Rayson Winery & Vineyards

What can one say about Rayson....?If you have been to JoLo Vineyards (which is the same owner), you know they don't mess around.The grounds are beautiful, and to enjoy your meal outside in the late afternoon early evening is just spectacular.As far as the service goes (for the few times we've been there) it's excellent, but they are also new.In other words, it seems some of the staff is a little green, but still good.Some of the old pros know how to really take care of you!(looking at you Sophie and Victoria!)And now the best part....The food and the wine.It's so, so good!JoLo and Rayson is just stellar wines.Great stuff!And the food that Chef Daniel puts together is magical.I don't know how he does it, but it's spectacular!Love it so much......Thank you!

My previous positive review was of the old vineyard Raylen. The new place Rayson, is very different.The old days of the relaxed family environment are gone. It's now an overpriced under delivering vineyard. It's as if they aimed for a slightly more posh / upscale experience and went too far.I went a few months ago with my family and it was not a good experience. The person who met us upfront was rude and very unnecessary in his comments. The wine was sadly unimpressive. The new look is admittedly gorgeous, but that's not enough to make me return. It breaks my heart to see what happened to the place.I hate to leave a negative review like this as the owner is actually a very friendly and accommodating person. They weren't there, but I've met them in the past.

What a great Sunday! We drove through the country a bit and our destination was lunch at a new winery. Such a great surprise. Beautiful scenery!! Beautiful property!! Friendly people. The wines were very good. The food was also delicious. A small but perfect menu. Heated patio, or outside seating. We definitely will be back.

First time here since they switched ownership. I love all the upgrades and new look! So much brighter and updated and just so nice to hang out in inside and outside. We went on a Thursday after work for just a glass of wine, and I was so pleasantly surprised. It was kinda quiet inside so we got to see it without a crowd which I liked. The service was really nice and friendly and I loved how informative they were. They know their products! We got a glass of their Petit Verdot. Which is according to the server their boldest red. It was served in a lovely high red glass. I absolutely loved this vessel !! I actually really liked all their glasses. . The wine was nice and jammy and exactly what I thought it would be. Perfect easy drink. We sat outside on a gorgeous evening. They have multiple great seating areas outside. Covered and out open with some great views. They've fine a nice job with the outdoor patio seating. Loved the pops of color too. Really looking forward to the Bistro opening in the summer for a full dining experience. We need a good place to eat around this area. Will be back for sure to try it. Also they have added a great number of whites and reds and a Rosè to their list as new Rayson wines but I'm hoping they add a bubbly soon. Which is my favorite. As it stands there's only the petit verdot that would be more in line with what I like. Their prices are higher than most wineries in the area. So just know that. It is nicer than most I've visited though. Loved the friendly staff ! Looking forward to a future visit!

Rayson Vineyards is the new name for Raylen, which was one of the Crown Jewels of NC wine. The owners of Raylen sold the property and inventory to JW Ray ano family of JOLO fame, and they've taken over with their usual fantastic wine and customer service. Currently, they offer three Rayson wines (a collaborative JOLO and Raylen Project -Petit Verdot, a red blend - Elevage, and a reisling) which are all very JW. They're juicy, berry forward, and high in alcohol. The other wines are still Raylen label--and the price hikes over the prior regime may deter some. However, expect the wines to continue to improve and sell out. They're open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 to 7 PM, and they serve food Thursday-Sunday.

Definitely a cute spot where you may or may not necessarily need a reservation. We walked in with a reservation but no one asked so we sat down a few minutes after waiting. They need to work on greeting as they didn't have a system in place and lacked providing the proper greeting. With that being said, once you got their attention it was nice. They offered two pairings; one that was $20 and the other that was $30. We did both. The $20 pairing included white wines and the $30 was all red. I thought the wines on both were too sweet for my taste so the first and last on the $30 pairing was more for me. It's still a cool place to check out with a beautiful ambiance. Seems like they had some nice charcuterie boards and dishes to offer up but we already had dinner plans so we were just there for the wine. They've got EV parking spots for those with electric vehicles and I've added this since my buddies insisted this is something viewed would want. Enjoy!

I'm way late to review RL, as this has been one of our go-to spots for the last few years. Their grounds are well kept and serene. Nice place to go for a stroll to sip some wine down by the pond, or you can take in the entertainment that they often host out on the patio. Sometimes they have food truck as well. Plenty of shade for sitting out of the sun for a spell too. Staff I've encountered have been friendly and helpful, and not too pushy about upselling the wine club either. They do have one, but I don't drink enough wine these days to warrant that membership. Their wines are very good, though. Obviously good enough that I've been back several times and will surely be back soon. I especially like their Fizzy wines. Not terribly expensive for a bottle, and highly refreshing on a hot day!

Very disappointed that Raylen is no longer Raylen. Went in for the first time today in months and was greeted, did you make reservations? No, didn't know I needed to. I asked if we could still have a glass of wine and was told that in a couple months it will be reservations only. Sat us down at a table that was set up for 10 for two people. No smaller tables there. Outside seating, I was told that was for reservation only. I remember sitting outside with the heaters and it was a nice atmosphere to sit with friends. Food, cheese board was good but overpriced for the amount that was served. I felt like we were pressured to place a food order as soon as we sat down. Just overall so disappointed.

It wouldn't let me post my TripAdvisor review (didn't want to retype it) so I had to attach it as pictures. Also-- they shouldn't allow reviews that were about Raylen on this page. It is misleading since it is a complete different atmosphere and experience than the previous winery.

So many good things about this place...First- I have been disappointed in the past at wines in this region of NC... they all just taste "off" or too sweet. The Cab Franc was the second best cab franc I've ever had. SO good. My partner who is more of a fuller, jammy red wine guy actually liked this wine, which is also a win.Second- the calamari. Never had anything like it, loved how it was in strands, not rings, and it DIDN'T GET RUBBERY! Third- Lamb meatballs were great. I have never said that anyone's meatballs are better than my mother's, and I'm still not... but... This is very very very close. Also the mushrooms were fabulous, and the salad and chocolate torte were nice, too. Fourth- super great waitstaff, and LOVELYYYYY atmosphere.Overall- best food I've had at a winery, and definitely the best NC wine I've had. See you again very very soon.