The Swan Creek area is the second region in North Carolina to receive an AVA designation. It is the only AVA that crosses over another existing AVA within the state, the Yadkin Valley AVA. While the two regions have a substantial overlap, there are parts of the Swan Creek AVA that rest outside of the Yadkin Valley AVA.
A Brief History of the Swan Creek AVA
The petition for creating the Swan Creek AVA originated from Raffaldini Vineyards on behalf of the original Vineyards of the Swan Creek trade association. The Swan Creek name was chosen because the community in the center of the AVA is known as Swan Creek. Also, East and West Swan Creeks run north from the Brushy Mountains and form Swan Creek which empties into the Yadkin River three miles west of Jonesville.
After the Civil War, farming become a primary focus of the area which continues today. At the time of the petition in 2006, there were three wineries and 75 acres of vineyard within the proposed AVA’s boundaries.
IToday, the Swan Creek AVA is home many more acres of vineyards with seven tasting rooms. More tasting rooms, vineyards, and wineries will be opening within the next few years. Currently, the Swan Creek AVA has the highest concentration of vineyards and wineries in North Carolina per area with 10 vineyards with tasting rooms.
Photo provided by Kim Myers, Co-Owner, Laurel Gray Vineyards
Quick Facts
Name: Swan Creek
Petitioner: Raffaldini Vineyards on behalf of the original Vineyards of Swan Creek Association
Effective Date: May 27, 2008
Acres: 96,000
Counties within boundaries: Portions of Wilkes, Yadkin, and Iredell
Overlap with Yadkin Valley: The northern 60% of the Swan Creek AVA is also a part of the Yadkin Valley AVA. The lower 40% is outside of the boundaries of the Yadkin Valley.
Geography: Elevation ranges from 1000 ft to 2000 ft within the AVA boundaries with the Brushy Mountain being a prominent feature
Climate: Temperatures and precipitation are slightly cooler and less wet than the rest of the Yadkin Valley partly due to the Brushy Mountains
Soil: 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
More to consider
The Swan Creek AVA is conveniently located just off Interstate 77 and US 421. With ten vineyard tasting rooms, this region has the highest concentration of vineyards in the state. There are nearby cabins and rentals for accommodations. The towns of Elkin, Jonesville, and North Wilkesboro are nearby offering restaurants and other options to extend your stay.
Recent Episodes of Cork Talk about this AVA
Read More About this AVA
- A Spotlight on Vermentino of the Swan Creek AVA
Our final feature in our series of lesser known grapes is a spotlight on Vermentino. As with our other spotlight features, you can find some great examples right here in North Carolina in the Swan Creek AVA. We go intoContinue reading →
