Wine region | |
Type | American Viticultural Area |
---|---|
Year established | 2024[1] |
Years of wine industry | 214[2] |
Country | United States |
Part of | Tennessee |
Other regions in Tennessee | Appalachian High Country AVA, Mississippi Delta AVA |
Growing season | 212 days[3] |
Climate region | Region III-V[3] |
Heat units | 69.8 °F (21.0 °C)[3] |
Precipitation (annual average) | 50.02 in (1,270.51 mm)[3] |
Soil conditions | Ultisols, Alfisols and Inceptisols soils[3] |
Total area | 3,417 square miles (2,186,689 acres)[1] |
Size of planted vineyards | 71 acres (29 ha)[1] |
No. of vineyards | 55[3] |
Grapes produced | Chardonnay, Concord, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Muscadine, Niagara, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Vidal Blanc, Zinfandel |
No. of wineries | 9[1] |
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 (2,186,689 acres) 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.[1] 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.[1][2]