Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA

Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County
Wine region
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established2019[1]
Years of wine industry16[2]
CountryUnited States
Part ofNorth Carolina
Other regions in North CarolinaAppalachian High Country AVA, Haw River Valley AVA, Swan Creek AVA, Upper Hiwassee Highlands AVA, Yadkin Valley AVA
Growing season209 days[3]
Climate regionRegion III[3]
Heat units63 to 67 °F (17–19 °C)[3]
Precipitation (annual average)57.5 inches (1,460.5 mm)[3]
Soil conditionsRocky and mineral-rich[2]
Total area215 square miles (137,600 acres)[1]
Size of planted vineyards70 acres (28 ha)[1]
No. of vineyards14[1]
Grapes producedCabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonel, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, Merlot, Muscadine, Norton, Petit Verdot, Riesling, Traminette, Vidal Blanc, Zinfandel[2]
No. of wineries2[1]

Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in Henderson County, North Carolina encompassing 215 square miles (137,600 acres). 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."[1][4]

The AVA has 14 commercial vineyards cultivating approximately 70 acres (28 ha) and two wineries. Several existing vineyards are planning to expand by a total of 55 acres (22 ha) in the next 5 years. According to the petition, the distinguishing features of the Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA are its climate and topography—specifically its elevation.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Establishment of the Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County Viticultural Area" (27 CFR Part 9 [Docket No. TTB–2018–0009; T.D. TTB–156; Ref: Notice No. 178] RIN 1513–AC43 Final Rule). Federal Register. 84 (139). Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury: 34782–34785. July 19, 2019.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ a b c "Crest of the Blue Ridge Wine Country". Visit NC Farms. Welcome To Hendersonville, NC. 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d "Proposed Establishment of the Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County Viticultural Area" (27 CFR Part 9 [Docket No. TTB–2018–0009; Notice No. 178] RIN 1513–AC43 Proposed Rule). Federal Register. 83 (234). Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury: 62743–62750. December 6, 2018.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  4. ^ Williams, Mark; Walker, Barbara (December 1, 2016). "Petition for Establishment of an American Viticultural Area Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County". TTB.gov. Vineyard and Winery Operators of Henderson County.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.