we gave up. The parpardelle with mushrooms and chicken were even worse, also drowned in a bechamel-type sauce and very unappealing in looks and taste. Our friend who ordered them had two spoonfull then stopped. We’re told the brisket was ok, although on the tough side rather than pull-apart as you’d expect and also weirdly sweet. Perhaps the owners or the kitchen staff don’t care, with the restaurant now for sale, but we sure are not...

Well Sometimes in life everythung just falls into place, and for that rare moment in time you find yourself saying "I don't want to be anywhere else,but right here now, Yesterday we had such a moment,the weather was perfect spring in the air and a cooling breeze through the vines ,with views across the river and sourrounded by a lush green setting we were,seated,at Raleigh Winery what we were not expecting was the warm and inviting feeling you get You just feel welcome and real the ,staff are great warm and attentive ,but the jewel in Raleigh crown would have to be the marriage between the most stunning fresh food that was so visually brilliant we found ourselves asking our waiter"what was,that dish that just went past? and their wines that are simply a standout level of some of the best wines I've had in years so I hope others have their own take home experience when they visit Raleigh ,but for us a day where everything that's great about this region just all came together and the gods,were shinning on this beautiful...