The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, also frequently referred to as the TTB is proposing a new American Viticultural Area. If established, the new AVA will be the Appalachian High Country Viticultural Area. The petition for the AVA was submitted by Johnnie James, owner of Bethel Valley Farms, for the High Country Wine Growers Association.

According to the information on the TTB website, the area will include several counties in North Carolina, Tennessee and one county in Virginia. In North Carolina the counties of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell and Watauga will be involved. Two counties involved in Tennessee are Carter and Johnson. In Virginia the affected county is Grayson County. The area cover 2,400 square miles.

Currently the region has 21 vineyards that cover 71 acres. Eight more vineyards covering 37 acres will be added in the future. In addition to the vineyards, there are 10 commercial vineyards.

What makes this proposed  Appalachian High Country AVA special?

This mountainous region is frequently known as “High Country.”  East of the Mississippi, this region has the highest average elevation.

In addition to the considerable elevation of the included area, the region has other properties that will affect the growth of grapevines and ultimately the wine.

For example the proposed AVA offers:

• a mean slope angle of 35.9 percent
• high levels of solar irradiance
• a cool climate
• short growing season
• average precipitation of 48.6 inches

According to the petition filed for the new AVA, “The soils of the proposed Appalachian High Country AVA are derived from igneous and metamorphic rocks such as gneiss and granite. The soils are described as well-drained soils with a fine, loamy texture.”

The TTB encourages responses to the proposed Appalachian High Country AVA. If you have concerns or if you are supportive of the new AVA contact the TTB to express your interest.

For more details about the proposed Appalachian High Country Viticultural Area, visit the TTB pdf.

Cheers!
Kathy