Swan Creek AVA

Last updated

Swan Creek
Wine region
TTB Map Swan Creek AVA.png
Type American Viticultural Area
Year established2008 [1]
Years of wine industry25 [2]
CountryUnited States
Part of North Carolina, Yadkin Valley AVA
Growing season170-190 days [1]
Climate region Region IV [1]
Heat units 42.8 to 68.9 °F (6.0–20.5 °C) [1]
Precipitation (annual average)48.6 in (1,234.4 mm)
snow: 6.3 in (160.0 mm) [1]
Soil conditions Saprolite, soft clay-rich [1]
Total area96,000 acres (150 sq mi) [1]
Size of planted vineyards75 acres (30 ha) [1]
No. of vineyards10 [2]
Varietals produced Chambourcin, Petit Verdot, Traminette, Viognier, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Vermentino. Sagrantino, Petit Manseng [3] [4]
No. of wineries8 [2] [5]

Swan Creek is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in northwestern North Carolina, United States, within portions of Iredell, Wilkes and Yadkin Counties that lie on the Piedmont plateau region. The viticultural area was recognized on May 27, 2008 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Raffaldini Vineyards on behalf of the Vineyards of Swan Creek, a trade association representing a group of vineyards and wineries from the locale to establish an appellation named "Swan Creek." The appellation is the state's 2nd AVA encompassing 96,000 acres (150 sq mi) with 75 acres (30 ha) of cultivation. The northern 60 percent of the Swan Creek AVA sits within the Yadkin Valley viticultural area, and the remaining 40 percent extends outside of the Yadkin Valley AVA southern boundary. Swan Lake AVA encircles the townships of Hamptonville, Harmony, Mooresville, Ronda, Wilkesboro and Yadkinville. The AVA shares its name with the unincorporated community of Swan Creek in Yadkin County. [6]

Contents

The geographical name "Swan Creek" refers to a village in the approximate center of the viticultural area, as well as a Yadkin River tributary creek system. Swan Creek village sits in the Brushy Mountains south of the Yadkin River. East and West Swan Creeks run north from the mountains before joining together as Swan Creek to the northwest of the village. The creek then empties into the Yadkin River approximately three miles west of Jonesville. Also, an undated State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources document lists Swan Creek, West Swan Creek, and East Swan Creek as streams in the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin. [1] [7]

History

A large portion of Swan Creek viticultural area lies within the larger geographical region named the Yadkin Valley, and its namesake AVA, shares a similar history. Rich historical and anthropological evidence of settlement and cultivation in the Yadkin Valley and Swan Creek exists. Native American settlements date back to approximately 500 B.C. The first non-Native settlers arrived in the 1750s. They originally scouted land in the Blue Ridge Mountains west of Swan Creek region near Boone, North Carolina, but unable to find a satisfactory site for settlement. These settlers continued east, following the Yadkin River through the Swan Creek region until reaching the three forks of the Muddy Creek, a tributary of the Yadkin River. [8] The settlements of Bethabara and Bethania were established east of the Swan Creek region in what is now Forsyth and Stokes counties. Bethabara was a fortified settlement built to protect early settlers from attacks by Indians who swept down into the Yadkin Valley north of the Swan Creek region from the Blue Ridge Mountains during the French and Indian War. Smaller settlements throughout Wilkes, Yadkin and Iredell Counties were made during this period. [7]

References to non-Native settlements in the Swan Creek region are found as early as the 1780s. Historic manuscripts also maintain that frontiersman Daniel Boone homesteaded in the Swan Creek region in the 1750s when the Yadkin Valley was the westernmost frontier of the North Carolina colony. He traveled along the Yadkin River among his various homesteads going through the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Wilderness Road into Tennessee then Kentucky. During the Revolutionary War, soldiers traveled along the Yadkin River (the northern boundary line of the Swan Creek AVA), en route to the pivotal battle at Kings Mountain in South Carolina. Also, during the Civil War, Union Major General George Stoneman led troops eastward through Swan Creek to Virginia. After the Civil War, the Swan Creek area turned to farming, which continues to characterize this rural region despite the urban development in other portions of the Yadkin Valley viticultural area. Today, viticulture in the Swan Creek comprises 75 acres (30 ha) of cultivation. [7]

Yadkin Valley & Swan Creek AVAs (c)TTB Yadkin Valley & Swan Creek AVAs TTB Map.png
Yadkin Valley & Swan Creek AVAs ©TTB

Terroir

Swan Creek viticultural area’s geographical location is responsible for the temperate climate and homogenous soil situated in the moderate elevations of the Brushy Mountains, and bordering the Yadkin River. The geology of the Swan Creek region with its minor climatic variation creates distinguishing viticultural features defining boundary distinctions. The entire Swan Creek viticultural area lies within the Yadkin River Basin. The general uniformity in the Swan Creek soils is attributable to the natural weathering process of the Brushy Mountains and the Brevard Shear Zone, a major fault system that also defines the Blue Ridge Escarpment in the area. The homogeneous soil within the viticultural area is unlike the varied soils and rock types found in other parts of the Yadkin Valley viticultural area. The Swan Creek viticultural area boundaries overlaps the established Yadkin Valley viticultural area as illustrated. The northern 60 percent of the Swan Creek viticultural area sits within the Yadkin Valley viticultural area, with the remaining 40 percent south of the Yadkin Valley viticultural boundary lines. [1]

Topography

The Brushy Mountains, an isolated spur of the Blue Ridge, are among the oldest mountain ranges in the world (by some estimates up to 1 billion years old), run through the center of the Swan Creek region, with elevations in the viticultural area varying between 1,000 and 2,000 ft (305–610 m), according to the USGS maps submitted with the petition. The Brushy Mountains, within the viticultural area, have elevations lower than the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west but higher than the other surrounding areas, according to the USGS maps. The Blue Ridge Mountain region to the immediate west of the boundary line rises to elevations of 3,000 to 5,000 ft (914–1,524 m). To the east and south of the viticultural area, the elevation drops between 500 and 1,000 ft (152–305 m). [6]

Climate

Swan Creek AVA has a slightly cooler climate than the rest of the Yadkin Valley AVA—average annual maximum temperatures are 0.6 °F (0.33 °C) and average annual minimums are a full 2 °F (1.1 °C) lower. Rainfall averages approximately 48.6 in (1,230 mm) with an additional average of 6.3 in (16 cm) of snow per year. Both the Yadkin River, running adjacent to the Swan Creek viticultural area’s northern boundary line, and the Brushy Mountains that lie within the viticultural area boundary, serve as climatically moderating influences. The Swan Creek region has an average annual high temperature of 68.9 °F (20.5 °C) and an average annual low temperature of 42.8 °F (6.0 °C). The Southeast Regional Climate Center (SERCC) of the National Climatic Data Center shows data shows that the Swan Creek area is generally warmer than the regions to the west and northwest, cooler than the regions to the south and east, and slightly cooler than the Yadkin Valley as a whole. Also, average January temperatures of 20 to 25 °F (−7 to −4 °C) make the Swan Creek region less prone to Pierce’s Disease, which adversely affects vineyards, than the majority of the Yadkin Valley viticultural area. [7] Swan Creek viticultural area averages 3,576 degree days of heat accumulation annually, which puts it in climatic Region IV, according to temperature data collected by the SERCC. (As a measure of heat accumulation, each degree that a day’s mean temperature is above 50 °F (10 °C), which is the minimum temperature required for grapevine growth, is counted as one degree day. [9] The surrounding areas, based on Amerine and Winkler heat summation definitions, include climatic Regions IV and V to the east, Region V to the south, and Region I to the west-northwest. The frost-free season of the Swan Creek viticultural area extends on average from April 19 to October 17 annually, according to the "Average Last Spring Frost Dates for Selected North Carolina Locations," horticulture information leaflets (published December 1996 and revised December 1998), by Katharine Perry, North Carolina State University. According the petition, this frost-free season is nearly identical to Surry County, which is part of the Yadkin Valley viticultural area located immediately northeast of the Swan Creek viticultural area. However, southeast of the viticultural area, but also within the Yadkin Valley viticultural area, the Davidson County frost-free season averages from March 31 to October 31, resulting in a month less frost than in the Swan Creek viticultural area. The frost-free season in counties outside the Yadkin Valley viticultural area and the Swan Creek viticultural area varies, extending three weeks longer to the east, but lasting four to six weeks less in regions to the west and northwest. In addition, the growing season of the Swan Creek viticultural area averages 170 to 190 days annually, according to Perry’s "Average Growing Seasons for Selected North Carolina Locations," horticulture information leaflets (published December 1996 and revised December 1998). Again, this growing season is almost identical to the county immediately northeast, located within the Yadkin Valley viticultural area. However, according to Perry’s data, Davidson County averages a 214-day growing season annually, or between 24 and 44 more growing days than the Swan Creek viticultural area. Similarly, the petition shows that Guilford County to the east has an annual growing season of between 199 and 210 days. Counties to the west and northwest of the Swan Creek region have a significantly shorter growing season, lasting an average of 139 to 162 days. [1]

Precipitation

Swan Creek AVA's moderate rainfall is attributed to the protective influence of the Brushy Mountains. Rainfall within the Swan Creek viticultural area averages 48.6 in (1,234.4 mm) annually, based on SERCC data, with the local grape growers surveyed by the petitioner recording less rainfall at their own weather stations. The areas to the west and northwest of the viticultural area average 57 in (1,448 mm) each year, while regions to the south and east average 44.4 in (1,127.8 mm) of rain annually. Furthermore, snowfall within the Swan Creek viticultural area averages 6.3 in (160.0 mm) annually, based on SERCC records, which is far less than the data recorded at weather stations in surrounding areas. [6]

Geology

The geology of the Swan Creek viticultural area, with documentation and evidence provided for the petition by Matthew Mayberry of the Mayberry Land Company, Elkin, North Carolina, is shaped by plate tectonics and a spectrum of uplift and erosion for the entire Appalachian Mountains building cycle. The Swan Creek region is part of the larger Appalachian Mountain Range area that has gone through at least three cycles of uplift and erosion, with each cycle lasting around 300 million years. Also, the weathering and erosion cycles created the resulting Piedmont and Blue Ridge surfaces found in the viticultural area today. Mr. Mayberry explains that the four predominant rock types in the viticultural area are Henderson Gneiss, Granite, Biotite Gneiss and Biotite Amphibolite Gneiss, and Sillimanite Mica Schist. These types make up more than 90 percent of the Swan Creek area, with the latter three composing about 80 percent of the southern part of the area. Along the north boundary line at the Yadkin River the predominant rock types include Ashe Formation, Utramafics, and Granitic Rocks of the Crossnore Group. [6]

Soil

The soil information in the Swan Creek viticultural area petition is compiled from the published soil surveys of Wilkes, Yadkin, and Iredell Counties in North Carolina. Roy Mathis, Soil Specialist for Correlations, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture, provided the soil information included in the petition. The areas surrounding the Swan Creek viticultural area have soils with differing characteristics, Mr. Mathis explains. The areas to the south and east have high shrink-swell clayey soils, which are less desirable for agriculture. To the west and north are the mountainous rocks and soils of the encroaching Blue Ridge Mountains. Also, the Yadkin Valley viticultural area, which surrounds the Swan Creek viticultural area to the west, north, and east, has a greater variety of soil types and temperature regimes. The Swan Creek viticultural area mesic temperature regime has soil temperatures of 47 to 59 °F (8–15 °C) at the depth of 20 in (51 cm), according to Mr. Mathis. In comparison, the Yadkin Valley viticultural area is in both the mesic and thermic temperature regimes, with soil temperatures much warmer at 59 to 72 °F (15–22 °C) at the same soil depth. Mr. Mathis explains that the soils in the Swan Creek viticultural area are primarily saprolite, a soft, clay-rich soil derived from weathered felsic (acidic) metamorphic rocks of the Inner Piedmont Belt such as granites, schists, and gneisses. The region includes a small area of Sauratown Belt with the rocks being primarily metagraywacke. In contrast, the surrounding west and north areas include residuum (saprolite) weathered from felsic metamorphic rocks such as gneisses, schists, and phyllites of the Blue Ridge Geologic Belt and Smith River Allochothon. The saprolite in the surrounding area to the east is composed of weathered igneous intrusive rocks like granites, gabbros and diorites, as well as some gneisses and schists of the Charlotte Belt. Evard and Cowee soils, which have moderate permeability and are well-drained with a loamy surface and sub-soil layer, predominate in the Brushy Mountains. Yet the dominant ridge top soils of the Swan Creek viticultural area include the Fairview and Clifford series. These soils have sandy clay loam or clay loam surface layers with red clayey sub-soils, and are well-drained with moderate permeability. Rhodhiss series is the dominant soil on the steep side slopes within the viticultural area boundary. This well-drained soil has a loamy surface and moderate permeability at the sub-soil level. Mr. Mathis notes that Fairview, Clifford, and Rhodhiss soils all have bedrock deeper than 60 in (152 cm). The Yadkin River, at the northern boundary of the Swan Creek viticultural area, has alluvial soil diversity with textures and drainage. In general, most of the Swan Creek viticultural area soils are acidic and low in natural fertility. [6]

Viticulture

Panoramic views of the Yadkin Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains are the backdrop of a picturesque and peaceful environment to grow the Swan Creek viticulture industry. The vineyards and wineries enjoy a specific microclimate that allows the fruit to ripen well but retain good acidity and balance. The industry began in the late 90s when local vineyards were transformed from retired tobacco fields leading to Swan Creek's recognition as an AVA in 2008. A blend of old-world European techniques and modern technology are producing French and Italian vinifera varieties in the natural western North Carolina environment. Area wineries have produced vintages that were awarded at North Carolina's nationally renown NC Fine Wines Competition. [10]

Wineries

Swan Creek Vineyards (2008) TTB Map Swan Creek Vineyards.png
Swan Creek Vineyards (2008)

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yadkin Valley AVA</span> American Viticultural Area in North Carolina

Yadkin Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) expanding across seven counties of northwestern North Carolina. The viticultural area encompasses approximately 1,416,600 acres (2,213 sq mi) in the Yadkin River valley. The appellation includes all of Wilkes, Surry, and Yadkin counties, and portions of Davie, Davidson, Forsyth, and Stokes counties. It was recognized as North Carolina's first AVA on February 7, 2003 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Patricia McRitchie of McRitchie Associates, LLC, on behalf of Shelton Vineyards, Inc., Dobson, North Carolina, to establish a viticultural area within the State of North Carolina, to be known as "Yadkin Valley."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arroyo Seco AVA</span> Appelation that designates wine in Monterey County, CA

Arroyo Seco is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Monterey County, California, southeast of Monterey Bay. The state's 15th appellation was established on May 16,1983 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by the Arroyo Seco Winegrowers and Vintners, an association composed of grape growers and vintners with vineyards, to establish a viticultural area within Monterey County known as "Arroyo Seco."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Washington wine</span> Wine produced from grape varieties grown in the U.S. state of Washington

Washington wine is a wine produced from grape varieties grown in the U.S. state of Washington. Washington ranks second in the United States in the production of wine. By 2017, the state had over 55,000 acres (220 km2) of vineyards, a harvest of 229,000 short tons (208,000 t) of grapes, and exports going to over 40 countries around the world from the 940+ wineries located in the state. While there are some viticultural activities in the cooler, wetter western half of the state, the majority (99.9%) of wine grape production takes place in the shrub-steppe eastern half. The rain shadow of the Cascade Range leaves the Columbia River Basin with around 8 inches (200 mm) of annual rain fall, making irrigation and water rights of paramount interest to the Washington wine industry. Viticulture in the state is also influenced by long sunlight hours and consistent temperatures.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Willamette Valley AVA</span> Wine region in Oregon, United States

Willamette Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) which lies in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. The AVA is the wine growing region which encompasses the drainage basin of the Willamette River. It stretches from the Columbia River in the north to just south of Eugene in the south, where the Willamette Valley ends; and from the Oregon Coast Range in the west to the Cascade Mountains in the east. At 5,360 square miles, it is the largest AVA in the state, and contains most of the state's wineries; approximately 908 as of 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Columbia Gorge AVA</span> Wine region in Oregon and Washington, United States

Columbia Gorge is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) that encompasses a region within the 40 miles (64 km) Columbia River Gorge and straddles the Oregon and Washington state border. The AVA was established by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau {TTB), Treasury on July 9, 2004 after reviewing the petition submitted by Mark Wharry, on behalf of the Columbia River Gorge Wine Growers Association, proposing the viticultural area named "Columbia Gorge." The 280 square miles AVA is located about 60 miles (97 km) east of Portland, Oregon, straddles the Columbia River for 15 miles (24 km), and extends into south-central Washington and north-central Oregon. The area surrounds Hood River, Oregon, and White Salmon, Washington, and is generally bordered by B Z Corner, Washington, on the north; Lyle, Washington, on the east; Parkdale, Oregon, on the south; and Vinzenz Lausmann State Park, Oregon, on the west. The area lies due west with an adjacent border to the vast Columbia Valley viticultural area. Due to the significant gradations of climate and geography found in the gorge, the AVA exhibits a wide range of terroir in a relatively small region; it is marketed as a "world of wine in 40 miles".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yakima Valley AVA</span> Wine grape-growing region in Washington, U.S.

Yakima Valley is the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) established within Washington state, gaining the recognition on May 4, 1983. Within the vast Columbia Valley AVA, Yakima Valley appellation cultivates more than 53,000 acres (21,448 ha) giving the region the largest concentration of wineries and vineyards in the state. The most widely planted varietals in the area are Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot gris, and Syrah. Nearly 40% of Washington's annual wine production is made from Yakima Valley grapes. In addition to grapes, the Yakima Valley is also home to several fruit orchards growing apples, cherries, nectarines, peaches, pears and plums. Around the town of Zillah, there is the Zillah Fruit Loop driving tour through the area's orchards and vineyards. The area is also home to nearly 80% of the US hop production. In July 2024, the Yakima Valley was named best wine region in the U.S. by readers of USA Today.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Santa Maria Valley AVA</span> American wine region located in California

Santa Maria Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) which straddles the boundary of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties in California's multi-county Central Coast AVA. It was established on August 5, 1981, by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as California's second oldest AVA. A portion of the AVA crosses the Cuyama River into the southernmost corner of San Luis Obispo County. The east-west orientation of the 152.3 square miles with a wide, open valley and rolling hills means cool winds and fog flow in freely from the Pacific Ocean, settling most noticeably in lower-lying areas. The result is a mild Mediterranean climate that lengthens the growing season and contributes to the eventual sugar/acid balance in the grapes from Santa Maria Valley's 7,500 acres (3,000 ha) cultivated vineyards. On January 28, 2011, the AVA was granted a 29.4 square miles expansion to its southern boundary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Fork of Roanoke AVA</span> American Viticultural Area in Virginia

North Fork of Roanoke is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located on the eastern slopes of the Allegheny Mountains in the Roanoke and Montgomery counties of Virginia just west of the city of Roanoke. The appellation area was established by the Treasury's, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) on May 16, 1983. The North Fork valley stretches 22 miles (35 km) along the Roanoke River with surrounding hillsides where vineyards reside between 1,200 to 2,200 feet (366–671 m) above sea level. The approximately 1,200 acres (1.9 sq mi) area is named for its position on the North Fork river, before it converges with the South Fork to form the Roanoke River. Many of North Fork's 49 acres (20 ha) of vineyards are located on the Allegheny slopes which are part of the larger Blue Ridge mountain range that stretches south into North Carolina. The North Fork AVA weather is characterized by cool, foggy summer mornings and prevailing westerly winds. Karl and Myra Hereford of MJC Vineyard in Blacksburg, Virginia, petitioned the ATF in October 1981 to establish the viticulture area named "North Fork of Roanoke.”

Arroyo Grande Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in San Luis Obispo County, California approximately 12 miles (19 km) southeast of the county seat San Luis Obispo. Arroyo Grande Valley was recognized on February 5, 1990 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as the state's 60th AVA based on the petition filed in 1987 by Don Talley of Talley Vineyards and William S. Greenough of Saucelito Canyon Vineyard for the establishment of the "Arroyo Grande Valley" viticultural area in San Luis Obispo County. The 16 miles (26 km) long, approximately 67 square miles valley appellation benefits from its east-northeast orientation allowing the breeze from the Pacific Ocean to moderate the climate of the area. The valley is divided by a fog line produced by the cool maritime layer where Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Rhône varietals are grown on the higher elevations near Lopez Lake and the cooler mid-valley vineyards being home to Chardonnay and Pinot noir. On April 8, 2022, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) approved the designation of the expansive San Luis Obispo (SLO) Coast AVA overlapping the boundaries of Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley viticultural areas because they share common features. However, these two previously established areas still have unique characteristics to retain their viticultural area distinctions within SLO Coast. Edna Valley lies immediately to the northwest, the Los Padres National Forest straddles the north leg boundary, the Santa Maria Valley AVA lies to the southeast of Arroyo Grande Valley, and the Pacific Ocean communities of Oceano, Grover City and Arroyo Grande abut its southwestern border.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spring Mountain District AVA</span> American Viticultural Area in California, United States

The Spring Mountain District AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in the Napa Valley AVA in California. Spring Mountain District AVA was officially established as an American Viticulture Area in 1993. Encompassed within its bounds are about 8,600 acres (3,480 ha), of which about 1,000 acres (400 ha) are planted to vineyards. Given the small crop yields on hillsides, the region represents less than 2% of Napa Valley wine. Currently the region has just over 30 winegrowers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Carolina wine</span>

Wine has been produced in the North Carolina area since the early days of European colonization in the 17th century. Wine growers in North Carolina were the first to cultivate a Native American grape variety, the Scuppernong, which produces a sweet wine, examples of which are still being made in the state. Most wine produced in North Carolina since the year 1972 is made from Vitis vinifera grape varieties, although French hybrid and Vitis labrusca varieties remain common.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Haw River Valley AVA</span> American Viticultural Area in North Carolina

Haw River Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) officially becoming the 3rd appellation in North Carolina, United States, after the establishments of Yadkin Valley and Swan Creek viticultural areas within the Yadkin Valley region. The area was recognized on April 29, 2009 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Patricia McRitchie of McRitchie Associates, LLC, on behalf of its local grape growers and winemakers. Haw River Valley viticultural area covers the northern, central portion of the state encompassing 868 square miles centered around the city of Burlington and bisected by the Haw River. The appellation expands across all or portions of Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Guilford, Orange, and Rockingham Counties being accessible between the state's largest metropolitan areas of Greensboro to the west, and Durham-Raleigh to the east on Interstate 40.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Upper Hiwassee Highlands AVA</span> American Viticultural Area in North Carolina and Georgia

Upper Hiwassee Highlands is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) that straddles two counties in the southwestern corner of North Carolina, United States, adjacent to the Tennessee border across state lines into three counties of northern Georgia. It is located near the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains and expands over portions of Cherokee and Clay Counties, North Carolina into Fannin, Towns and Union Counties, Georgia. The appellation was recognized, as the Georgia's initial and North Carolina's 4th AVA, on August 18, 2014 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Eric Carlson, owner of Calaboose Cellars, on behalf of himself and members of the Vineyard and Winery Operators of the Upper Hiwassee River Basin group, proposing the establishment of the AVA to be designated "Upper Hiwassee Highlands."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Upper Hudson AVA</span>

The Upper Hudson AVA is an American Viticultural Area located to the north and west of Albany, New York. It is approximately 1650 square miles with nearly 65 acres of vines planted and 19 vineyards. It includes parts or all of seven counties in upstate New York, specifically Albany, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie and Washington.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Goose Gap AVA</span> Viticultural area in Washington, USA

Goose Gap is the 19th American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Washington, United States. It encompasses the local region surrounding Goose Mountain in Benton County between Kiona to the west, and Richland along the Columbia River to the east. The viticultural area was formally established on August 2, 2021, by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by geologist/vintner, Alan Busacca, on behalf of the Goose Gap Wine Grower's Association, proposing the viticultural area "Goose Gap". The area is a sub-appellation entirely within the Yakima Valley and the expansive Columbia Valley AVAs sandwiched on a northwest–southeast axis between neighboring viticultural areas Red Mountain and the minute Candy Mountain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Appalachain High Country AVA</span> American Viticultural Area in Virginia and West Virginia

Appalachian High Country is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located mainly in North Carolina with sections in Tennessee and Virginia. The approximately 2,400 square miles viticultural area encompasses all or portions of the following counties: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, and Watauga Counties in North Carolina; Carter County and Johnson Counties in Tennessee; and Grayson County in Virginia. The appellation was recognized on February 28, 2016 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury as the country's 239th, North Carolina's 5th, Tennessee's 2nd and Virginia's 8th AVA after reviewing the petition from Johnnie James, owner of Bethel Valley Farms, on behalf of members of the High Country Wine Growers Association, proposing the establishment of the viticultural area named "Appalachian High Country."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Appalachian High Country AVA</span> American Viticultural Area in Virginia and West Virginia

Appalachian High Country is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located mainly in North Carolina with sections in Tennessee and Virginia. The approximately 2,400 square miles viticultural area encompasses all or portions of the following counties: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, and Watauga Counties in North Carolina; Carter County and Johnson Counties in Tennessee; and Grayson County in Virginia. The appellation was recognized on February 28, 2016 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury as the country's 239th, North Carolina's 5th, Tennessee's 2nd and Virginia's 8th AVA after reviewing the petition from Johnnie James, owner of Bethel Valley Farms, on behalf of members of the High Country Wine Growers Association, proposing the establishment of the viticultural area named "Appalachian High Country."

Upper Cumberland is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in Tennessee and expands all or portions of the following eight counties in Middle Tennessee: Cumberland, Fentress, Macon, Putnam, Overton, Smith, Warren, and White. The viticultural area encircles the cities of Cookeville and McMinnville, lies east of Nashville and Murfreesboro, and encompasses approximately 3,417 square miles with 55 vineyards cultivating over 71 acres (29 ha) and sourcing nine wineries. There is at least one vineyard in each county within the AVA, demonstrating that commercial viticulture and wine-making occurs throughout the entire AVA with additional new vineyard and winery projects in various stages of development. The appellation was recognized on June 14, 2024, by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury as the state's 3rd AVA after reviewing the petition submitted by the Appalachian Region Wine Producers Association, proposing establishment of a viticultural area named "Upper Cumberland." This is a relatively new region for modern viticulture development but grape growing and winemaking have a long substantial history in the area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA</span> American Viticultural Area in North Carolina

Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in Henderson County, North Carolina encompassing 215 square miles. It was established on August 19, 2019, by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Mark Williams, the executive director of Agribusiness Henderson County, and Barbara Walker, the county extension support specialist for North Carolina Cooperative Extension, on behalf of local vineyards and winery operators, proposing the viticultural area named "Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dahlonega Plateau AVA</span> American Viticultural Area in Georgia

Dahlonega Plateau is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in the state of Georgia's northern region across portions of Lumpkin and White Counties. The state's 2nd appellation was recognized on July 30, 2018 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Amy Booker, president of he Dahlonega–Lumpkin Chamber & Visitors Bureau, on behalf of the Vineyard and Winery Operators of the Dahlonega Region of Northern Georgia group, proposing the establishment of the AVA to be designated "Dahlonega Plateau."

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Establishment of the Swan Creek Viticultural Area (2005R–414P)" (27 CFR Part 9 [Docket No. TTB–2007–0012; T.D. TTB–69; Re: Notice No. 63] RIN 1513–AB20 Final Rule). Federal Register . 73 (81). Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury: 22273–22277. April 25, 2008.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. 1 2 3 "Swan Creek AVA". NC Wine. 2024. Archived from the original on July 2, 2024.
  3. ↑ "Raffaldini Estate Grapes" . Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  4. ↑ "N.C. Winery Snapshot" . Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  5. ↑ "Swan Creek (AVA): Appellation Profile". Appellation America. 2008. Archived from the original on September 9, 2013. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 "Proposed Establishment of the Swan Creek Viticultural Area (2005R–414P)" (27 CFR Part 9 [Notice No. 63] RIN 1513–AB20 Proposed Rule). Federal Register . 71 (176). Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury: 53612–53616. September 12, 2006.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Petition to Designate Swan Creek AVA". TTB.gov. Raffaldini Vineyards. December 13, 2018.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  8. ↑ "18th Century Settlers Along The Banks of Muddy Creek" (Genealogy and History in North Carolina and Beyond). Piedmont Trails. September 15, 2018. Archived from the original on March 18, 2024. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  9. ↑ Winkler, A. J.; Cook, James A.; Kliewer, William Mark; Lider, Lloyd A. (1974). Cerruti, Laura (ed.). General Viticulture (2nd ed.). University of California Press. ISBN   978-0520025912.
  10. ↑ "EXCLUSIVE: Top-Selling Wines in North Carolina's Swan Creek AVA". Triangle Around Town. August 28, 2018. Retrieved October 21, 2024.

36°11′21″N80°53′40″W / 36.18910291°N 80.89449474°W / 36.18910291; -80.89449474

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.