As the name suggests, the Appalachian High Country AVA is settled in the high mountain region of North Carolina. This is a unique area for growing grapes, mainly due to the climate and the elevation. The AVA itself is shared with North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
A Brief History of the Appalachian High Country AVA
The petition for creating the Appalachian High Country AVA originated from Johnnie James, owner of Bethel Valley Farms on behalf of the High Country Wine Growers Association in 2016. The area has been known as the High Country for many years due to the higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains.
The Appalachian High Country AVA is distinguished from the surrounding areas and other AVAs due to topography, climate, and soils. At the time of the petition to establish the AVA, there were 21 vineyards and 10 wineries.
Due to the shorter growing season and cooler climate of the high country, hybrid grapes varieties are more widely grown. Seyval Blanc, Marquette, Marechal Foch, Frontenac, and Vidal Blanc are some of the most popular varieties. You can also find vinifera varieties in smaller quantities such as Riesling and Pinot Noir. Most vineyards are planted on slopes with angles of 30 degrees or greater. This means vineyards tend to be terraced to prevent erosion. Due to this, harvesting is mostly done by hand.
Quick Facts
Name: Appalachian High Country
Petitioner: Johnnie James, owner of Bethel Valley Farms on behalf of the High Country Wine Growers Association
Effective Date: November 28, 2016
Square Miles: 2,400
Counties within boundaries: All or Portions of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, and Watauga Counties in North Carolina; Carter and Johnson Counties in Tennessee; and Grayson County in Virginia
Geography: Elevation ranges from 1338 ft to over 6000 ft with most vineyards planted between 2290 ft to 4630 ft
Climate: The average annual temperature is 51.5 degrees with a growing season that averages 139 days.
Soil: Derived from igneous and metamorphic rocks such as granite and gneiss; Well-drained with a fine, loamy texture
More to consider
The High Country is a popular destination in any time of year. From Christmas tree farms and skiing in the winter to the blooms of late spring and summer to the colorful leaves of fall, there’s plenty to enjoy year round. Plus, there’s great wine too!
Hiking is a year round activity with trails from beginner to advanced. There are also plenty of restaurants in the smaller towns throughout the region.
Recent Episodes of Cork Talk about this AVA
Read More About this AVA
- Grandfather Vineyard & Winery
We recently had the opportunity to visit Grandfather Vineyard & Winery in Banner Elk, NC. It had been a year or more since we had last visited. It was good to taste again, take in the beautiful mountain scenery, andContinue reading →
