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On July 19, 2019, the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the US published a final rule establishing the Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA (American Viticultural Area). The new AVA will be effective as of August 19, 2019. This brings the total number of AVAs in the US to 245, and a total of four in North Carolina.
The new AVA is located entirely within Henderson County, located in the southwestern part of North Carolina. The name Crest of the Blue Ridge refers to the Eastern Continental Divide which divides the area into two general sections—the Blue Ridge Escarpment (on the southern and eastern portions of the AVA), and the Blue Ridge Plateau (covering the northern and western portions).
The area has a long history of cider and apple production, and now hosts an emerging grape and wine industry. The 215-square mile AVA currently contains over 14 commercial vineyards over 70 acres (38 ha), with several existing vineyards planning to expand by a combined 55 additional acres (22 additional hectares) in the next five years. Wineries already established in the area include Burntshirt Vineyards, Point Lookout Vineyards, and Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards.
The region is planted to approximately 78% vinifera grapes along with some hybrid grapes and native North American varieties. The leading vinifera varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, and Grüner Veltliner. Vidal Blanc and Traminette are the main hybrids; Norton is the leading American variety.
Map of the Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA, via the original AVA Petition
The petition for the Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA was originally submitted to the TTB in December of 2016 by Mark Williams and Barbara Walker, working on behalf of Agribusiness Henderson County and the vineyard and winery operators of Henderson County, North Carolina.
Welcome to the world, Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA!
References/for more information:
- https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=TTB-2018-0009-0010
- Original Petition-Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA
- https://www.blueridgenow.com/news/20181217/henderson-county-wineries-near-federal-designation-that-would-boost-economy
- http://www.saintpaulmountainvineyards.com/
- https://www.burntshirtvineyards.com/
- https://pointlookoutvineyards.com/
Post authored by Jane A. Nickles, your blog administrator…